Pig fat

What is Pig fat?

Pig fat, also known as pork fat, is the fatty tissue found in pigs. It is a common ingredient in many types of food, including sausages, bacon, and lard. Pig fat is known for its high levels of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which can provide both health benefits and risks.

Here are some key points to know about Pig fat:

Saturated Fats: Pig fat contains high levels of saturated fatty acids, which can contribute to the development of heart disease when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is important to consume pig fat in moderation.
Unsaturated Fats: Pig fat also contains unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to have positive effects on heart health when consumed in moderation.
Lard: Lard is a type of pig fat that is used in cooking and baking. It is a solid fat that is obtained by rendering pig fat. Lard has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying.
Bacon: Bacon is a popular food that is made from pig fat. It is high in both saturated and unsaturated fats and is often consumed in moderation due to its high sodium content.
Flavor: Pig fat is known for its distinctive flavor, which can add depth and richness to many types of dishes. However, it is important to use pig fat in moderation to avoid an excessive amount of fat and calories in the diet.

Pig fat is a flexible component that finds its usage in various food items. It consists of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and it should be consumed moderately as a part of a well-balanced diet. While using pig fat for cooking, it is crucial to opt for healthy cooking techniques and regulate intake to prevent any adverse health outcomes.

Pig fat Production in the World

The global production of Pig Fat plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2022, China is the top producer, contributing 2,468,682 tonnes, which accounts for 38.61% of the total global production. Brazil ranks second, producing 663,400 tonnes, representing 10.37% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Germany, United States, and Russia, with production levels of 490,125, 460,431, and 339,900 tonnes, respectively. Botswana has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 10 tonnes in 2022. In total, global production of Pig Fat reached approximately 6,394,291 tonnes in 2022.

Top 10 Countries by Pig fat Production in 2022

Countries Ranked by Pig Fat Production in 2022

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)
1	China	2,468,682
2	Brazil	663,400
3	Germany	490,125
4	United States	460,431
5	Russia	339,900
6	Italy	161,000
7	Canada	160,282
8	Poland	156,267
9	France	148,121
10	Romania	125,265
11	Mexico	121,921
12	Belgium	114,955
13	Argentina	103,077
14	Hungary	91,952
15	Netherlands	71,201
16	Austria	66,127
17	Denmark	61,205
18	Japan	57,822
19	Czech Republic	46,499
20	Portugal	40,668
21	Taiwan	36,109
22	Hong Kong	33,318
23	Australia	32,700
24	Ecuador	32,080
25	Sweden	22,147
26	Philippines	19,942
27	Belarus	18,229
28	United Kingdom	18,200
29	India	17,227
30	Slovakia	16,362
31	Ireland	14,800
32	Costa Rica	12,542
33	Peru	12,279
34	Bulgaria	10,636
35	Cuba	10,375
36	Croatia	9,700
37	Dominican Republic	9,658
38	Latvia	9,103
39	Ukraine	9,000
40	Slovenia	7,500
41	Thailand	7,289
42	Switzerland	7,104
43	Colombia	6,819
44	Panama	6,800
45	Mozambique	6,204
46	Angola	6,003
47	Uruguay	4,788
48	Venezuela	4,500
49	Serbia	4,156
50	Moldova	3,592
51	Guatemala	3,299
52	Greece	3,168
53	Jamaica	3,015
54	Kazakhstan	2,922
55	Nicaragua	2,900
56	Lithuania	1,908
57	South Africa	1,895
58	Uzbekistan	1,640
59	Malaysia	1,639
60	Chile	1,622
61	Spain	1,397
62	Haiti	1,312
63	El Salvador	1,259
64	Kenya	955
65	North Macedonia	936
66	Barbados	905
67	Malta	900
68	Finland	853
69	Honduras	842
70	Estonia	638
71	Israel	559
72	Iceland	397
73	Macao	383
74	Bosnia and Herzegovina	337
75	Fiji	209
76	Trinidad and Tobago	191
77	Zimbabwe	108
78	Morocco	30
79	Botswana	10

Nutritional Information of Pig fat

Pig fat, also known as lard, is primarily composed of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The specific nutrition percentages of pork fat can vary depending on the cut of meat and how it is prepared.

Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional values of pork fat per 100 grams:

Calories: 902 kcal
Total fat: 100 g
Saturated fat: 39 g (195% DV*)
Monounsaturated fat: 45 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg (32% DV)
Vitamin E: 0.2 mg (1% DV)
Vitamin K: 0.1 µg (0% DV)
*Daily Value based on a 2000-calorie diet.

It's important to note that pork fat should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as excessive intake can lead to negative health consequences.

Types of Pig fat

Different types of pork fat are used in cooking and other applications. Here are some of the most common types of pork fat:

Leaf Lard: Leaf lard is considered the highest quality pork fat. It comes from the fat around the pig's kidneys and is relatively neutral in flavor. It is commonly used in baking, especially for making pie crusts.
Back Fat: Back fat is obtained from the back of the pig and is used in sausage making, charcuterie, and cooking. It has a strong pork flavor and can be used to add flavor and moisture to dishes.
Belly Fat: Belly fat, also known as pork belly, is a popular cut of meat that is used in various cuisines. It is the fat that is used to make bacon and can be used in other dishes to add flavor and moisture.
Shoulder Fat: Shoulder fat comes from the shoulder of the pig and is commonly used in sausage making and charcuterie. It has a strong pork flavor and is often combined with other meats to create flavorful dishes.
Jowl Fat: Jowl fat is obtained from the cheeks of the pig and is commonly used in charcuterie and sausage making. It has a strong pork flavor and can be used to add flavor and moisture to dishes.

In conclusion, several types of pork fat are used in cooking and other applications. Each type has its unique flavor and texture and can be used in different ways to add flavor and moisture to dishes. It is important to use pork fat in moderation and to choose healthy cooking methods to avoid an excessive amount of fat and calories in the diet.

Uses of Pig fat

Pig fat, also known as pork fat or lard, has been used for centuries in cooking and various other applications. Here are some of the most common uses of pig fat:

Cooking: Pig fat is commonly used in cooking for its flavor and ability to add richness to dishes. It can be used for frying, sautéing, and baking. Lard, which is pig fat that has been rendered and purified, is particularly popular for pastry and pie crusts.
Meat preservation: In some cultures, pig fat has been used to preserve meat. When applied to the surface of the meat, the fat creates a barrier that helps to prevent spoilage.
Soap-making: Pig fat can be used in the production of soap. When combined with lye, pig fat can create a hard bar of soap that is gentle on the skin.
Candles: Pig fat can be used to make candles. When melted and combined with a wick, pig fat can create a slow-burning candle that emits a warm glow.
Cosmetics: Pig fat has also been used in the production of cosmetics, such as creams and lotions. The fat can help to moisturize and soften the skin.
Traditional medicine: In some cultures, pig fat has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as respiratory problems and skin conditions.

To summarize, pig fat has a diverse range of applications, ranging from cooking and meat conservation to the creation of soap and cosmetics. Nevertheless, it is vital to use pig fat in moderation and to select healthy cooking techniques to prevent an excessive intake of fat and calories in the diet.