Cracklings
Cracklings, also known as chicharrones or greaves, are a savory snack made from fried pork skin and attached fat. They are a traditional food found in many cultures, particularly in Latin American, Spanish, and Central European cuisines. The process involves rendering the fat from pork skin until it becomes crispy and puffed.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in fat and protein, with virtually no carbohydrates, making it a low-carb, high-energy snack. A typical serving provides a significant amount of calories, primarily from fat, and is a source of minerals like iron and zinc.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg |
| Selenium | 10 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2 mg |
| Collagen | High (amount varies) |
Per 1 cup (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Cracklings are a prime example of a zero-waste food, utilizing parts of the animal that might otherwise be discarded. Their unique texture—crispy, airy, and crunchy—comes from the rapid expansion of water vapor in the skin during high-heat frying.
