Does Piattos Have Pork? Let’s Find Out

As a lover of potato chips and Filipino cuisine, I frequently get asked if popular Filipino snack Piattos contains pork. As pork is avoided by some people for religious health or ethical reasons, it’s an important question to address.

In this article, I’ll take a detailed look at Piattos ingredients and determine once and for all if these addictively crunchy chips contain any pork products. I’ll also discuss some of the main ingredients in Piattos, look at potential allergens, and give my final verdict on whether Piattos are safe for people avoiding pork.

So grab a bag settle in and let’s satisfy your curiosity on what exactly goes into the making of Piattos!

A Look at Piattos Ingredients

Piattos ingredients vary slightly between flavors, but the main core ingredients are

• Potato starch
• Vegetable oil (palm oil, corn oil, coconut oil)
• Potato flour
• Cheese powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Flavorings (onion powder, garlic powder)
• Preservatives (citric acid, antioxidants)

Some key things stand out from reviewing the ingredients list. Firstly, no pork, pork fat or any other pork products are listed. This aligns with Piattos being marketed as a 100% vegetarian snack.

Secondly, the primary ingredient is potato-based. Dried potato makes up a significant portion of the chips, giving Piattos their crunchy, potatoey taste. The potato starch and flour provide the bulk of the texture and carbohydrates.

Oils like palm, coconut and corn are used for frying and provide the lipid content. Cheese powder features in select flavors to give a cheesy umami kick. Overall, the ingredients point to a classic potato chip makeup, just with the fun Piattos shape and seasoning.

Why Piattos Don’t Contain Pork

With pork being widely consumed in the Philippines, you may be wondering why it’s not an ingredient in a popular Filipino snack like Piattos.

There’s a couple of likely reasons:

• Religious Dietary Restrictions – A decent portion of Filipinos are Muslim and avoid pork for religious reasons. Not using pork broadens Piattos appeal across religious lines.

• Vegetarian Appeal – Even for non-Muslims, vegetarianism is growing in the Philippines. An estimated 4-6% of Filipinos now identify as vegetarian. Eliminating meat from the ingredients increases Piattos potential customer base.

• Health Trends – Red meat consumption, including pork, has been linked to certain health risks. Piattos markets itself as a “healthier” snack choice aligned with global nutrition trends.

Other Key Ingredients & Allergens

While Piattos may not contain pork, some other ingredients may be of concern for people with allergies or dietary restrictions. Let’s look at a few key ones:

• Palm Oil – Controversial due to environmental impact of palm plantations and potential health risks from saturated fats. Many health advocates recommend avoiding.

• MSG – Added as a flavor enhancer, MSG can cause reactions in some people. Those sensitive to MSG may want to avoid Piattos.

• Preservatives – Piattos contains citric acid and antioxidants E320, E321 and E310. While generally deemed safe, some studies suggest high doses may have negative effects.

• Dairy – The cheese powder used in some flavors could trigger reactions for people with dairy allergies. Piattos without cheese powder are a safer bet.

My Verdict: Can You Eat Piattos If You Avoid Pork?

After thoroughly investigating the ingredients list printed on Piattos bags, I can conclusively say that Piattos do not contain any pork products. They are vegetarian friendly and safe for people who avoid pork for health, religious or ethical reasons.

Of course, potential allergens like palm oil and dairy need to be considered if you have those sensitivities. But ingredient-wise, Piattos check out as pork-free. Their savory crunch and unique shape make for an appealing snack, meatless and delicious.

So next time you get a craving for something salty and crispy, feel good about popping open a bag of Piattos! Their vegetarian formula and lack of pork make them an any-time snack you can enjoy no matter your dietary preferences.