are epic pork rinds whole30 approved

Are Epic Pork Rinds Whole30 Approved? A Comprehensive Guide

Pork rinds are a low carb, high protein snack that many followers of the Whole30 diet have come to love Their crispy, salty, crunchy texture makes them an ideal replacement for unhealthy potato chips or pretzels. But not all pork rinds are created equal when it comes to Whole30 compliance So are Epic pork rinds Whole30 approved? Let’s find out.

What is Whole30?

The Whole30 is a 30 day elimination diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods. No grains, dairy, legumes, added sugar, or alcohol are allowed during the 30 days. The goal of Whole30 is to reset your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and identify any food sensitivities you may have.

Whole30 emphasizes lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. The diet also recommends cutting out all processed foods, including those labeled “healthy” or gluten-free. Basically, if it comes in a box or bag, it’s off limits during the 30 days.

The Whole30 program outlines a strict list of approved and non-approved foods. But as the diet has grown in popularity, food companies have responded by developing products that fit within the Whole30 guidelines. This includes Epic pork rinds.

What Are Epic Pork Rinds?

Epic is a health food brand that makes a variety of Whole30 approved snacks, including pork rinds. Their pork rinds contain just two ingredients – pastured pork skins and salt. That’s it. No sugar, preservatives, or other additives.

Epic offers their pork rinds in a few different flavors, including:

• Original Sea Salt
• Hot & Spicy
• BBQ
• Ranch
• Salt & Pepper

Regardless of the flavor, the ingredient list remains the same. Just pork skins and salt. Epic has found a way to add exciting flavors using spices that fit within the Whole30 guidelines.

Why Epic Pork Rinds Are Whole30 Approved

The main reason Epic pork rinds are Whole30 approved is the simple, high quality ingredients. As mentioned earlier, the only ingredients are pastured pork skins and sea salt. Pastured pork comes from pigs that were able to roam freely and eat a natural diet versus being confined to small spaces.

Both pork and salt are approved foods on the Whole30 diet. So any pork rinds containing only these two ingredients will be compliant.

Epic takes it a step further by avoiding harmful additives found in many mass produced pork rinds. There’s:

• No added sugar
• No preservatives
• No MSG
• No artificial flavors or colors
• No filler ingredients

Essentially, Epic provides Whole30 followers with a satisfying salty snack that won’t compromise the integrity of the program. Their pork rinds offer the crunch and flavor people crave without the additives they don’t need.

Benefits of Epic Pork Rinds on Whole30

There are a few key benefits of choosing Epic’s pork rinds while on the Whole30 diet:

1. They Curb Cravings

Let’s face it, completely eliminating foods like chips, crackers, and sweets from your diet can lead to some serious cravings. Epic’s line of pork rinds can help curb those cravings in a healthier way. When a chip craving strikes, Epic BBQ pork rinds offer the crunch and flavor you desire in a Whole30 compliant format.

1. They Keep You Full Between Meals

One of the toughest parts of Whole30 for many people is the hunger between meals. Since fruits, starchy vegetables, beans and grains are limited, you may feel hungrier at times. Epic pork rinds provide a high protein, satisfying snack that will keep hunger at bay. Just one serving (about 15 chips) offers 10 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar.

1. They Offer Diet Variety

Eating the same foods day after day can cause many people to burn out quickly on a diet like Whole30. Epic’s line of differently flavored pork rinds add some flavor variety to keep your taste buds happy. When you’re tired of plain roasted veggies and grilled meat, BBQ pork rinds can shake up your routine.

1. They’re Portable

One of the convenient aspects of chips, crackers, granola bars, etc. is that they’re easy to throw in your bag and take anywhere. Epic pork rinds offer that same portability in a Whole30 approved package. Keep a bag handy for whenever hunger strikes at the office, on road trips, camping, and more. Their lightweight bags are ideal for traveling and on-the-go snacking.

1. They’re Shelf-Stable

Unlike fresh fruits and vegetables, Epic pork rinds have a very long shelf life. As long as they are stored properly in a cool dry place, they can be kept on hand for weeks or months before opening. This makes them easy to buy in bulk online and store for long periods. You don’t have to worry about spoilage or frequent grocery store trips to replenish your supply.

Are There Any Downsides to Epic Pork Rinds?

While Epic pork rinds have many benefits, there are a couple of potential downsides to consider:

• Higher in Sodium
  Like most cured or salted meat products, pork rinds are higher in sodium content. Each serving of Epic’s original pork rinds contains about 380mg of sodium. So those with high blood pressure or sodium sensitivity need to be mindful of portion sizes.

• Not as Nutritious as Whole Foods
  While pork rinds make a healthier swap for potato chips or crackers, they aren’t quite as nutritious as fruits, vegetables or lean proteins. If over-consumed, they could potentially displace more nutrient-dense foods in your diet. Moderation and portion control is key.

So be mindful of these factors if you regularly indulge in Epic’s pork rinds while following a Whole30 diet. But when enjoyed in moderation alongside a balanced Whole30 meal plan, they can be a great way to add variety.

Whole30 Approved Epic Pork Rind Recipes

If you want to switch up how you enjoy Epic pork rinds on Whole30, here are some creative recipe ideas:

• Pork Rind Nachos: Break pork rinds into chip-sized pieces. Top with Whole30 approved taco meat, salsa, guacamole and sliced jalapenos for nacho night.

• Pork Rind Crusted Chicken: Finely crush pork rinds and use as a breadcrumb replacement to coat chicken breasts before baking.

• Pork Rind Coconut Shrimp: Roll shrimp in an egg wash, then coat with crushed pork rinds and shredded coconut before frying or baking.

• Pork Rind Croutons: Toss cubed pork rinds with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Bake at 400 degrees F until crispy, then top salads.

• Pork Rind Breadcrumbs: Use crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs in recipes for meatballs, meatloaf, casseroles and more.

• Pork Rind Crackers: Spread seasoned pork rind crumbs evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes on low heat until crisp.

The possibilities are endless when using pork rinds in place of off-limit breads, crackers and baked goods in Whole30 recipes. They add satisfying crunch and flavor to anything they touch.

The Verdict on Epic Pork Rinds and Whole30

At the end of the day, Epic clearly meets the Whole30 guidelines with their simple two ingredient pork rinds. They offer an easy way to curb cravings and prevent feeling deprived while following the restrictive diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as overdoing it on sodium and fat isn’t ideal. But when enjoyed moderately alongside a balanced Whole30 diet, Epic pork rinds can be a healthy snack option.

So if you’re following Whole30 and know you’ll miss your favorite salty, crunchy treats, Epic pork rinds deserve a spot in your pantry. Just check the labels of other brands carefully, as not all pork rinds are created equal. Epic has perfected the recipe for a compliant and mouth-watering Whole30 pork rind.