Pork back fat, also known as pork fatback or just fatback, is a prized ingredient for many cooks. This thick layer of fat and skin attached to the back of a pig provides richness, texture, and flavor to various dishes. However, it can be tricky to find in some supermarkets and butchers. So where exactly can you buy pork back fat in the UK?
In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying pork back fat. We’ll look at the different names it goes by, what to look for when selecting it, and the best places to find it both online and in physical shops throughout Britain
What is Pork Back Fat?
Let’s start by understanding exactly what pork back fat is. This cut comes from the back and sides of the pig, where a thick, fatty layer builds up underneath the skin. It’s often seen with the rind or skin still attached on one side
This fat protects the pig and provides insulation from the cold. It also lends moisture, richness and flavor as it melts during cooking. When cured, it takes on a firm texture similar to bacon.
Pork back fat goes by many different names:
- Fatback
- Lardo (cured)
- Pork fatback
- Fatback bacon
- Back bacon
- Back fat
The term “fatback” can sometimes refer to fat from other parts of the pig too. When buying for cooking, look for a thick cut specifically from the back and sides.
Why Cook With Pork Back Fat?
Before we get into where to buy it, you may be wondering why cooks seek out pork back fat instead of just using bacon or other types of fat. Here are some of the main benefits:
-
Flavors meat – The rich pork flavors permeate throughout any meat it’s cooked with, adding juiciness and taste. It’s often used in sausages, pates, terrines, and confit dishes for this reason.
-
Crisps up – When fried, the pork fat crisps up into delicious cracklings with a satisfying crunch. These are great on salads or as a snack.
-
Nutrient absorption – The high fat content helps the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from vegetables like spinach or kale when cooked together.
-
Adds texture – Melting pork back fat gives richness and moist tenderness to lean meats like chicken breast or game meat.
-
Substitute for lard – It can be used in place of lard in pastries and pie crusts with excellent results.
So if you want to add flavor, moisture, and richness to various savory dishes, seek out some pork back fat. Now let’s look at the best places to find it.
Where to Buy Pork Back Fat in the UK
From the Butcher Counter
The very best place to buy high-quality pork back fat is from a trusted local butcher. Going to a proper butcher shop allows you to inspect the cut and thickness and request it sliced to your preferred size.
When shopping at the butcher counter, look for:
- A thick cut, at least 1⁄4 inch thick or more
- Pale, creamy colored fat
- Firm texture without dried or wrinkly spots
- Minimal meat or skin attached
A good butcher will slice the fat to order from a fresh pork side. Some may even have pre-cut pork fatback packs ready to go. The benefit of custom slicing it is you can request the exact amount you need.
Ask your butcher to remove most of the skin and slice the fat into 1-inch chunks or slices. Make sure the fat is fresh, with no yellowing or off odors. For the best flavor, choose fatback from heritage breed pigs if available.
The downside is that visiting the butcher can be less convenient than grabbing ingredients at the market. But for prime quality pork fatback, it’s worth the trip.
Order Online
For wider selections and the ease of home delivery, consider ordering pork back fat online. Several online butchers and specialty food shops throughout the UK stock it.
Here are some top choices for buying pork back fat online in Britain:
-
Pennard Wiltshire Bacon – Offers 500g packs of fatback slices or 1kg blocks with the skin on or removed. Free next day delivery.
-
Belle Epoque – Organic, free-range pork fatback in 1kg blocks, sliced or whole. Delivery in 1-3 days.
-
Farmison & Co. – Sells packs of chopped or sliced back fat from rare breed pigs. Minimum spend for free delivery.
-
Crowle Grange Farm – Organic, pasture-raised pork fatback in 500g packs, sliced or diced. Delivery in 1-3 days.
-
Bross Grocer – Specialty store carrying cured Spanish-style fatback, also known as lardo. Ships fresh fats weekly.
-
Farmdrop – Works directly with small farms for products like 1kg blocks of pork back fat. Free delivery over £10.
When buying online, look for reputable sellers that source high-welfare or organic pork. Read customer reviews and check for quality guarantees.
Check the supermarket
For a quicker pork fatback option, some major supermarkets now carry pre-packed versions. Availability will depend on your local branch, but places to check include:
-
Waitrose – Some locations sell Waitrose Loved & Found pork fatback in packs or taken from their butcher counter.
-
Marks & Spencer – Look for their occasional Limited Edition Heritage breed pork fatback blocks.
-
Sainsbury’s – Check the butcher counter for potentially ordering in fatback slices. Low stock in most stores.
-
Tesco – Rarely found on shelves but some butcher counters may slice to order if they have pork sides in stock.
-
Morrisons – One of the best bets for finding pork back fat at a supermarket butcher counter. Ask them to slice you some.
The downside of pre-packed fatback is you don’t know how long it’s been sitting around. For best results, try to buy it sliced fresh. Also check the butcher counter or meat department refrigerator areas for any packages they may have.
How to Store Pork Back Fat
Once you’ve got your hands on some quality pork fatback, proper storage is important for preserving freshness. Here are some tips:
-
Keep it cold. Refrigerate in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally at 0°C to 2°C.
-
Wrap it well. Use butcher’s paper, plastic wrap, or zipper bags to prevent drying out and freezer burn.
-
Avoid prolonged freezing. For short term storage up to 3 months, freezing is fine. But freeze in small portions to avoid quality loss.
-
Watch for spoilage. Discard if you see any dry patches, yellowing, sticky residue, or rancid odors.
-
Use quickly. For ultimate freshness and flavor, try to use pork fatback within a week of purchasing.
-
Render for longer storage. One way to extend shelf life is rendering into lard which keeps for months refrigerated or frozen.
Follow these guidelines and your pork back fat will stay fresh until you need that hit of flavor for your roasts, sausages, or vegetables.
Tips for Cooking with Pork Back Fat
Pork back fat brings delicious richness to many savory dishes. Once you have this versatile ingredient on hand, here are some of the tastiest ways to use it:
-
Saute vegetables – Dice the fat and render it in the pan before sauteing veggies. The pork flavor infuses right in.
-
Enrich roast chicken – Lay slices of fatback over the breast and thighs of a roasting chicken, letting it baste the meat as it melts.
-
Grind into sausage – Dice up fatback and add to fatty ground pork and seasoning to make your own sausages.
-
Make confit – Gently cook fatty meats like duck legs immersed in rendered fatback for incredibly moist, tender results.
-
Add to stews – Cut the fat into chunks to lend richness to hearty beef, lamb, and venison stews as it slowly melts during simmering.
-
Bake into pastry – Use diced or ground fatback in place of butter or lard in your next pie crust, biscuits, or scone recipe.
These are just a handful of ideas to inspire you to start cooking with this wonderful pork product. Once you get your hands on some quality fatback, have fun experimenting with all the ways it enhances food with its signature flavor and luscious texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Back Fat
Is pork back fat the same as regular bacon?
No, bacon comes from the belly area of the pig, while fatback comes from the back. Fatback has a much thicker layer of fat compared to bacon.
Is the skin edible?
Yes, the skin or rind is totally e
