What Foods Contain Hidden Pork Enzymes?
Pork enzymes are used as processing aids in the production of many common foods and products For those avoiding pork for dietary, religious or ethical reasons, it’s important to be aware of where pork enzymes may be lurking.
In this article we’ll identify the main pork enzymes used why manufacturers use them, and most importantly – reveal the many everyday foods and products that may contain hidden pork enzymes.
What Are Pork Enzymes?
The two main pork enzymes used in food manufacturing are:
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Pepsin – An enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of pigs that helps break down proteins. It’s used to develop flavor in some cheeses.
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Pancreatin – An enzyme from the pancreas of pigs that contains enzymes to break down starches, proteins and fats. It aids processing of some foods.
These pork enzymes may appear on ingredient labels under names like “porcine enzymes”, “pork pepsin”, or simply “enzymes”. They provide specific chemical actions that manufacturers desire for flavor development and efficient processing.
Why Do Manufacturers Use Pork Enzymes in Foods?
Pork enzymes became popular in food processing because they offer two main advantages:
Flavor – Pork pepsin imparts particular flavors in cheese products that consumers expect. The pork-derived enzyme works specifically on dairy proteins.
Processing – Pancreatin improves manufacturing efficiency. It helps break down and digest components like starch and protein.
While these benefits increased use of pork enzymes in the food industry, it also makes avoidance difficult for certain groups. Vegetarians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and anyone with a pork allergy need to be vigilant.
Top Food Categories Containing Hidden Pork Enzymes
Here are the top types of foods and products that often contain problematic pork enzymes:
Cheese Products
Pork pepsin is very common in all types of cheese and cheese-based products like parmesan, processed slices, powdered mac and cheese, cheese dips, shredded cheese blends and more. Always check labels.
Vitamin Supplements
The vitamin D3, vitamin A, and other fat-soluble vitamins in supplements and nutritional shakes may be manufactured with the help of pork pancreatin.
Margarine and Vegetable Shortening
Hydrogenated vegetable oils like margarine and shortening often utilize pork enzymes in processing and manufacturing.
Breakfast Cereals
Many sugary, frosted and coated breakfast cereals contain small amounts of pork enzymes to improve production efficiency and shelf-life.
Snack Foods
From crackers and cookies to candy, pork enzymes make their way into various snack foods as hidden ingredients.
Beverages
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may use pork enzymes for clarification, filtration and processing.
Desserts
Prepared desserts like pudding, ice cream, jello and cake mixes may harbor pork enzymes. Always thoroughly read labels.
Dietary Supplements
Beyond vitamins, supplements like protein powders and nutritional shakes may contain pork pancreatin or pepsin
Personal Care Products
Some soaps, skin creams, cosmetics and sunscreens use stearic acid, glycerin or vitamin D3 sourced from pork.
Prescription Medications
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications including some pain relievers may utilize pork enzymes in their production.
As you can see, pork enzymes can sneak into foods we may not even suspect. Being an avid label reader and asking manufacturers about any vague enzyme sources is key to avoiding accidental consumption.
How to Identify and Avoid Pork Enzymes
Here are some tips for keeping pork enzymes out of your diet:
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Carefully read all ingredient labels, especially looking for terms like “pepsin”, “pancreatin” or “porcine enzymes”.
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Contact manufacturers if an ingredient list just contains broad terms like “enzymes” or “natural enzymes”.
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Choose kosher and halal certified products that must avoid pork enzymes.
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Opt for vegan or vegetarian food items when possible.
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Ask about the use of pork enzymes when eating out at restaurants. Request cheese, beer, wine and desserts without them.
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Cook more unprocessed meals at home using whole food ingredients.
Completely avoiding animal-derived enzymes like pork pepsin and pancreatin requires diligence and proactively questioning manufacturers. But with proper care reading labels, asking questions, and choosing pork-free certified products, it is possible to avoid these hidden ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Pork enzymes are widely used in food manufacturing but rarely identified on labels. Everyone from vegetarians to those with pork allergies need to be aware of this hidden ingredient. Top products that may contain pork enzymes include cheese, vitamins, margarine, cereals, snacks, beverages, desserts and more. But by becoming avid label readers, asking manufacturers questions, and choosing certified pork-free products, it’s possible to largely avoid accidental consumption of these animal-derived enzymes.
U.S. Products Made Without Pork (Porcine) Enzymes
Enzymes are occasionally used to produce a wide variety of food products. For example, most cheese is made using enzymes to help develop unique flavors. There are enzymes that come from plants, microbes, and animals, depending on the type of cheese flavor that is being made. Porcine enzymes, which are animal enzymes that come from pork, are used to make cheese in some of our cheese seasonings.
For those in the U. S. people who choose to avoid foods that contain pork, the list below includes some Frito-Lay snacks that don’t have pork enzymes. If you can’t find your favorite Frito-Lay snack on this list, feel free to get in touch with our Frito-Lay Consumer Relations Team. The list of Kosher products on this website is another guide that might be useful.
Please note: The information provided pertains only to products distributed in the U. S. Products sold in other countries under similar brands may be made with slightly different ingredients and recipes to meet the needs and tastes of those countries.
Click on the brand logo for specific products.
Last Updated September 13, 2024
Should we eat foods that contain pork enzymes?
FAQ
What foods secretly contain pork?
Does cheese contain pork enzymes?
Are enzymes in food pork?
What is another name for pork enzymes?
Does Cheese contain pork enzymes?
Powdered cheeses on chips, boxed macaroni, and cheese, or any store-bought item that doesn’t have 100% dairy cheese may contain pork enzymes. On the other hand, manufacturers use some animal enzymes, usually cows, in the early stages of cheese making. So if the label states animal enzymes, they might have used pork instead of cow.
Can I eat meats like pork if I have PCOS?
Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder caused by excessive secretion of androgens and this results in formation of small cyst like follicles in the ovary. This is characterised by many symptoms like obesity, irregular mesturation, insulin resistance. Red meat like mutton, beef and pork are rich in saturated fat and cholesterol so it is not recommended in PCOS.
What foods contain pork?
Surprising foods that contain pork include some bread, tortillas, donuts, and pudding with L-cysteine, which softens the dough. Gelatin from pork is also common in sugared cereals, candies, ice cream, and chewing gum, and is often used as a thickener or hardener. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
What foods have digestive enzymes?
Digestive enzymes can be obtained from supplements or naturally through foods. Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include pineapples, papayas, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit and ginger. Adding any of these foods to your diet may help promote digestion and better gut health.