Time is the secret ingredient to any lusciously rich, homemade pulled pork, an American classic that can be layered inside a bun, rolled in a tortilla or simply scattered on top of rice.
All pulled pork starts with seasoned pork shoulder that’s smoked or braised at low temperature for hours, melting the fat and transforming the meat into succulent hunks that break into tender shreds.
Those who crave that kind of deliciousness but simply don’t have hours to spare to slow-cook a roast may want to check out the growing number of heat-and-eat pulled pork options at local markets.
Pulled pork comes in two styles: sauced or not. Since our goal was to find the best of the lot, we included both styles. While the sauced varieties are by nature sweeter, every brand delivers its own distinct textures and flavors.
Great pulled pork is juicy, tender, and loaded with umami flavor. It has enough fat to survive a re-heat, but not so much that you end up with a pool of grease. Bad pulled pork can be fatty, gristly or so tough that it sticks in your teeth. The worst pouches are filled with sugar-coated bites of mush.
Here are details on the supermarket pulled pork that tastes like it took hours to make — and the rejects that taste like cafeteria food. Note that these packages last about 30 days before opening, so be sure to check best-by dates before purchasing. Nutrition info refers to 85 g or 3 ounces.
Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork
This Costco brand tastes like a home-smoked shoulder roast. The chunks are large and easy to shred and it has enough fat to survive reheating. 162 calories, 11 g fat, 789 mg sodium, no sugar, 16 g protein. $14.99 for 32 ounces at Costco. (4 stars)
Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork
Those craving the deliciousness of Hawaiian-style pork will fall for these fine, smoky shreds. The meat is moist and delicious enough to pile high on a bun or enjoy on a plate of eggs or potatoes. 111 calories, 5 g fat, 364 mg sodium, no sugar, 14 g protein. $12.49 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (4 stars)
Raley’s Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce
Generous-sized chunks in tangy, flavorful sauce make for a well balanced bite. It’s both salty and sweet, with a welcome hit of heat.167 calories, 8 g fat, 683 mg sodium, 9 g sugar, 11 g protein. $6.99 for 16 ounces at Raley’s. (3½ stars)
Kingsford Pulled Pork with Sweet & Smoky Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
Salt plus smoke plus sugar makes for a mouthwatering combo in this packet of traditional, Southern-style pulled pork. It has layers of flavor and finishes with a tangy kick. 107 calories, 4 g fat, 317 mg sodium, 7 g sugar, 8 g protein. $8.99 for 16 ounces at Smart & Final. (3 stars)
Del Real Pork Carnitas
Those who don’t mind building flavor by adding their own herbs and aromatics will enjoy these soft shreds. They’re pork-forward, but tasty nonetheless. 200 calories, 14 g fat, 330 mg sodium, no sugar, 20 g protein. $11.99 for 15 ounces at Raley’s. (2½ stars)
Jack Daniel’s Seasoned & Fully Pulled Pork
This extra-peppery pork has an unexpected hit of soy sauce that makes it taste like re-hydrated jerky dipped in sugar. 194 calories, 10 g fat, 407 mg sodium, 15 g sugar, 9 g protein. $10.99 for 16 ounces at Smart & Final. (2 stars)
Big Shoulders Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce
While the smoke note is welcome, these chewy shreds taste old, and the sauce is unpleasantly pasty. 139 calories, 5 g fat, 587 mg sodium, 11 g sugar, 11 g protein, $10.49 for 16 ounces at Safeway. (1 star)
Good & Gather Seasoned Pulled Pork in Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Think pork swimming in ketchup. While the pork itself tastes fine, the sauce is entirely underwhelming. 138 calories, 5 g fat, 557 mg sodium, 11 g sugar, 8 g protein. $7.99 for 16 ounces at Target. (½ a star)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.