4505 Chicharrones aiming to replicate resurgence of beef jerky with new flavors

31-Aug-2016 - Last updated on 01-Sep-2016 at 12:38 GMT

Pork rinds are consumed by 50% of Hispanics households in the US, according to Mintel.

Artisan pork rind brand 4505 Chicharrones is this month rolling out two new flavors and new packaging in stores across the US in response to the growing on-the-go protein snack trend.

The new flavors - Smokehouse BBQ and Jalapeño Cheddar - will join the brand’s existing Chili & Salt flavor. All the products are gluten-free and contain seven grams of protein, zero grams of carbohydrates and 80 calories per serving. Each one-ounce bag retails for $3.99.

Reduce pig skin waste from butchery

4505 Chicharrones was founded seven years ago in San Francisco by CEO Ryan Farr. Unsatisfied with the amount of waste in traditional butchery, Farr wanted to find a way to use discarded pig skin.

“Committed to sustainability and whole animal utilization, each chicharron is kettle cooked in lard to minimize waste,” Farr said.

The new pork rind products are distributed by UNFI, KEHE and BiRITE in addition to its own warehouse, according to the company.

“We also have a growing national distribution through Whole Foods and through our website where consumers can purchase our products,” Farr added.

Could chicharrones be the next beef jerky?

As a traditional Spanish-influenced snack, chicharron is widely sold at gas stations in the US. 4505 Chicharrones hopes that by launching the new flavors and packaging it will help make the snack more premium.

According to Mintel data, pork rinds are consumed by 50% of Hispanics households in the US, with their consumption tending to be higher in the Midwest and South than in other regions.

Farr pointed out that most people are not familiar with pork rinds and that there is some misconception that it is an unhealthy snack, has no nutritional value, and is a convenience store food.

“It’s very similar to how beef jerky was seen a few years ago before the resurgence of the category and before companies started selling culinary-driven, flavor inspired variations. 4505 Chicharrones wants to educate consumers on what chicharrones are.”