Have you ever wanted to create your own bacon but didn’t know where to locate pork belly?
Maybe you wanted to create some scrumptious pork belly burned ends.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular locations to buy pork belly around you, as well as a few of reputable online butchers who offer pig belly.
Contents
- Things to consider when buying pork belly
- Where to buy pork belly
- Pork belly recipes
- FAQs
- What is pork belly called at the grocery store?
- Can I buy pork belly in a supermarket?
- Do American grocery stores sell pork belly?
- How much does a pork belly normally cost?
- What is pork belly called in America?
- Why is pork belly expensive?
- Is pork belly expensive?
- Is it cheaper to buy pork belly and make your own bacon?
- Is pork belly an expensive cut?
- What is the closest thing to pork belly?
Things to consider when buying pork belly
Before you pick where to buy pork belly, there are a few things you should think about before making a purchase.
Buying pig belly is usually the first step in producing your own bacon at home (unless you want to try one of these artisan bacon delivery services).
It will be less expensive, somewhat healthier, and much tastier than store-bought.
1. Source
Consider the origins of the pigs. Were they fed organically, without the use of hormones or antibiotics? Were they grown on a pasture in a humane manner?
This is when a website like Crowd Cow comes in helpful since you can view all of the data regarding how the animal was nurtured.
For example, their Heritage Pork Belly is pasture-raised and devoid of antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs.
The origin of your pork belly contributes to the health advantages of bacon.
2. Quality of meat
Certain hog breeds are reported to have distinct preferences. Berkshire, Duroc, and Kurobuta heritage breeds are said to have richer and meatier tastes.
3. Cost and size
Determine how much money you are willing to spend. Homemade bacon is often less expensive per pound than store-bought bacon.
However, some establishments may ask you to purchase the whole pork belly, which might weigh between 10 and 12 pounds. Do you have adequate freezer space to accommodate that?
4. Customization
Determine how you will cure, smoke, and chop it. One of the many benefits of creating your own bacon is that you can choose how it is prepared, cooked, and ultimately tastes.
Check out our definitive guide on curing salts for more information on the science of curing.
Looking for a delicious pork belly recipe? Look no farther than our rotisserie porchetta-style pork belly.
Where to buy pork belly
Let’s look at some of your possibilities for obtaining pork belly.
Locally
The first location to look for pork belly should be locally.
It’s convenient to be able to scrutinize each belly to ensure you’re getting one with lots of flesh.
You may have a few alternatives depending on where you reside. Many local stores do not have it, but if you ask the butcher, they may be able to order it for you. If not, here are a few alternative options:
- Costco They sell whole and sliced bellies
- Local Butcher Shop
- Whole Foods
- Local Ethnic Stores or Asian Markets
(Tip: Buy by the case if you have freezer space. It is often less costly.)
Buy Pork Belly Online
There are a few key places to consider when shopping for pork belly online.
Online choices are somewhat more costly, but you know you’re receiving high quality. Compare the two in terms of quality, size, and price:
Crowd Cow
- Heritage Pork Belly
- 3 lbs.
- Skinless
- Limited Quantity
- Check the Price
Snake River Farms
- 100% Purebred Berkshire (Kurobuta) Pork Belly
- 5 6 lbs.
- Skinless
- Check the Price
Porter Road online butchers is another option. They weren’t carrying any pork belly at the time of writing, but they had in the past and the quality is said to be outstanding.
Their livestock are sourced from small farms in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Pork belly recipes
We hope you found our post about where to get pork belly useful. Begin by searching at your local shops and markets, and if that fails, going online is one possibility.
Now that you know where to acquire your pork belly, here are some terrific grilling and smoking recipes.
- BBQ pork belly
- Porchetta-style Pork Belly
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Hot Honey Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Before making your purchase, remember to examine the supplier, meat quality, pricing and quantity, and how you want to cook it. That way, your bacon will be less expensive, healthier, and probably tastier than store-bought bacon.