Pastured Pork: The Healthier, Tastier, and More Ethical Choice for Your Table

written by

Jared Frye

posted on

March 24, 2025

If you’ve ever bitten into a pork chop that was dry, bland, and disappointing, chances are it came from a pig raised in confinement on a grain-heavy diet.

But if you’ve had pastured pork, you know there’s no comparison—the rich flavor, deep marbling, and tender texture set it apart from anything you’ll find in the grocery store.

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Beyond taste, there’s another major reason to seek out pastured pork: it’s better for your health, the environment, and the well-being of the animal.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about pork. Some people believe it’s unhealthy or overly fatty, but that simply isn’t true—especially when you’re sourcing it from farms that raise pigs the right way. So, let’s break it down:

  • • What exactly is pastured pork?
  • • How does it compare to conventionally raised pork?
  • • Why is it a better choice nutritionally?
  • • How does it benefit the environment?
  • • Who really owns the pork industry in America?
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What Is Pastured Pork?

Pastured pork comes from pigs raised on open fields instead of confined barns. Unlike industrial pigs that spend their lives in tight quarters with little room to move, pastured pigs have access to fresh air, sunshine, and a natural diet that includes forage, roots, insects, and supplemental grains.

This diverse diet and active lifestyle result in pork that is more flavorful, nutrient-dense, and healthier overall. It’s a system that mimics nature—allowing pigs to do what they do best: root, dig, and graze.

This stands in contrast to factory-farmed pork, where pigs are typically raised in large, overcrowded barns. They never see the light of day, are fed a uniform diet of GMO grains and soy, and often require antibiotics to stay healthy in such unnatural conditions.

When you compare the two, it’s easy to see why pastured pork is the better choice.

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Is Pork Actually Healthy? Let’s Bust Some Myths.

One of the biggest misconceptions about pork is that it’s an unhealthy meat choice. People often lump it into the same category as highly processed meats like hot dogs or bacon loaded with additives. But real pork—especially pastured pork—is packed with nutrients and can be a great part of a healthy diet.

1. More Omega-3s and Healthy Fats

The fat profile of pastured pork is completely different from conventional pork.

  • • Pastured pork contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
  • • It also has less inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed pork, making it a much healthier option.

Studies show that pigs raised on pasture have up to three times the amount of omega-3s as their factory-farmed counterparts. (Source)

2. Higher in Vitamins and Minerals

Pastured pork is an excellent source of key nutrients that your body needs:

  • • Vitamin D: Since pastured pigs spend time outdoors, their meat is naturally higher in vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health and immunity.
  • • Vitamin E: Found in much higher concentrations in pastured pork, this powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from damage.
  • • B Vitamins: Pork is one of the richest sources of B vitamins, which support energy production and brain function.

3. A High-Quality Protein Source

Pork is a fantastic source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs to function.

Protein is vital for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. If you’re looking for a protein source that is both nutritious and delicious, pastured pork is hard to beat.

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Who Owns Your Pork? The China Connection

A topic that’s been gaining a lot of attention recently is who actually owns America’s pork industry—and for good reason. Many consumers are shocked to learn that a significant portion of U.S. pork production is controlled by a foreign entity: China.

In 2013, Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the U.S., was acquired by WH Group, a Chinese-based company in a $4.7 billion deal. This meant that a majority of America’s pork supply—processing plants, distribution centers, and large-scale hog farms—came under foreign ownership.

Is the Pork You Buy Being Sent to China?

Many people wonder if the pork produced here is being exported back to China instead of staying in the U.S. The reality is a mix:

  • • Smithfield does export pork to China, but a majority of the pork produced under the Smithfield brand is still consumed in the U.S.
  • • The company owns farms and processing plants here, meaning the pork you buy from major grocery stores is still produced domestically—just under foreign ownership.
  • • China controls the supply chain, but the pork itself is largely staying in American markets.

Why Should You Care?

Even though the pork is produced here, foreign ownership impacts pricing, supply chains, and food security. A foreign-owned company ultimately prioritizes its own interests, which may not always align with what’s best for American farmers or consumers.

This is another major reason to buy local. When you source your pork from a family-run farm, you know exactly where it comes from, how it was raised, and where your money is going.

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Why You Should Buy Pastured Pork from a Local Farm

If you care about where your food comes from, choosing pork from a local farm is one of the best decisions you can make.

  • • You’ll support local farmers and sustainable agriculture.
  • • You’ll get a fresher, higher-quality product that hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for weeks.
  • • You’ll know exactly how your meat was raised—without antibiotics, GMOs, or factory farming practices.
  • • You’re keeping your dollars in your local economy, not sending them overseas.

By investing in local, pastured pork, you’re making a choice that benefits your health, the environment, animal welfare, and your community.

Final Thoughts: Pastured Pork is the Better Choice

If you’ve been avoiding pork because you thought it was unhealthy, it’s time to reconsider.

  • • Pastured pork is nutrient-dense and full of essential vitamins and minerals.
  • • It contains healthier fats and a superior balance of omega-3s.
  • • It’s raised sustainably, with respect for both the environment and the animal.
  • • It supports local farmers instead of foreign corporations.

And most importantly—it just tastes better.

So next time you’re looking for a delicious, ethically raised meat option, consider choosing pastured pork from a local farm. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.

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