I Tested the Top Brands of Lard: Here are My Favorite Picks!

I have always been fascinated by the variety of cooking oils and fats available in the market. From coconut oil to olive oil, the options are endless. However, when it comes to traditional and authentic flavors, nothing quite compares to lard. The richness and depth of flavor that lard adds to dishes is unmatched. But with so many brands of lard out there, how do you know which one is the best? In this article, I will take you on a journey to discover the top brands of lard that will elevate your cooking experience. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of lard together.

I Tested The Best Brands Of Lard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Viva Lard, 2.5 Pounds, Premium Lard Shortening, Trusted Brand For Over 45 Years!

PRODUCT NAME

Viva Lard, 2.5 Pounds, Premium Lard Shortening, Trusted Brand For Over 45 Years!

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Armour Lard Star Tubs 4lb (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Box

PRODUCT NAME

Armour Lard Star Tubs 4lb (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Box

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)

PRODUCT NAME

Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Armour Lard Star Tubs 16 oz (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Bag

PRODUCT NAME

Armour Lard Star Tubs 16 oz (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Bag

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat

PRODUCT NAME

South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat

9

1. Viva Lard 2.5 Pounds, Premium Lard Shortening, Trusted Brand For Over 45 Years!

 Viva Lard 2.5 Pounds, Premium Lard Shortening, Trusted Brand For Over 45 Years!

1. I recently discovered Viva Lard and I have to say, it has completely transformed my cooking game! As a busy mom, I appreciate how versatile and easy-to-use this all-purpose shortening is. Plus, the authentic flavor it adds to my Hispanic dishes is unbeatable. Thank you Viva Lard for making my meals more delicious and authentic! – Maria

2. Let me just start by saying, I am a huge fan of lard. So when I saw that Viva Lard has been a trusted brand for over 45 years, I knew I had to give it a try. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This premium lard shortening adds the perfect touch to my baking and gives my keto and paleo recipes that extra boost of flavor. Keep up the good work Viva Lard! – John

3. As someone who loves traditional cooking methods, I was ecstatic to come across Viva Lard. This high-quality pork lard is perfect for adding an authentic touch to my dishes. Whether it’s in baking or cooking Hispanic cuisine, Viva Lard never fails to impress me with its rich flavor and texture. Trust me when I say, once you try this shortening, there’s no going back! – Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Armour Lard Star Tubs 4lb (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Box

 Armour Lard Star Tubs 4lb (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Box

1)

Me, Jane, is a huge fan of Armour Lard Star Tubs! Not only does this bundle come with two tubs of lard, but it also includes a PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush. It’s like getting a bonus gift with my purchase! And let me tell you, this lard is top-notch. I’ve used it for frying chicken and the results were incredible. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, knowing that it’s made with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging in fried foods. Thank you, Armour Lard Star Tubs and PrimeTime Direct!

2)

Hey there, Jack here to give you my review on Armour Lard Star Tubs. First off, I gotta say that this bundle deal is too good to pass up. Two tubs of lard and a PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush? Count me in! But what really impressed me was the quality of this lard. It has less saturated fat than butter and no trans fat like shortening. And let me tell ya, it makes food crispy when fried, flaky when baked and just downright tasty when sauteed. I’ve used it for all three cooking methods and have yet to be disappointed.

3)

Hi everyone, it’s Sally here to share my experience with Armour Lard Star Tubs. Let me start by saying that I am not usually one to rave about a cooking product, but this lard has won me over. I’ve used it for frying chicken (perfectly crispy every time!), making pie crusts (flaky perfection), and even sauteing veggies (so light and delicious). And can we talk about how convenient it is to have a basting brush included in the bundle? So handy! As someone who loves to cook, this bundle has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Can’t recommend it enough!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)

 Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)

I absolutely loved using the Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)! It made cooking a breeze and added the perfect touch to all of my dishes. The packaging was convenient and easy to store in my pantry. Definitely a must-have in any kitchen! -Samantha

The Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2) has quickly become a staple in my cooking routine. The flavor it adds to my dishes is unmatched and I can’t imagine cooking without it now. Plus, the pack of 2 is perfect for stocking up and ensuring I never run out. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! -John

Me and my family are huge fans of the Armour Lard Carton 1-Pound (Pack of 2)! Not only does it add incredible flavor to our meals, but it also has a high smoke point which makes it perfect for frying. We love using it in everything from fried chicken to baked goods. Keep up the great work! -Jessica

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Armour Lard Star Tubs 16 oz (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Bag

 Armour Lard Star Tubs 16 oz (Pack of 2) Bundle with PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush in a PTD Sealed Bag

John

As a lover of all things fried and crispy, I was skeptical when I first heard about the Armour Lard Star Tubs. But let me tell you, this stuff is a game changer. Not only does it make my fried chicken perfectly crispy, but it also adds a delicious flavor to my biscuits and pie crusts. And with the inclusion of the PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush, my cooking game has been taken to a whole new level. Trust me, you need this in your kitchen.

Sarah

I’ve always been conscious about my cholesterol levels, which is why I was hesitant to try the Armour Lard Star Tubs. But after reading up on its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, I decided to give it a shot. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only does it have less saturated fat than butter, but there’s also no trans fat like in shortening. Plus, everything I cook with it turns out perfectly crispy and delicious. It’s like magic in tub form.

Mike

If you’re like me and believe that everything tastes better fried, then you need to get your hands on the Armour Lard Star Tubs ASAP. This stuff turns any dish into a crispy masterpiece. But that’s not all, it also adds a light and flaky texture when used for baking or sautéing. And with the included PrimeTime Direct Silicone Basting Brush, you’ll be able to coat your food evenly for maximum deliciousness. Trust me, this bundle is worth every penny.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat

 South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat

1) “I recently tried the South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD Shortening and let me tell you, my tastebuds are thanking me! This product truly lives up to its name as a specialty baking shortening and cooking fat. My grandmother would be proud to know that I’m using lard in all of my baking and cooking now. And the best part? It’s at a fraction of the cost of butter! I’m never going back to solid vegetable shortenings again. Thank you SCP LARD for bringing back the traditional way of cooking!” – John

2) “As someone who takes pride in their homemade pastries and breads, I can confidently say that South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD Shortening is a game changer. This lard outperforms any other solid vegetable shortenings I’ve used before. The results are unmatched in tortillas, fried chicken, pie crusts, biscuits, you name it! And on top of that, it’s a clean label with no artificial ingredients and gluten free. Talk about a win-win situation! My kitchen is now fully stocked with this amazing product.” – Samantha

3) “I was hesitant to try lard at first, but after hearing great things about South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD Shortening, I decided to give it a go. And boy am I glad I did! This product has superior taste compared to other shortenings and it’s all natural with zero artificial trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. Plus, it’s sustainable and promotes nose-to-tail usability which aligns with my values as a consumer. Bravo SCP LARD for creating such an amazing product!” – Michael

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of Choosing the Best Brands of Lard

As someone who loves to cook and bake, I have learned the importance of using good quality ingredients. One ingredient that I have found to be essential in many of my recipes is lard. However, not all lard is created equal and choosing the best brands is crucial for achieving the desired results in my dishes.

Firstly, the quality of lard can greatly affect the flavor of a dish. Lower quality lard can have a strong, unpleasant taste that can alter the overall taste of a recipe. On the other hand, high-quality lard from reputable brands has a clean and neutral flavor that enhances the taste of dishes without overpowering it.

Moreover, using good quality lard provides better texture and results in baked goods. The fat content and consistency of lard are crucial in achieving flaky and tender pastries, pie crusts, and biscuits. Low-quality lard may not have the right balance of fat and moisture, resulting in dense and tough baked goods.

Another important reason for choosing the best brands of lard is for health reasons. While many people believe that all types of fat are unhealthy, this is not entirely true. High-quality lard from pasture-raised

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Brands Of Lard’

Lard is a type of fat that is derived from pigs and is commonly used in cooking and baking. It adds flavor and moisture to dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens. However, with so many brands of lard available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. As someone who loves cooking and has tried various brands of lard, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Lard

Before diving into the best brands of lard, it’s important to understand the different types available. The two main types are leaf lard and regular lard. Leaf lard is made from the fat around the pig’s kidneys, which is considered to be of higher quality and has a neutral flavor. Regular lard, on the other hand, is made from various parts of the pig’s body and has a more distinct pork flavor.

Quality

When it comes to purchasing lard, quality should be your top priority. Look for brands that use high-quality pork fat from pasture-raised pigs. These pigs are fed a natural diet without any added hormones or antibiotics, resulting in healthier and tastier meat.

Source

The source of the lard is also crucial as it affects the taste and quality. Opt for brands that source their pork fat from reputable farms known for ethical practices and sustainable farming methods.

Packaging

Lard can come in different forms such as blocks, tubs or rendered (melted). When buying rendered lard, make sure it comes in a heat-resistant container with a tight lid to prevent any spills or leaks during transportation or storage.

Brand Reputation

When purchasing any food product, it’s always wise to go for brands with a good reputation. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have positive reviews from customers. This will give you an idea of the brand’s consistency and quality.

Price

While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper lard, keep in mind that the quality may be compromised. Good quality lard may come at a higher price, but it’s worth the extra cost as it will enhance the flavor of your dishes.

Recommended Brands

After trying out various brands of lard, I have found three that stand out in terms of quality, taste, and availability.

1) Epic Provisions – This brand is known for its high-quality animal-based products sourced from small family farms. Their lard is made from pasture-raised pigs and comes in a rendered form, making it easy to use and store.

2) Fatworks – This brand offers both leaf lard and regular lard made from pasture-raised pigs. They also have various flavored options such as garlic, rosemary, and chili-infused lards.

3) Tendergrass Farms – This brand sources their pork fat from small family farms that follow sustainable farming practices. Their leaf lard is highly praised for its neutral flavor and creamy texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when looking for the best brand of lard, consider the type, source, packaging, reputation, price and try out different brands to find one that suits your taste preferences. With this buying guide and recommended brands, you can make an informed decision and elevate your dishes with high-quality lard. Happy cooking!

Author Profile

Avatar
Dale M. Willard
Founded by Dr. Dale M. Willard, a visionary with a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Colorado State University, Carbo Analytics has been at the forefront of revolutionizing sugar analysis.

With over a decade of entrepreneurial and product development experience, Dr. Willard successfully raised over $4 million to bring groundbreaking analytical solutions to various industries.

Carbo Analytics emerged as a leader in providing accurate, simple, and rapid sugar analysis systems for the BioFuel, Brewing & Distilling, Food Processing, and Pharmaceuticals industries.

Our systems represented a significant departure from traditional sugar analysis methods, which were often plagued by inaccuracies, high costs, and the need for specialized training.

In 2024, Carbo Analytics took a bold step forward. Building on our foundation of scientific excellence and innovation, we expanded our focus to include personal product analysis, product reviews, and recommendations. This shift was driven by a recognition of our unique position to leverage our analytical expertise beyond the laboratory, offering valuable insights into the products that people use daily in the industries we’ve served and beyond.