Pork chops are a good source of nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron. Just be aware of how often you eat them since they are considered red meat.
Of all the different cuts of pork, the pork chop is the most popular, according to the National Pork Board. But not every pork chop is the same (1).
In fact, pork chops have a variety of names — loin, rib, sirloin, top loin, or blade chops — but they all come from the loin meat that runs from a pig’s shoulder to its hip.
Of course, how you cook your pork chop influences its overall nutrition profile. But the fat content also varies slightly depending on which specific part of the pig the chop came from.
For instance, a sirloin pork chop is one of the leaner cuts, and tenderloin is the leanest.
Other pork chop cuts, such as the New York pork chop, Porterhouse pork chop, and Ribeye pork chop, have more total fat than a sirloin pork chop, but there’s really only a small amount of additional saturated fat (1).
This article explores whether pork chops are nutritious and how to cook them to best support your nutritional needs.
Overall — regardless of cooking method — pork chops are a very rich source of selenium. This is a mineral involved in your immune and endocrine systems, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (2).
However, the cooking method does influence how many calories, fat, and sodium they have. Fried pork chops, for example, are higher in all three of those categories.
That said, fried pork chops may still fit into your diet, as long as the extra calories, fat, and sodium are accounted for.
Here’s a comparison of a boiled or baked pork chop and one that’s breaded and fried:
Center cut chops and sirloin chops tend to be the lowest in fat, while ribeye chops are a bit fattier. When it comes to bones, boneless pork chops tend to be leaner than bone-in chops. However, the exact fat content depends on how much of the external fat was trimmed before cooking.
A complete source of high quality protein
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is essential for so many bodily functions, from building muscle to assisting in the production of hormones that keep our mood up.
Each of us needs a group of so-called essential amino acids because they’re something our bodies can’t make on their own — and pork chops contain all of them.
Pork chops are also a very rich source of protein. A large one delivers more than a third of your daily protein needs.
Another reason that protein is so valuable is because it’s very filling — more so than the other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fat). It’s a nutrient that gives you the staying power you need between meals (5).
The pork chop is a cut of meat between an inch or an inch and a half thick, which usually comes from the loin (via The Kitchn). Thats the section of the pig that runs from the shoulder to the hip along the animals back. A butcher can take the shoulder, rib, loin, or sirloin chops from this section of meat. The Kitchn notes that each of these cuts has different properties, and will cook differently. A boneless pork chop is typically taken from a part of the loin chop or a rib chop that has had the bone removed. Both bone-in and boneless pork chops are fine options for anyone looking for a reliable piece of fairly lean meat, but both have their pros and cons as well.
Ah yes, the age-old cultural debates: Rolling Stones vs. The Beatles; Star Wars vs. Star Trek; and bone-in pork chops vs. boneless pork chops. Okay, maybe pork chops arent up there with the others, but we can at least admit that a butcher shop and the decisions you have to make there can feel pretty intimidating. When its time to figure out whats for dinner, there are enough hard questions being asked. Cant we just leave the bones out of it? Alas, whether or not you decide on a boneless or bone-in pork chop does make a difference in your meal, and could be the make or break decision depending on what you need.
According to Wagyu Shop, the boneless pork chop is a great cut of lean meat that will cook quickly, and consistently. They note that while some tout the flavor of the bone-in pork chop, the difference may be negligible for most diners. Many who prefer bone-in pork chops say that the bone and extra fat on a bone-in pork chop gives the meat a juicier, richer flavor. The bone also provides more connective tissue and better structure to the meat. Coleman Natural Foods notes that a boneless pork chop can tend to dry out or overcook because it usually has less fat present. The bone-in pork chop on the other hand cooks slower and has a juicier flavor because of the extra fat.
At the end of the day, it comes down to preference. A boneless pork chop is going to be leaner, easier to find and often cook quicker. Theyre a great choice if you dont have time to wait in line at a butchers or need dinner on the table in a hurry. Bone-in chops on the other hand may provide more flavor and can serve as a showstopper when presented correctly.
Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Pork Chops | Pro Tips Revealed
FAQ
Which is better bone-in or boneless pork chops?
What is the healthiest cut of pork chop?
Should I get pork chop with or without bone?
Are pork chops heart healthy?
Are boneless pork chops better?
More meat. There’s no waste on a boneless pork chop, and you don’t have to pay for the weight of the bone or fat. You get what you see in a boneless chop and can better gauge serving sizes. Leaner cuts. Because the fat and bone have been trimmed away by a butcher, the pieces are leaner and require less work to get “to the meat of it!” Easy to find.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Are pork chops healthy?
Other pork chop cuts, such as the New York pork chop, Porterhouse pork chop, and Ribeye pork chop, have more total fat than a sirloin pork chop, but there’s really only a small amount of additional saturated fat ( 1 ). This article explores whether pork chops are nutritious and how to cook them to best support your nutritional needs.
Are pork rib chops bigger than boneless?
Because of the bone, a rib chop appears larger in size than a boneless chop, but it may contain a fair amount of fat. Best cooking methods: Even with a little more fat than other chops, pork rib chops are still a lean cut—so you’ll want to stick to high-heat cooking methods like grilling, pan-searing, and broiling to prevent them from drying out.