Best Lards of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Lards are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from baking to frying. Made from rendered pork fat, lards add a rich and savory flavor to dishes that can't be replicated with other cooking oils. They are perfect for making flaky pie crusts, crispy fried chicken, and even for sautéing vegetables. Lards are also a great source of vitamin D and can be a healthier alternative to other cooking oils. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, lards are a must-have in your pantry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Stellar Grass Fed Lard - 5 LBS Cover #TOP 1
Stellar Grass Fed Lard - 5 LBS
ftb score rating icon 9.9
100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 7 lbs Cover #TOP 2
100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 7 lbs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard 3 LBS Cover #TOP 3
Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard 3 LBS
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Lards

#TOP 1

Stellar Grass Fed Lard - 5 LBS

STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP
Stellar Grass Fed Lard - 5 LBS Cover
Stellar - 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard - Food Grade - 5 LBS

Stellar Lard is made from 100% pure pork fat, ensuring a natural and clean product. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying, baking, and sautéing. This versatile ingredient can be used in both sweet and savory recipes, adding a rich, buttery flavor to your dishes. Its traditional craftsmanship ensures an authentic taste, while the environmentally friendly packaging reflects a commitment to sustainability.

What We Like
High-quality lard
Great for baking
Odorless and smooth
Enhances flavor in cooking
Good texture and consistency
What We Don't Like
Pricey for some
#TOP 2

100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 7 lbs

7 Pound (Pack of 1)
100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 7 lbs Cover
100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 7 lbs

This 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard is produced in the US and is made up of a perfect combination of monounsaturated fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fat. It contains around 1000 IU international units of vitamin D per tablespoon. With a smoke point of 370 degrees Fahrenheit, it is perfect for frying veggies or eggs, making pie crusts, cookies, biscuits and fried chicken thighs. Pastries turn out light and flaky when made with this lard.

What We Like
Odorless and versatile
Good for baking and skin care
Decent price for quality
Requires no refrigeration
What We Don't Like
Potential digestive issues
Inconsistent quality
#TOP 3

Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard 3 LBS

STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP
Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard 3 LBS Cover
Stellar - 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard - Food Grade - 3 LBS

Stellar Pure Grass Fed Lard is crafted from 100% pure pork fat, ensuring a clean and natural cooking ingredient. With its high smoke point, you can confidently use it for frying, baking, or sautéing, resulting in crispy textures and enhanced flavors in your meals. This versatile lard is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, making it a must-have in your kitchen. Additionally, its rich, buttery flavor elevates your recipes, providing a gourmet touch that will impress your family and friends.

What We Like
Great for cooking
Good quality product
From grass-fed animals
Clean with mild smell
Good for body lotion
What We Don't Like
Hard to open tub
Less than half full
#TOP 4

Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard

STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP
Stellar 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard Cover
Stellar - 100% Pure Grass Fed Lard - Food Grade - 10 LBS

Stellar Pure Lard is made from 100% pure pork fat, providing you with a clean and natural cooking option. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for frying, baking, and sautéing, allowing you to achieve that perfect crispy texture in your meals. This versatile ingredient is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, enhancing everything from pie crusts to fried chicken. Plus, its rich, buttery flavor adds depth to your recipes, making your everyday cooking feel gourmet.

What We Like
Natural cooking oil
Reusable multiple times
High quality
Affordable price
Versatile usage
What We Don't Like
Not specified
#TOP 5

SULU Grass Fed Lard 4 lbs

SULU Grass Fed Lard 4 lbs Cover
100% Pure Grass Fed Lard-Food Grade- 4 lbs

SULU Grass Lard 4 lbs is a premium US-produced NON GMO lard rich in essential fats. With a high smoke point of 370 degrees Fahrenheit, it's perfect for frying veggies, eggs, and even making pie crusts. Pigs raised under ideal conditions provide high doses of vitamin D in every tablespoon. Enjoy light and flakey pastries when using this lard for baking. Elevate your cooking experience with the versatile SULU Grass Lard 4 lbs.

What We Like
Great for baking and cooking
Light and flaky results
High vitamin D content
Excellent customer service
Organic and natural taste
What We Don't Like
Occasional quality issues
Grainy texture reported
#TOP 6

Hatfield 5 Gallon Bucket Lard

Hatfield
White
Hatfield 5 Gallon Bucket Lard Cover
Hatfield Bucket Lard 5 Gallon

The Hatfield Lard 5 Gallon is a versatile cooking staple made from pork, perfect for enhancing your meat dishes, pates, fillings, or pastries. With zero grams of trans fat, you can enjoy rich flavors without the guilt. This lard is also treated with BHA and BHT for improved shelf life, ensuring it stays fresh longer. Keep in mind that while this item cannot be returned, it can be replaced if damaged during shipping. Simply take a photo to document any issues. This large quantity is ideal for both home cooks and professional kitchens.

What We Like
Long shelf life
Cost-effective bulk purchase
Clean and fresh appearance
Good cooking and baking quality
No unpleasant smell
What We Don't Like
Minor mess during handling
Contains some chemical stabilizers
#TOP 7

Cornhusker Kitchen Berkshire Pork Fat Lard

Pork Lard
Cornhusker Kitchen Berkshire Pork Fat Lard Cover
Cornhusker Kitchen Berkshire Pork Fat Lard 1.5lbs

Cornhusker Kitchen Berkshire Pork Fat Lard is a premium open kettle rendered pork fat lard. Made in the USA, this lard contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients. It is conveniently refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness. This lard is perfect for various cooking needs. Whether you're frying, sautéing, or baking, this lard enhances the flavor and texture of your dishes. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for high-temperature cooking, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and retains its natural flavors. With Cornhusker Kitchen Berkshire Pork Fat Lard, you can enjoy the rich taste and versatility of this high-quality lard.

What We Like
Great for noodle dishes
Good quality for backup
Taste reminiscent of childhood
Fresh and melts nicely
What We Don't Like
Expensive for small quantity
Runny consistency
#TOP 8

Fatworks Premium Pasture Raised Lard 14oz

Fatworks Premium Pasture Raised Lard 14oz Cover
Fatworks Premium Pasture Raised Lard. The Original Non-Hydrogenated Pasture-Raised Lard crafted for Traditional, Keto, and Paleo Chefs. Artisanally Rendered, WHOLE30 APPROVED, Glass Jar, 14oz.

Fatworks Pasture Raised Lard is a high-quality cooking fat that enhances your culinary creations. Sourced from sustainable U.S. family farms, this lard is perfect for those who prioritize healthy fats in their diet, whether you're following Keto, Paleo, or Whole30. Its versatility shines in various cooking methods like sautéing, roasting, and baking, making it an excellent substitute for unhealthy oils. Plus, it's USDA certified, ensuring that you avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives. With a touch of organic rosemary extract for freshness, you can trust that you're using a premium product in your kitchen.

What We Like
Great taste
High-quality cooking fat
Good for KETO cooking
Versatile in cooking
Fluffy rice when used
What We Don't Like
Pricey
#TOP 9

Tenderflake Pure Bakers Lard

Tenderflake
Tenderflake Pure Bakers Lard Cover
Canadian Tenderflake Pure Bakers Lard - 1 Pound 454 Grams

Tenderflake Pure Bakers Lard is the secret ingredient you need for that perfect flake and delicious taste in your baked goods. Made with pure non-hydrogenated lard, this product guarantees a light and flaky crust every time. With no artificial additives like BHA, BHT, or citric acid, you can trust that you are using a high-quality ingredient for your recipes. For over 70 years, Tenderflake has been delivering flaky pastry, allowing you to give the best to your family. Whether you're making pie crusts or baking other treats, Tenderflake Pure Bakers Lard ensures that your creations turn out delicious and mouthwatering.

What We Like
Authentic hot water crust
Flaky and light crust
Odorless product
Excellent replacement for shortening
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Contains BHA and BHT
Unreturnable item
#TOP 10

Coast Packing Co Viva Lard

Coast Packing Co
JG-WEZT-73DC
Coast Packing Co Viva Lard Cover
Coast Packing Co Viva Lard, 2.5 Pounds, Premium Quality, Trusted Brand For Over 45 Years.

Coast Viva Lard, a trusted brand for over 45 years, offers premium quality all-purpose traditional shortening with authentic flavor. Ideal for baking and Hispanic cuisine, this lard is keto and paleo friendly, making it a versatile choice for various cooking needs. The authentic flavor enhances your dishes, while its traditional nature brings a touch of heritage to your recipes. With Coast Viva Lard, you can enjoy the convenience of a high-quality product that elevates your culinary creations.

What We Like
Enhances flavor in cooking
Non-hydrogenated, health-conscious choice
Large quantity, lasts for months
Super creamy texture
What We Don't Like
Requires refrigeration
Pricey for deep frying
Buying Guide Image

Buyer's Guide: Best Lards

Choosing Lard

Lard is a type of fat commonly used in cooking, especially in the preparation of traditional dishes. It is obtained from the fatty tissue of pigs, and has been a staple ingredient in many cuisines for centuries. However, with the rise of healthier eating habits and concerns about the ethical treatment of animals, lard has fallen out of favor in recent years.

Despite this, lard remains a valuable ingredient for those who appreciate its unique flavor and cooking properties. In this article, we will explore the different types of lard available on the market and provide some tips on how to choose the best option for your needs.

Rendering Lard

Lard is made by rendering the fat from pork tissue. This process involves slowly heating the fat, which causes it to melt and separate from any connective tissue or impurities. The resulting liquid is then strained and cooled, resulting in a solid fat that can be used in cooking.

There are two main types of lard available: leaf lard and fatback. Leaf lard is the highest quality option, as it is obtained from the fat around the pig's kidneys and loin. It has a mild, neutral flavor and is often used in pastry dough and other delicate dishes. Fatback, on the other hand, is obtained from the fat layer on the pig's back and has a stronger, more pronounced flavor. It is often used in savory dishes and as a cooking fat.

Purity and Quality

When choosing lard, it is important to pay attention to the purity and quality of the product. Look for lard that has been rendered from high-quality pork fat, and avoid lard that has been hydrogenated or treated with chemicals.

It is also a good idea to look for lard that has been rendered using traditional methods, as this will result in a purer and more flavorful product. Some producers use organic or heritage breeds of pigs, which are known for their high-quality fat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Lard should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six months, or in the freezer for up to a year.

When using lard, it is important to remember that it has a relatively low smoke point compared to other cooking fats. This means that it is best suited for medium- to low-heat cooking methods, such as sautéing, braising, and roasting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lard is a flavorful and versatile cooking fat that has been enjoyed for centuries. When choosing lard, look for products that have been rendered from high-quality pork fat, and avoid lard that has been treated with chemicals or hydrogenated. Store lard in a cool, dry place, and use it in medium- to low-heat cooking methods for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the two types of lard?

There are two types of lard: rendered lard and leaf lard. Rendered lard is fat from the pig that has been melted and filtered without further processing. Leaf lard is considered the highest quality and is made from the leaf-shaped portion of fat around the pig's kidneys. There is also processed lard available.

2. Which is healthier lard or butter?

Lard is considered healthier than butter because it has less saturated fat. Lard contains 20% less saturated fat than butter and is higher in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. It is also rich in oleic acid, the same fatty acid found in olive oil and known for its health benefits.

3. Why is lard no longer used?

Lard fell out of favor when hydrogenated vegetable shortening was invented in the early 20th century. Hydrogenated fats, also known as trans fats, were found to increase the risk of heart disease. This led to a decline in the use of lard as a cooking fat. However, it is now being rediscovered and appreciated for its health benefits.

Editor's Notes

During our lard research, we found 24 lard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,770 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lards list. We found that most customers choose lards with an average price of $26.40.

The lards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lards, including STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP, SULU, Hatfield, Cornhusker Kitchen, Fatworks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 189 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Lards Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP SULU STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP STELLAR CHEMICAL CORP SULU Hatfield Cornhusker Kitchen Fatworks Tenderflake Coast Packing Co
Package Weight 2.62 Kilograms 7 Pounds 1.62 Kilograms 5.15 Kilograms 4 Pounds 38.5 Pounds 0.74 Kilograms 1.54 Kilograms 0.48 Kilograms 1.21 Kilograms
Item Weight 5 Pounds 7 Pounds 3 Pounds - 4 Pounds 38.5 Pounds 1.5 Pounds - 1 Pounds 2.5 Pounds
Item Form Lard - Lard Lard - Solid Solid - Solid Solid
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy