Over the years, we have learnt one thing at Pascal’s Pork Scratchings: Australians are passionate about their pork crackling. Especially when it comes to proper premium pork scratchings. We receive messages, emails, and the occasional chat at markets or stores from customers wanting to know a bit more about how to enjoy them, store them, or whether they suit certain diets… so we thought it would be helpful to answer some of the questions we receive most often. Nothing complicated, it's just the kinds of things people usually ask out of curiosity and interest after they've discovered Pascal's.
Common Questions About Pascal’s Pork Scratchings
Q. Are Pascal’s Pork Scratchings Gluten-free?
This is probably the question that comes up the most. The good news is that Pascal’s Pork Scratchings are gluten-free, so they’re generally safe for anyone avoiding gluten. The recipe contains no wheat, barley or rye. And when you think about it, it’s actually a pretty simple food – pork rind, fried till it becomes that crunchy golden treat that we all love. Of course, if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it’s always a good idea to check the package and ask your health expert if you’re unsure. But for most people on a gluten-free lifestyle, pork crackling is a fitting option, and that’s part of the reason they have become so popular with folks on low-carb or keto diets as well.
Q. How long will they stay crunchy after opening the packet?
Ah, yes — we get the crunch question all the time. In most cases, as long as they’re stored properly, Pascal’s premium pork scratchings will stay at their best for about 2 to 3 days after opening. Our premium pork scratchings have the irresistible crunch that comes from how the rind is cooked and dried, but, like most crispy products, they will eventually soften with exposure to air and moisture. That said… many customers tell us the same thing — the packet rarely stays open that long! Once opened, they tend to disappear fairly quickly, especially if the packet is sitting on the coffee table during a game or shared with friends.
Q. What’s the best way to store them?
Storage is actually very simple as we recommend keeping Pascal’s Pork Scratchings in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight - a pantry or cupboard works perfectly. There’s no need to refrigerate them. If you’ve opened the packet and want to keep them fresh for the next day or two, just fold the top down tightly, place them in a zip-lock sandwich bag or transfer them to an airtight container, as this small step helps keep the air out and the texture intact.
Q. How long is the shelf life?
This is another common question we hear from customers. Pascal’s Pork Scratchings have a shelf life of six months from the manufacturing date (which is printed clearly on the packaging). Because they’re cooked and properly sealed, our pork scratchings hold their quality for quite some time when stored correctly. That said, most packets rarely sit around anywhere near that long, as once people try them, they usually find themselves reaching for another bag sooner rather than later.
Q. Are pork scratchings actually good?
One of the reasons our premium pork scratchings stand out is their personality. They are a treat that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. An indulgent treat that's satisfying and loved by people for generations. They are still just what they have always been - a simply delicious traditional tidbit - perfect when eaten as a part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
One last thing…
At the end of the day, food should be simple and enjoyable. That’s really the philosophy behind Pascal’s Pork Scratchings - we focus on good ingredients, proper crunch and no unnecessary fuss or additives. And if you ever have any other questions we haven’t covered here, feel free to reach out anytime.