National Pork Rind Day

National Pork Rind Day is observed on the same day as Super Bowl Sunday. In 2026, it falls on February 8. This holiday celebrates one of the most popular game-day snacks in the United States, focusing on the crunchy, salty appeal of fried pig skins. It highlights the cultural and culinary significance of a snack that has evolved from a humble regional staple to a nationwide favorite for sports fans and health-conscious eaters alike.

History of National Pork Rind Day

The observance of National Pork Rind Day, often referred to as Pork Rind Appreciation Day, was established in 2011 by Rudolph Foods. As the world’s largest manufacturer of pork rinds, the company sought to formalize a day that recognized the snack’s long-standing connection to American football culture. The campaign quickly gained traction, and in 2012, Ohio Governor John Kasich issued a letter of support, officially endorsing the day as a period to celebrate this unique food while supporting charitable causes.

Since its inception, the holiday has been deeply tied to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. This organization provides medical and financial aid to retired NFL players who struggle after their professional careers end. By aligning the snack’s “pigskin” nickname with the pigskin used on the football field, the founders created a natural partnership that uses holiday awareness to raise funds for athletes in need. Each year, various NFL legends serve as spokespeople to promote the holiday and its philanthropic mission.

Why is National Pork Rind Day important?

The holiday is significant because it celebrates a zero-carb, high-protein snack that has seen a massive resurgence due to modern dietary trends like the Ketogenic and Paleo diets. Pork rinds provide a crunchy alternative for individuals who avoid traditional grain-based chips. By dedicating a day to this snack, the industry highlights its nutritional profile and versatility, reminding consumers that pork rinds are a gluten-free option for those with specific dietary restrictions.

Beyond nutrition, the day honors the culinary heritage of different cultures. Whether known as chicharrones in Latin American communities or torresmo in Brazil, the snack represents a global tradition of using every part of the animal to avoid waste. The holiday fosters community by encouraging people to gather for the “Big Game” and share a snack that has become a symbol of hospitality and togetherness in many Southern and Midwestern households.

• The day supports retired professional football players through charitable donations.
• It promotes a high-protein, zero-carb snack option for various modern diets.
• The holiday celebrates the “nose-to-tail” eating philosophy by utilizing pig skin.
• It highlights the snack’s importance in diverse cultural cuisines across the globe.
• The observance unites sports fans through a shared game-day tradition.

How to Celebrate National Pork Rind Day

Celebrating this day typically involves incorporating pork rinds into a Super Bowl party menu. While many enjoy them straight out of the bag, the holiday is an excellent time to experiment with the snack as an ingredient. Crushed pork rinds serve as a perfect low-carb breading for chicken wings or fish fillets. They also make a crunchy topping for salads, chili, or casseroles, providing a texture that remains crispy even when paired with hot dishes.

Another way to observe the day is to explore the variety of flavors now available on the market. From spicy habanero and barbecue to sweet cinnamon sugar versions, there is a profile for every palate. Many people participate in the “Sacks for Snacks” or similar online giveaways hosted by manufacturers to win supplies for their gatherings. Above all, the day is meant for sharing, so setting out a large bowl with various dips like queso, guacamole, or hot sauce is the traditional way to mark the occasion.

• Purchase several bags of different flavors to host a small tasting for friends.
• Use crushed rinds as a gluten-free breading for your favorite fried appetizers.
• Enter online sweepstakes to win tickets to future games or snack supplies.
• Donate to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to honor the day’s charitable roots.
• Share your best game-day snack platter photos on social media using the holiday tag.

National Pork Rind Day Dates Table