Best Inexpensive Pork Cuts for the Ketogenic Diet
Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
- One of the cheapest cuts per pound
- High fat and connective tissue
- Ideal for slow cooking, shredding, and batch meals
Pork Belly
- Extremely high fat content
- Often cheaper per calorie than steak
- Can replace oils and butter in meals
Picnic Shoulder
- Similar to pork shoulder but slightly tougher
- Lower price point
- Excellent for long, slow cooking methods
Country-Style Ribs
- Not true ribs; cut from the shoulder
- High fat and very affordable
- Ideal for oven roasting or pressure cooking
Pork Jowl
- Fat-rich cut traditionally used for curing
- Very inexpensive in many regions
- Can be rendered for cooking fat
Fresh Pork Sausage (Unseasoned)
- High fat and convenient
- Choose versions without sugar or fillers
These cuts provide consistent keto macros while keeping food costs predictable.
Before applying these options, understand the most common mistakes that reduce pork’s keto and budget efficiency.