When it comes to meat, Thrive Market has high standards. Our own program is proudly GAP Certified, and we work with ranchers who use practices such as regenerative agriculture and rotational grazing. The rest of our meat-centric brands don’t compromise when it comes to sustainability, animal welfare, and soil health, either—and they are paving the way for broader industry changes. 4505 Meats is one such example. What started out as founder Ryan Farr’s side hustle to earn some extra cash became a crash course in whole animal butchery—Farr uses less popular cuts and fries his snacks in lard, a byproduct that is often thrown away at other butcheries.

The History of 4505 Meats

In 2009, chef and butcher Ryan Farr started frying up chicharrones in his San Francisco kitchen and selling them to bars as a side gig. The snacks were such a hit, they became known as “crispy clouds of pork deliciousness.” Farr soon realized he had a full-fledged business on his hands. The brand keeps things simple by offering cracklins and chicharrones. Cracklins come from the pork shoulder, and chicharrones come from either the back or side of the hog. Both varieties are crunchy, but cracklins still have some fat attached to the skin before they hit the fryer, which means they’re slightly denser than the airy chicharrones.

4505 Meats Company Mission

4505 Meats offers paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, and gluten-free snacks you won’t be able to resist. The brand sources responsibly raised meats from family ranchers who practice humane husbandry techniques, and seasons its cracklins and chicharrones with quality spices for the perfect flavor every time.

Benefits of 4505 Meats

4505 Meats sources its pork from an Iowa-based collective of family farms, which raise their pigs humanely and without using antibiotics or added hormones. Although the farms haven’t gone through the process to become Certified Organic, they do practice organic and sustainable agriculture methods. Each snack delivers 7g to 9g of protein per serving (and zero carbs), making this brand accommodating to diets like ketogenic, paleo, and gluten-free. You can’t go wrong with either pork cracklings or chicharones—both are crisp, well-seasoned, and a convenient on-the-go snack. (We also have it on good authority every bag pairs perfectly with beer.)

Top 4505 Meats Products

Time to get chomping—here are the top 4505 Meats products at Thrive Market.

Jalapeño Cheddar Chicharrones

If a fiery, salty, gluten-free snack is what you’re looking for, this bag brings the heat. The pork rinds are fried until perfectly crisp, then seasoned with jalapeño and cheddar,. They’re perfect for queso dips.

Sea Salt Cracklins

Pork cracklins are fried in lard and seasoned with a touch of sea salt in this addictive snack. They’re perfect for paleo diets, and are AIP-friendly.

Smokehouse BBQ Chicharrones

Keto-friendly, gluten-free, and paleo, these can’t-miss pigskins were cooked in lard for extra crispness before being dusted with natural smokehouse BBQ sauce. It’s a tasty bite perfect for afternoon snack sessions!

Easy Paleo Recipes from Thrive Market

Bookmark Thrive Market as your paleo HQ—we’ve got the best recipes, brands, and tips for embracing this lifestyle.

How to Make a Paleo Shopping List

Launch your paleo journey with this shopping list, which has everything you need to prep your pantry. We’ll get you started with condiments like mayo and nut butter and top picks for meat and cooking oil.

The Best Paleo Pancakes

Having a paleo pancake recipe memorized will always come in handy on leisurely weekend mornings. Here are our favorite ways to make a shortstack.

Healthy Paleo Dinner Ideas

Don’t miss out list of healthy paleo recipes that will keep your dinners fresh night after night. We love Mustard Roast Beef, Paleo Burrito Bowls, Crab Cakes, and Herb Deviled Eggs.

4505 Meats, Chicharrones, Sea Salt