Pork rind products have gone in and out of style. At times they are the butt of jokes, like when Homer Simpson gobbles bagfuls of “Pork Rinds Lite.” Other times, pork rinds are being pushed as a low-carb snack alternative and keto-friendly chip replacement. In either case, they are delicious, if eaten in moderation.

Buy pork rinds online, you can pick up national brands of fried pork rinds at any gas station or convenience store, but for real local flavor, you’ll need to visit a carniceria or tienda. They’re made with fresh, sliced pork skins that are boiled until they’re reduced in size to about one-fourth of their original shape. Then they are drained and deep-fried until they puff up. That process is what creates the distinctive texture of a pork rind, which resembles foam packing peanuts with a deeply savory and salty porcine flavor.

Buy Pork Rinds Online: Find the Best Options at Your Fingertips

Then, depending on the brand and your taste preferences, they are seasoned. Typically, it’s a combination of salt, pepper and spices. But they can also be seasoned with herbs or even jalapeno or barbecue sauce. They may also be sprinkled with a dry rub or marinade before they’re cooked.

While a bag of pork rinds has about five grams of fat and 80 calories per serving, they are a great snack in small quantities, as part of a balanced diet. Just be sure to choose your pork rinds carefully, suggests Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN. Look for brands that are seasoned well and have less sodium and saturated fat.