Many families indulged in the sizzle, sear, shred, or slice of pork as they finalized their menus for the Thanksgiving celebration. Whitney Hemmer, a registered dietitian with Fareway Meat and Grocery, says pork opens the door to a variety of delicious options for the holiday meal.

“So affordable right now, and a lot more options than consumers might realize. Like, this isn’t your grandma’s world of pork anymore. You know, we’re cooking it differently. We’re seasoning it differently, and there are probably more options than you grew up knowing.”

Hemmer says pork offers a wide range of cuts that can easily spice up any holiday meal — from tenderloins to roasts — but a classic example that always fits the table is ham.

“And I really love that you can get it in any size that you need. You can go, you know, ham steak, which is like half of a pound, a quarter ham, half ham, full ham, so really, any size you need, you can get that ham ready for you, so you’re not wasting, but it’s also, in my opinion, the absolute easiest item to repurpose for leftovers, because I’m all about having a plan for those leftovers, because we’re not wasting food.”

Pork tenderloin is another great option. It adds variety to your holiday plate, delivering flavor in a nutrient-dense protein.

“It does even meet the American Heart Association’s criteria for the heart check mark, making it leaner than a boneless skinless chicken breast, which absolutely blows people’s minds. So, if you have a smaller gathering, or you’re just looking for something different, a little pork tenderloin also offers a great, nutritious option to add to your plate.”

Visit tastewhatporkcando.com for craveable holiday recipes and inspiration, such as the Honey Orange Glazed Ham and Balsamic Rosemary Pork Loin with Roasted Potatoes.