Australian Pork: The Family Nutrition All-Rounder
Based on a comprehensive new report from FoodBytes Australia (February 2025), Australian Pork has today revealed an impressive range of nutritional benefits of pork for Aussie families¹.
A simple, quick and tasty mid-week pork stir-fry, for example, packs a nutritional punch that supports the health and wellbeing of kids and adults, and also expecting mums:
- Pork is an excellent source of protein for everyone, for healthy bones, muscle recovery and growth*
- Pork is packed with thiamin for energy production and niacin to support mental health and mood and reduce fatigue in the grown-ups*
- Pork is a source of phosphorus, magnesium and Vitamin B12 for children aged 1–3 years, which supports kids’ growth and development*
- Pork fillet, leg steak, and pork strips are even low in fat and low in saturated fat
- Pork fillet, leg steak and shoulder roast contain folate, which is important for healthy pregnancy*
The key health messages include:
- Energy and Vitality: Pork is an excellent source of thiamin, which is essential for energy production*, and packed with niacin, helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue*.
- Healthy Bones and Muscles: As an excellent source of protein, pork supports muscle recovery and growth*. As a source of phosphorus as well, pork also contributes to healthy teeth and bones*.
- Glowing, inside and out: Pork is rich in thiamin and niacin, which are important for mental health and mood regulation*. Pork is a source of Panthothenic Acid / Vitamin B5 which is important for mental performance*. In addition, pork is rich in niacin for skin health*. Pork also contains selenium, an antioxidant which helps protect cells from free radical damage*.
- Immune Support: The presence of vitamin B6 in pork helps support immune function*, making it a valuable addition to the diet.
- Young Children’s Growth and Development: Pork contains essential nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, B12, and thiamin for children aged 1-3 years, which contribute to children’s growth and development*.
When you consider pork for a family meal like your mid-week stir fry, some cuts, for instance pork fillet, leg steak, and pork strips are even low in fat and low in saturated fat. These particularly lean cuts are also sources of zinc which supports healthy fertility*. Pork fillet, leg steak and shoulder roast also contain folate, which is important for healthy pregnancy*.
In addition to these health benefits, pork is also suitable for various dietary preferences and requirements. It is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and can be included in carbohydrate-restricted diets.
View our Stir Fry recipes here
*as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
¹Pork cuts reviewed in the report include:
- Pork, leg steak (round, rump, topside, silverside), lean, fried, no added fat
- Pork, fillet, fully-trimmed, baked, no added fat
- Pork, strips, untrimmed, fried, no added fat
- Pork, diced, untrimmed, fried, no added fat
- Pork, medallion or loin steak, lean, fried, no added fat
- Pork, loin chop, lean, BBQ’d, no added fat