Do Popeyes’ Green Beans Contain Pork? Getting the Facts on This Popular Side

Popeyes is known for its spicy, crispy chicken and southern-style sides. It is one of the biggest fried chicken chains in the world. A hearty serving of green beans is a classic side dish that often goes with Popeyes’ fried chicken. But people who don’t eat pork have a valid concern: do Popeyes’ green beans have pork in them? Let’s find out.

An Overview of Popeyes

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has grown to over 3,600 restaurants globally. They specialize in New Orleans-inspired chicken, seafood, po’ boys, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and classic southern sides. Their menu features spicy, crispy fried chicken seasoned with a proprietary blend of Louisiana seasonings.

The green beans at Popeyes are especially well-known for having a savory, salty taste. Green beans are a popular low-calorie side dish that goes well with fried main dishes. But not everyone may be able to enjoy them.

Why Understanding the Ingredients Matters

For those with dietary restrictions, religious limitations, or who simply want to avoid pork, it’s important to understand exactly what’s in your food when dining at fast food restaurants. Pork products like ham, bacon, and sausage are common ingredients used to flavor sides ranging from green beans to rice and beans.

For example, Popeyes’ red beans and rice contains smoked bacon And their green bean casserole features cooked ham. But do their classic southern-style green beans also contain pork? Let’s explore further

Breaking Down the Popeyes Green Bean Ingredients

According to the Popeyes website nutrition information the ingredient list for their green beans side is surprisingly short. It contains just

• Green beans
• Water
• Salt

Unlike many restaurant green bean dishes, Popeyes’ classic green beans appear to contain just fresh green beans cooked with water and seasoned with salt There is no mention of pork, ham, bacon, or any other meat products.

To be sure of this conclusion, we also looked at an unofficial list of Popeyes’ ingredients [linked here]. This unofficial list also has green beans that only have green beans, water, and salt in them. No pork ingredients are specified.

Why Pork is Commonly Added to Green Beans

Before concluding our investigation, it’s helpful to understand why pork products are commonly added to green beans in the first place.

Pork provides a smoky, salty, savory flavor that greatly enhances the taste of plain green beans. Ham, bacon, sausage, pork belly, or tasso (a seasoned smoked pork shoulder) are often used in recipes for green beans. The pork adds a meaty, umami, rich flavor.

As a result, most restaurant green bean dishes contain some form of pork unless otherwise specified. So it’s remarkable that Popeyes’ classic green beans appear to stick to just the simple vegetable without any added meat.

Confirming Popeyes’ Green Beans Are Pork-Free

Based on the ingredient lists from the official Popeyes website and unofficial copy linked above, we can safely conclude that Popeyes’ classic southern-style green beans do not contain any pork. The green beans are vegetarian-friendly and avoid meat-based ingredients.

Popeyes’ green beans join the short list of fast food vegetable sides that are not flavored with pork, ham or bacon. For those looking to avoid pork, Popeyes’ green beans are a tasty and safe option to pair with your spicy chicken or fish.

Other Potential Allergens in Popeyes’ Green Beans

While Popeyes’ green beans do not contain pork, it’s still important to be aware of any other potential allergens for customers with food restrictions:

• Green beans – avoid if allergic to green beans/legumes
• Sodium – contains 610mg sodium per serving, may be high for low-sodium diets
• Shared fryers – while not containing pork, green beans may be cross-contaminated from shared frying oil with chicken/fish

As with any menu item, check with the staff about preparation procedures and shared equipment if you have severe food allergies or sensitivities.

How to Order Green Beans at Popeyes

Now that we’ve confirmed Popeyes’ green beans are pork-free, here is how to order them at your local Popeyes:

• A la carte side – green beans can be ordered as a standalone regular or large side with any meal combo. Opt for the large for more beans!
• Substitution option – substitute green beans as your side instead of fries or another side at no extra charge with any combo meal.

Pricing for a regular side of green beans is around $1.49 – $1.99 depending on location. The beans can also be added to Popeyes family meal packs and catering orders.

Other Pork-Free Sides at Popeyes

In addition to the green beans, Popeyes offers a few other pork-free side dishes:

• Red beans – contains only kidney beans, vegetables, seasonings
• Cole slaw – simple 3-ingredient slaw with cabbage, carrots, and mayo
• Corn on the cob – boiled or grilled corn on the cob seasoned with butter and spices
• Mashed potatoes – creamy mashed potatoes made with milk, butter, and seasonings

However, some menu items do contain pork, like the Cajun rice, jambalaya, and biscuits. When in doubt, check with restaurant staff about ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Based on our research of the ingredients lists from Popeyes itself and related sources, we can safely conclude that Popeyes’ regular southern-style green beans do not contain any pork products. The simple 3-ingredient green bean side features only fresh green beans, water, and salt.

This makes Popeyes’ green beans one of the few fast food vegetable sides that is vegetarian, vegan, and pork-free friendly. Those avoiding meat can happily enjoy this classic, savory green bean side with any Popeyes fried chicken or seafood meal.

So if you love the cajun flavors of Popeyes but don’t eat pork, you can indulge in their green beans guilt-free. Just be aware of potential cross-contamination from fryers when ordering. With the right menu choices like green beans, you can satisfy your Popeyes cravings regardless of your dietary needs.