Getting to the Bottom of It: Does Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Contain Alcohol?

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is a famous American brand that is known for its flavor that has been mellowed by charcoal and its link to barbecue. You can find Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce and even pulled pork in grocery stores all over the country. But for people who don’t drink, an important question comes up: does the whiskey used to flavor Jack Daniel’s pulled pork leave behind any alcohol?

In this article, we’ll analyze how alcohol behaves during cooking and take a closer look at how Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is made. We’ll provide the facts on whether it contains alcohol or is considered permissible for those abstaining for religious, health or personal reasons.

How Alcohol Changes During Cooking

Alcohol has a lower boiling point (around 173°F) compared to water (212°F). This means alcohol evaporates more quickly when heated. However, the amount retained depends on cooking time and method.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):

• Alcohol boiled briefly for just 2-3 minutes retains 85% of original alcohol.

• Baked/simmered dishes cooked for 15 minutes retain 40% alcohol

• Foods ** Baked/simmered for 1-2 hours retain only 5-10% alcohol.

So length of cooking has a significant impact on residual alcohol level. Now let’s see how this applies to Jack Daniel’s pulled pork.

How Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork is Made

Jack Daniel’s offers ready-to-eat pulled pork either refrigerated or frozen. It is marketed as being “marinated in Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and honey.”

Based on their methods the pork shoulder is

• Marinated for at least 4 hours in a blend of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, honey, and spices
• Simmered in the marinade until fork tender (at least 1 hour)
• Shredded and tossed in the cooking liquid to absorb flavors

This multi-hour cooking process far exceeds the minimum time required for almost complete alcohol evaporation.

Does Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Contain Traces of Alcohol?

Based on the slow cooking time of at least 1 hour after marinating, it is unlikely any appreciable alcohol remains in Jack Daniel’s pulled pork.

The USDA has stated foods simmered or baked for over 90 minutes retain only 5-10% of the original alcohol added. And pulled pork requires a cooking time of 1-2 hours.

Additionally, the final internal temperature for safe pork needs to reach at least 145°F, well above alcohol’s boiling point. This further ensures all alcohol evaporates during cooking.

Therefore, while some minute traces of alcohol may remain, Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is considered alcohol-free from a food safety and dietary restriction standpoint.

Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork and Religious/Dietary Restrictions

The negligible alcohol content means Jack Daniel’s pulled pork should be permissible for those abstaining from alcohol for religious or health reasons, including:

• Muslims following halal diets
• Catholics practicing temperance
• People avoiding alcohol addiction triggers
• Those with alcohol intolerance

However, it’s always best to verify with your own religious or dietary authorities to be 100% certain an item complies with your required restrictions.

Reheating Leftover Pulled Pork

If reheating leftover Jack Daniel’s pulled pork, it’s recommend to use the oven or stove top to ensure the pork reaches 165°F internally. Reheating in the microwave can lead to uneven heating.

Bring refrigerated pulled pork to room temperature before reheating. Then place in a lightly greased oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Stovetop reheating should be done in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to add moisture.

The Verdict on Alcohol in Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork

While Jack Daniel’s whiskey is used in the recipe, the lengthy cooking process ensures all alcohol content has fully evaporated by the time the pulled pork is ready to enjoy. For those avoiding alcohol, Jack Daniel’s pulled pork can be considered permissible given the negligible traces remaining after cooking. However, it’s smart to verify with any official dietary or religious resources you follow to be absolutely certain.