What groups cannot eat pork?

Who Avoids Pork and Why?

For millions of people around the world, pork isn’t just a matter of taste—it’s off the menu for deeply rooted religious reasons. Both Judaism and Islam strictly prohibit the consumption of pig flesh, a rule drawn from sacred texts that have shaped dietary practices for centuries.

In Judaism, the dietary laws come from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the book of Leviticus, which declares the pig unclean because it doesn’t chew the cud, even though it has a split hoof. As a result, observant Jews avoid all pork products, following the broader system of kashrut, or kosher dietary laws. This goes beyond just avoiding bacon or ham—any food prepared with pork derivatives is strictly forbidden.

Similarly, in Islam, the Qur’an explicitly forbids pork, calling it impure. The prohibition appears in multiple verses, including Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173), which states that pork is among the things Muslims must avoid. For devout Muslims, this rule is absolute, and halal certification ensures that food contains no traces of pork or other forbidden ingredients.

What makes this restriction remarkable is its endurance. Across continents and cultures, from Brooklyn to Jakarta, these dietary laws remain deeply respected. Even in societies where pork is common, observant individuals maintain this boundary as an act of faith and identity.

It’s not just about religion, either. For many, avoiding pork is a daily reminder of a larger spiritual commitment—what they eat reflects what they believe. And while plant-based and lab-grown alternatives are emerging, the core principle remains unchanged: for Jews and Muslims alike, skipping pork isn't a trend—it’s tradition.