Comparison: Best Pork Joint For Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)

The main differences are in flavor profiles and ingredients. McCormick offers a sweet and tangy Texas-inspired blend with brown sugar and chili pepper, while Orrington Farms uses premium ingredients like sea salt, paprika, and tomato paste for a more traditional BBQ taste. Sauer’s provides a convenient blend with no artificial flavors and a long history of spice production dating back to 1887.

McCormick recommends using one packet per 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder. Orrington Farms BBQ Pork Roast Seasoning is designed for 2 lbs of pork roast and makes approximately 8 servings per pouch. Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Mix comes in a 1.6-ounce packet, but the exact amount of pork it can season isn’t specified in the product information.

McCormick and Orrington Farms both offer multi-pack options that provide better value than single packets. McCormick comes in a pack of 12, while Orrington Farms offers both a 12-pack and a 3-pack option. The best value depends on how frequently you plan to make pulled pork and your preferred flavor profile.

Orrington Farms Pork Roast Seasoning is explicitly labeled as gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with gluten sensitivities. The product information doesn’t mention gluten-free status for McCormick or Sauer’s seasoning mixes, so you may need to check their ingredient lists if this is a concern for you.

All three seasoning mixes are designed for slow cooker preparation, typically cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. McCormick also mentions that their seasoning mix works well in an Instant Pot, with meals ready in approximately 60 minutes. The Orrington Farms seasoning includes specific instructions with additional ingredients like tomato paste and cider vinegar for a complete sauce.

Orrington Farms provides the most detailed recipe, requiring water, tomato paste, and cider vinegar to create a complete sauce. McCormick and Sauer’s don’t specify additional ingredients, but you might want to add your own BBQ sauce, onions, or other vegetables to enhance the flavor. All products require you to provide the pork itself.

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is the ideal cut for slow cooking as it has enough fat to stay moist and tender during the long cooking process. Look for a boneless shoulder with good marbling for the best results. A 3-4 pound shoulder typically serves 6-8 people when made into pulled pork.

For the most flavorful results, sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, and resist the urge to lift the lid too often as this releases heat and extends cooking time.

Pork is perfectly cooked for pulling when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F and is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. The meat should fall apart with minimal resistance. Let the pork rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

While these seasoning mixes are specifically formulated for pork, many can be adapted for other meats. The BBQ flavors would work well with beef brisket or chicken thighs. You may need to adjust cooking times based on the type and cut of meat you’re using, as different meats cook at different rates.