Pork Roll

Pork roll (called Taylor Ham in North Jersey) is a processed pork product that is a breakfast staple in the Philadelphia and New Jersey region. The distinctive tangy, slightly salty flavor and the caramelized edges*** when grilled make pork roll a beloved regional food. While manufactured in Trenton, New Jersey, pork roll is deeply embedded in Philadelphia breakfast culture, served at diners throughout the city and essential to the "pork roll, egg, and cheese" sandwich. The name debate—pork roll vs. Taylor Ham—is one of the region's most contentious food arguments.

History

Origins

John Taylor*** of Trenton, New Jersey created pork roll in 1856:

Development:

• Originally called Taylor's Prepared Ham***
• Marketing changed due to regulations
• Became known as pork roll (officially)
• Taylor is original and most famous brand

Pure Food and Drug Act

The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906*** forced a name change:

• Couldn't be called "ham" (not meeting ham standards)
• Renamed pork roll***
• Taylor company kept "Taylor" in branding
• Dual naming emerged

Spread to Philadelphia

Pork roll became essential to Philadelphia:

• Breakfast diners*** adopted it
• ***Deli standard***
• Cross-river tradition
• Regional identity food

What Is Pork Roll?

Composition

Ingredients:

• Ground pork
• Salt
• Sugar
• Spices
• Preservatives (sodium nitrate)

Characteristics:

• Tangy, savory flavor
• Slightly salty
• Dense texture
• Distinctive taste

Preparation

How to cook:*** 1. Slice rounds from the roll 2. Cut slits around edges (prevents curling) 3. Grill or pan-fry 4. Cook until edges caramelize

The slit cuts*** are essential—without them, the slice cups up.

The Taste

Flavor profile:

• Tangy (the defining characteristic)
• Salty
• Slightly smoky
• Rich, porky

Different from ham, bologna, or other deli meats.

The Name Debate

Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham

One of the region's great debates:

Geographic divide:

• South Jersey / Philadelphia:*** PORK ROLL
• North Jersey:*** TAYLOR HAM

Arguments:

• Pork roll supporters:*** That's the official product name
• Taylor Ham supporters:*** Taylor invented it; honor the creator

The Truth

Officially:***

• The product is labeled ***pork roll***
• ***Taylor*** is a brand name
• Other brands exist (Case's, generic)
• Taylor pork roll is the most popular brand

Why It Matters

The debate reflects:

• Regional identity
• North Jersey vs. South Jersey rivalry
• Cultural markers
• Strong opinions about food names

How to Eat Pork Roll

The Classic Sandwich

Pork roll, egg, and cheese:***

Components:

• Grilled pork roll*** (2-3 slices)
• Fried egg*** (over medium or hard)
• ***American cheese*** (melted)
• Roll*** (Kaiser roll or similar)
• Salt, pepper, ketchup*** optional

The "PEC" sandwich is a Philadelphia and Jersey breakfast staple.

Breakfast Plate

Diner style:***

• Pork roll with eggs
• Toast or potatoes
• Breakfast meat option alongside bacon and sausage

Other Uses

Variations:***

• With pancakes (instead of bacon)
• Diced in omelets
• On breakfast pizza
• In breakfast burritos

Where to Get Pork Roll

Diners

Essential availability:***

• Every Philadelphia diner serves it
• Jersey Shore diners
• Suburban breakfast spots
• Regional chains

Grocery Stores

Retail:***

• Taylor brand (most popular)
• Case's brand
• Store brands
• Found in deli section

Delis and Convenience Stores

Quick access:***

• Wawa sells pork roll sandwiches
• Local delis
• Convenience stores in the region

Regional Identity

Philadelphia Breakfast

Pork roll is standard in Philadelphia:

• Diner breakfast essential
• Neighborhood delis serve it
• Part of food culture
• Expected availability

New Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore tradition:***

• Essential shore breakfast
• Every boardwalk and diner
• Summer vacation staple
• Memory food

Geographic Limits

Where it's known:***

• Philadelphia region
• New Jersey
• Parts of Delaware
• Eastern Pennsylvania
• ***Essentially unknown elsewhere***

People relocating from the region miss pork roll.

Brands

Taylor

The original and dominant:***

• Most recognized
• Original creator
• Premium positioning
• "The real thing"

Case's

Competitor:***

• Second most popular
• Similar product
• Some prefer it
• Lower price sometimes

Store Brands

Generic options:***

• Available at supermarkets
• Lower cost
• Variable quality

Cultural Significance

Regional Marker

Pork roll identifies you:

• Know it = from the region
• Don't know it = from elsewhere
• Preference for brand/name = specific location

The Argument

The name debate is:

• Source of entertainment
• Regional bonding
• Identity marker
• Endless discussion

Food Heritage

Represents:

• Mid-Atlantic food traditions
• Breakfast culture
• Working-class food
• Regional pride

Tips for First-Timers

Recommendations:***

• Order at a diner (proper preparation)
• Get the "pork roll, egg, and cheese"
• Ask for it on a Kaiser roll
• Try ketchup if you like sweet/savory

What to expect:***

• Tangy, salty flavor
• Crispy edges
• Dense meat texture
• Addictive quality

See Also

• Philadelphia Food Culture
• Scrapple
• Reading Terminal Market