Coast Packing Company, recognized as the foremost supplier of animal fat shortenings across the Western United States, is excited to announce the launch of its 9th Annual LardLovers Recipe Contest. This event not only celebrates National Lard Day, observed on December 8, but also pays homage to traditional culinary practices with a twist. This year's focus, "Taste of Tradition – Heritage Recipes Reimagined," encourages participants to delve into their cultural backgrounds and family traditions, reimagining beloved recipes through the incorporation of real lard.
The contest takes place between November 18 and December 8, 2025. Participants, including home cooks, bakers, and culinary professionals, are invited to submit inventive recipes that highlight the incredible versatility and flavor of lard as a key ingredient. Greg Hozinski, Corporate Chef at Coast Packing, passionately states, "For nearly a decade, the LardLovers Recipe Contest has proven that recipes carry significant historical and cultural narratives. Each pie crust and tamale tells the story of our past, and this year, we aim to inspire a fresh wave of creativity that honors those legacies."
In its ninth iteration, the LardLovers Recipe Contest promotes a renaissance of real, natural fats in American kitchens. As lard gains renewed recognition for its heritage, sustainability, and exceptional taste, participants are tasked with creating dishes that resonate with authenticity. Recipes will be evaluated based on criteria such as flavor, creativity, the effective use of lard, and visual appeal.
The competition will feature two distinct categories: Sweet and Savory. Winners in each category will be awarded premium kitchen prizes crafted specifically for enthusiastic home cooks:
- - Sweet Category Prizes: 1st Prize: KitchenAid® Porcelain Artisan Stand Mixer ($750 MSRP) and 2nd Prize: Lancaster No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet ($225 MSRP).
- - Savory Category Prizes: 1st Prize: Heritage Steel 8-Piece Core Set ($650 MSRP) and 2nd Prize: Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven ($336 MSRP).
To participate, entrants must submit their creations through the contest website during the designated timeframe, including a recipe title, full ingredient list, detailed instructions, and photographs of the final dish. An optional essay is also encouraged, detailing how the contestant has modernized their traditional recipe using lard.
Important dates for participants to consider:
- - Launch of Contest: November 18, 2025.
- - Closing of Entries: December 8, 2025.
- - Judging Period: December 9-11, 2025.
- - Winners Announcement: Expected around December 12, 2025.
Coast Packing Company, founded in 1922, continues to lead as the primary supplier of animal fat shortenings, fostering a commitment to quality and innovation in the food industry. As the culinary landscape shifts towards embracing healthier, more sustainable options, Coast Packing remains dedicated to blending traditional values with modern needs. To explore entry details, including complete contest rules and past winning recipes, visit
Coast Packing's LardLovers contest page. Celebrate your culinary heritage and embrace the flavor of lard in your kitchen today!