Top Tocino Brands to Savor: A Delicious Picks Guide

Tocino, a popular Filipino breakfast and pork dish, has captured the hearts and palates of many with its sweet and savory flavors. With a plethora of brands available, it can be overwhelming to pinpoint which ones truly stand out. From traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations to modern renditions offering unique twists, each brand brings its own distinct taste and quality to the table. For those eager to discover the best tocino brands out there, take a journey with us below.

Illustration of tocino

Best brands of tocino in 2025

Pampanga's Best

Pampanga's Best, Inc. is a multi-million meat processing corporation renowned for being the first and original tocino maker in the world. Founded in 1967, the company has evolved into a leading brand in the Filipino food industry, manufacturing eleven core products including tocino, hotdogs, and longaniza. Pampanga's Best has achieved the AAA Category, the highest level for a manufacturing plant, from the National Meat Inspection Service and has seen significant growth, with a 5% CAGR in the meat market between 2016 and 2021. The company's products are widely distributed through 32 exclusive distributors and major supermarkets, and it also exports to countries like Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. With a production capacity of 50 metric tons and a commitment to quality assurance, Pampanga's Best continues to innovate and expand its market presence.

CDO Foodsphere

CDO Foodsphere, founded in 1975 by Corazon Dayro Ong, is a renowned Philippine meat processing company celebrated for its high-quality tocino and other processed meat products. The company, headquartered in Valenzuela, Metro Manila, has expanded its product range over the years to include tocino, tapa, cheesedogs, bacon, chorizo, hams, and sausages, with a production capacity of up to 100 metric tons of assorted meat products daily. CDO Foodsphere's commitment to providing affordable and quality products has made it a staple in Filipino cuisine, with its products marketed under several brands including CDO, Bibbo, and Highlands. The company's growth is marked by significant milestones, such as the establishment of its first modern factory in 1990 and the launch of its online food delivery service in 2020. With an annual revenue of $318 million, CDO Foodsphere continues to be a leading player in the food production industry. For more detailed information about their offerings, visit their official website.

Purefoods

Purefoods, a brand under San Miguel Foods, Inc., is renowned for its high-quality tocino, a staple in Filipino cuisine. The company's agro-industrial revenues, which include poultry and fresh meats, rose by 5% annually from PHP 66 billion in 2013 to PHP 80.8 billion in 2017, reflecting the brand's strong market presence and consumer trust. Purefoods' tocino is part of its extensive range of processed meat products, which have seen significant growth due to favorable selling prices and expanded distribution channels. The brand's success is also attributed to its value-added products and successful market intensification strategies. Purefoods' tocino is known for its sweet, garlicky, and slightly peppery flavor, making it a favorite in many Filipino households.

Monterey

Monterey County, though not specifically known for producing tocino, is a leading agricultural region in the United States, renowned for its high productivity and diverse crop production. However, if we were to consider a brand like San Miguel, which is well-known for its meat products including tocino, it would be more accurate. San Miguel Foods, a prominent company in the Philippines, has a long history of producing high-quality meat products, including tocino, which is a staple in Filipino cuisine. San Miguel's tocino is made with careful attention to traditional recipes and ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and authentic product. The company has also expanded its product lines to include vegetarian options, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to quality.

Mekeni

Mekeni Food Corporation is renowned as one of the best producers of tocino, having expanded its reach globally, including the US market through its partnership with Island Pacific Supermarket. Established in 1986 by Felix and Medicia Garcia, Mekeni has grown to become a multi-awarded food company, recognized for its high-quality products and strict compliance with food safety regulations, such as being the first meat processing company in Asia and the second in the world to meet ISO 22000:2005 requirements. The company has received several accolades, including the Century International Quality ERA Award-Gold Category in 2012 and the International Arch of Europe Platinum Award in 2013. Mekeni's tocino, available in Classic Sweet and Tamis-Alat varieties, has been widely accepted by the Filipino community abroad, with stocks running low shortly after its introduction in the US market. This success underscores Mekeni's commitment to providing world-class quality and taste. For more information about the company, visit their official website about us page.

King Sue

King Sue is a renowned brand in the Philippines, celebrated for its high-quality meat products, particularly its traditional favorites like tocino. Founded in 1930 by Mr. Cu Un Kay, the company has diversified its product line over the years, including sausages, cold cuts, and other meat items. King Sue's products are GMP and HACCP certified, ensuring strict quality standards. The brand has been a staple in many Filipino households for nearly 90 years, with its products widely available in major supermarkets such as SM, Robinson's, and Puregold. In 2019, King Sue launched its Kaiser Deli Brand, catering to the high-end and health-conscious market. For delightful cooking secrets and family dishes by Chef Gene Gonzalez utilizing King Sue products, click here.

Del Monte

Del Monte, while renowned for its diverse product range, is not specifically highlighted as a leading producer of tocino. However, Del Monte is a prominent brand in the food industry, particularly known for its strong performance in categories such as canned vegetables, pineapple, and spaghetti sauce. In the third quarter of 2024, Del Monte reported a significant increase in net sales, driven by high demand for avocados and pineapples, with net sales reaching $1,019.5 million, a $16 million increase year-over-year. The brand also maintained its market leadership across core categories, including a 37.8% market share in spaghetti sauce and historic share levels in canned vegetables and pineapple during the Easter 2024 period.

Swift

Swift is a renowned brand, particularly in the Philippines, known for its high-quality and great-tasting canned meat products, including tocino. The brand, acquired by JBS in 2007, has strengthened its market presence through innovative business strategies and a comprehensive control system across its production chain. Swift offers a diverse portfolio of nearly 500 products, ensuring standardization and excellence in service. Its products are available in over 600 points of sale, including own stores, retail stores, and online platforms. Swift's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made it a benchmark brand in the frozen food and meat products industry.

Nena's

Nena's brand, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be inferred as a potential high-quality producer of tocino based on the general characteristics of good tocino. A good tocino, like those from reputable brands, typically contains a balanced macronutrient breakdown, such as 38% carbs, 13% fat, and 49% protein, making it a good source of protein (23% of your Daily Value). The use of natural ingredients like pineapple juice, sugar, garlic, and annatto powder to achieve the sweet and savory flavors is a hallmark of quality recipes. These ingredients help in tenderizing the meat and providing a natural reddish hue without artificial colors or nitrates. For a product that aligns with these standards, one would look for brands that emphasize natural ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Quirino

Quirino brand, though not specifically mentioned in the provided sources, is often recognized for its quality in Filipino cuisine, particularly in the production of tocino. However, based on the available information, Mekeni Food Corporation is a notable producer of tocino, offering variants like Classic Sweet and Tamis-Alat, which cater to different palates. Their products are widely available in markets such as ASEAN, ANZ, Middle East, and Africa, with a shelf life of 18 months. Mekeni's tocino is made from thinly sliced cured pork meat and is certified by the FDA-LTO/CPR. The company's attention to flavor and quality makes it a favorite among consumers.