Choosing the Best Pellets

So you have a pellet smoker. But now what type of pellets should you use? Let's talk about what pellets work the best with what types of food.

First, what kind of pellets?

Well, if you have a Traeger you should use Traeger brand pellets. But if you are using a different brand just make sure they are 100% natural hardwood and food grade. Emphasis on the food grade. There are heating pellets out there for home heating. Though the price tag on heating pellets may look better they are NOT food grade! Make sure you are reading what you are buying on the bag of pellets.

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Now Flavor!

In a previous post I had mentioned some people don’t like that smokey flavor. I know what they are referring too. Sometimes you get some BBQ and that smokey flavor really smacks you! But that isn’t exactly the flavor you want when you have a fish on your smoker or maybe even baked goods.

Alder

This is what you want for very little smoke flavor. If someone tells me, they don’t like the way smoked food tastes this Alder is my go to when trying to convince them otherwise. Especially because this is the versatile flavor. It goes with every kind of meat, baked good or vegetable you can think of!

Apple

This is my second favorite flavor. You want to use this for a light fruity smoked flavor. Use this on chicken, pork, for baked goods and vegetables. Imagine an apple pie with a smokey apple flaver. Yum!

Cherry

This flavor is another great, versatile flavor. This will have a bit of a stronger smokey flavor than Alder with a little sweet touch but is once again great for everything. I know I don’t like cherry flavored foods, but this pellet is definitely worth a try. I promise your pork belly won’t taste like a cherry.

Hickory

This is a great pellet for a more traditional barbeque flavor. This is usually the go to flavor when you think of barbeque. So, it is good to use with traditional barbeque meats. Beef, poultry, pork, lamb, and vegetables.

Maple

Think of this flavor as you would a maple bacon or maple sausage. A mild smokey flavor with a bit of sweet makes doing beef, pork, vegetables, and definitely baked goods ideal with this flavor. A maple pork burnt end? Yes please!

Mesquite

My love for the mesquite flavor makes it my absolute favorite to use. A robust smoky flavor and amazing taste. This gives you that smoky taste I love. With that being said use this one with beef. It is good with chicken and fish too, but this flavor mixed with beef will make you fall in love.

Oak

This is a great middle ground smoky flavor. Stronger than your apple but not quite at the level of hickory or mesquite. Great for beef, poultry, fish, baked goods and vegetables. This is a great starter pellet flavor to really give you a good idea if you want to go less smoky or more.

Pecan

Another great all-around flavor. If you are making a pecan pie and want to make it next level good this is the way to go. Good with everything but would pass on using it with fish. It gives a nice nutty sweet touch which is why it is my go-to for baking!

Premium Blends

You may see a Signature blend or Reserve blend available at your store. I absolutely love these blends. Great for the person who can’t decide what flavor is right for them. If you know like the hickory, maple, and cherry the Signature blend is for you. Gives a bold smoky flavor with a little sweet. Is apple and cherry your go to? Then reserve is right for you! These are a lot of fun and can be used with any meats.