Pulled pork doesn’t get easier—or tastier—than this. Just toss a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and by the end of the day, you’ve got tender, juicy pork that falls apart with a fork. The secret? A can of Coca-Cola. It helps break down the meat and gives it a sweet, tangy flavor that’s hard to beat.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made this pulled pork more times than I can count. It’s one of those recipes that never fails—easy enough for a weekday, good enough for a party. I love how the slow cooker does all the work and makes the house smell amazing.
- Only 5 main ingredients
- Just dump and go—perfect for busy days
- Always a hit at potlucks and BBQs
- Great for sandwiches, nachos, or even pizza
- Freezer-friendly for later meals
🍽️ Servings & Time
Makes: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acidity in the Coca-Cola helps tenderize the pork as it cooks. Plus, the sugar caramelizes and adds a rich, sweet flavor. The long, slow cooking time breaks down tough meat fibers, turning pork shoulder into fork-tender perfection.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), boneless
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (not diet!)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pro Tips
- Trim excess fat from the pork before cooking, but don’t go overboard—you want some fat for flavor.
- Use a good BBQ sauce—the flavor really shines through.
- Shred with two forks or use a hand mixer on low for faster shredding.
- Let it rest in its juices after shredding to soak up more flavor.
- Double it up and freeze half for an easy dinner later.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Tongs
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Small bowls for spices
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Coca-Cola for root beer or Dr Pepper
- Use chicken thighs for a leaner version
- Add a dash of liquid smoke for smokiness
- Stir in crushed pineapple for a Hawaiian twist
- Go spicy with a chipotle BBQ sauce
Make Ahead Tips
- Prep everything the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert. In the morning, just pop it into the cooker and start.
- Shredded pork can be stored in its juices in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Make Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Pulled Pork
Step 1: Season and Place the Pork in the Slow Cooker
Rub salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over the pork shoulder, then place it right into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Coca-Cola and BBQ Sauce
Pour Coca-Cola and BBQ sauce over the pork.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the pork is very tender.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return it to the juices in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Mix It Back Into the Sauce
Stir the shredded pork back into the slow cooker so it soaks up all that sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 6: Plate It Up and Enjoy
Scoop a generous pile of that saucy, tender pulled pork onto a soft brioche bun (or your favorite bread), spoon on some coleslaw or pickles if you like, and serve it warm. It’s comfort food at its best.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portions with the sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of extra BBQ sauce or Coke to keep it moist.
🧠 Common Mistakes
- Using diet soda—It doesn’t caramelize the same way.
- Too much fat—Trim big chunks off the pork before cooking.
- Not shredding right away—It’s easiest while the pork is still hot.
- Overcooking—It’s hard, but not impossible! Don’t go beyond 10 hours.
🥗 What to Serve With
- Brioche buns or slider rolls
- Classic coleslaw
- Pickles or pickled red onions
- Cornbread or potato salad
- Baked beans or mac and cheese
🍴 Meal Plan Ideas
- Day 1: Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw
- Day 2: Pulled pork nachos with cheese and jalapeños
- Day 3: Pulled pork quesadillas or tacos
- Freeze extra: Save for a busy night down the road
❓ FAQ
Can I use a pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
You can, but it won’t be as tender or juicy. Shoulder has more fat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully.
Do I need to brown the meat first?
Nope! Straight into the slow cooker. Easy.
Can I cook it overnight?
Yes! Set it on low before bed and wake up to a delicious smell.
What if I don’t have Coke?
Try root beer, Dr Pepper, or even ginger ale in a pinch.
👋 Wrap-Up
There you go—tender, saucy Coca-Cola pulled pork with almost no effort. This one’s perfect for meal prep, parties, or any night you want something comforting and flavorful. Give it a try, then drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out or ask any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
