What's the Healthiest Bacon?

The Short Answer

The healthiest bacon is Pederson's Natural Farms No Sugar Added Hickory Smoked Bacon.

It is one of the rare brands that is sugar-free and avoids both synthetic nitrates and celery powder (a hidden source of nitrates). Instead, it uses pomegranate and citrus extracts for preservation.

If you can't find Pederson's, Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon is the best widely available alternative. It is sugar-free and sourced from humanely raised pork, though it does use celery powder for curing.

Why This Matters

Bacon is a processed meat. The World Health Organization classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, largely due to nitrates and nitrites. When cooked at high heat (like frying bacon), these compounds can convert into nitrosamines, which are linked to colorectal cancer. Does Bacon Cause Cancer

The "Uncured" Trap. Most natural brands label their bacon "Uncured" or "No Nitrates Added." This is legally true but chemically misleading. They typically use cultured celery powder, which is naturally high in nitrates. When you cook it, your body treats these "natural" nitrates exactly the same as the synthetic pink curing salt in cheap bacon. Uncured Vs Cured Bacon

Sugar is standard. Traditional curing involves salt and sugar (usually brown sugar or maple syrup). While delicious, this adds unnecessary sugar to your breakfast. The healthiest options remove the sugar entirely without sacrificing the smoky flavor.

What's Actually In Bacon

A standard "healthy" bacon label usually looks like this:

• Pork — Ideally "Pasture-Raised" or "Certified Humane." Conventional pork is often raised in gestation crates with antibiotics. Is Bacon Bad
• Water — Used to distribute the curing solution.
• Sea Salt — Essential for curing and preservation.
• Cultured Celery Powder — The "natural" nitrate source. High in naturally occurring nitrates that convert to nitrites.
• Sugar/Cane Sugar/Maple Syrup — Added for flavor and caramelization. Best to avoid for strict health goals.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "No Sugar" / "Sugar-Free" — Crucial for Keto/Whole30 and minimizing inflammation.
• "No Celery Powder" — Rare, but the gold standard (e.g., Pederson's).
• "Pasture-Raised" — Pigs raised outdoors have higher Vitamin D and better omega-3 ratios.
• "Certified Humane" / "GAP Step Rated" — Third-party verification of animal welfare (not just marketing fluff).

Red Flags:

• Sodium Phosphate — A texture additive often found in lower-quality brands (like Hormel Black Label).
• "Smoke Flavor" — Liquid smoke is okay, but real wood smoking is better for flavor and quality.
• Nitrate/Nitrite — Specifically "Sodium Nitrite" on the label indicates synthetic curing.

The Best Options

We prioritized brands that are sugar-free and have high animal welfare standards.

The Bottom Line

1. Buy Pederson's if you can find it. It's the cleanest formulation on the market.

2. Choose "No Sugar" versions of brands like Applegate or North Country Smokehouse for a solid supermarket option.

3. Cook it gently. Burning bacon increases the formation of harmful nitrosamines. Cook it until just crisp, not charred.

4. Eat it with antioxidants. Vitamin C helps inhibit nitrosamine formation. Drink some orange juice or eat berries with your bacon.

FAQ

Is "uncured" bacon actually nitrate-free?

No. "Uncured" simply means no synthetic nitrates were added. Instead, manufacturers use celery powder, which is naturally high in nitrates. Your body processes these nitrates similarly to the synthetic kind. Uncured Vs Cured Bacon

Does turkey bacon have fewer nitrates?

Usually not. Turkey bacon is processed similarly to pork bacon and often contains more fillers and sodium to compensate for the lower fat content. Unless specified, it contains the same nitrates (natural or synthetic). Pork Vs Turkey Sausage

Is bacon Keto/Whole30 compliant?

Only if it's sugar-free. Most standard bacon is cured with sugar or maple syrup. You must look for specific "No Sugar" labels to be compliant with strict Keto or Whole30 protocols.

What about "side pork"?

Side pork is essentially uncured bacon. It is pork belly that has not been cured or smoked at all. It tastes like pork roast, not ham. It is the only truly nitrate-free option besides brands like Naked Bacon.

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10. 10. ncsmokehouse.com
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12. 12. misfitsmarket.com