Summary of The Best & Worst Bacon Brands, According to a Dietitian:
This article discusses the best and worst bacon brands to buy based on their nutritional content. The article recommends looking out for sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives when selecting bacon. The best brands include Pederson’s Natural Farms Organic Uncured Bacon, Aldi’s Never Any Uncured Bacon, Nature’s Rancher Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon, Boar’s Head Uncured Turkey Bacon, and Applegate Naturals Uncured Sunday Bacon. The worst brands to avoid include Jamestown Brand Sliced Bacon, Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, Great Value Naturally Hickory Smoked Thick-Sliced Bacon, Hormel Black Label Brown Sugar Bacon, and Kunzler Thick Cut Sliced Bacon. These brands are high in sodium, saturated fat, and contain preservatives such as sodium nitrite.
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How to Choose the Healthiest Bacon: The Best and Worst Bacon Brands
Bacon, the quintessential breakfast food, is a delicious guilty pleasure for many. However, most health professionals recommend limiting its consumption due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. Not all bacon is created equal, and there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the healthiest option.
Factors to Consider
1. Sodium: The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, with a preferential limit of 1,500 milligrams per day for optimal heart health. Look for brands with lower sodium content.
2. Saturated Fat: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends no more than 10% of your daily calories come from saturated fat. Look for brands with lower saturated fat content.
3. Preservatives: Nitrites, a preservative used in many bacon brands, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Consider selecting brands that are free from nitrites or contain only naturally occurring nitrites.
The Best Bacon Brands
1. Pederson’s Natural Farms Organic Uncured Bacon: This bacon is sourced from humanely raised animals and is free from nitrates, nitrites, MSG, gluten, and soy.
2. Aldi’s Never Any Uncured Bacon: This budget-friendly bacon is free from antibiotics, added hormones, and added sugars. It only contains naturally occurring nitrites and nitrates from sea salt and celery powder.
3. Nature’s Rancher Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon: This bacon is free from artificial preservatives and is Animal Welfare Certified.
4. Boar’s Head Uncured Turkey Bacon: This turkey bacon is lower in fat and sodium than traditional bacon and is made with high-quality ingredients.
5. Applegate Naturals Uncured Sunday Bacon: This 100% natural bacon is made with minimal ingredients, is casein and gluten-free, and is made with humanely raised pork with no antibiotics or GMO ingredients.
6. Smithfield All Natural Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon: This bacon is uncured, which means it isn’t preserved in nitrites and nitrates. It also ranks high for freshness and taste and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.
The Worst Bacon Brands
1. Jamestown Brand Sliced Bacon: This bacon contains both sodium nitrate and sodium phosphate, which are commonly used as preservatives. These additives significantly contribute to the sodium content of the bacon.
2. Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon: This bacon contains high amounts of sodium and is cured with salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, sodium ascorbate, and sodium nitrite.
3. Great Value Naturally Hickory Smoked Thick-Sliced Bacon: This bacon is a low-quality option with one of the highest amounts of sodium and saturated fat per serving.
4. Hormel Black Label Brown Sugar Bacon: This bacon contains added sugars and high amounts of sodium and saturated fat.
5. Kunzler Thick Cut Sliced Bacon: This bacon is high in sodium, with one slice providing over 20% of the daily value for sodium.
Conclusion
When selecting bacon, it’s essential to take into account its sodium, saturated fat, and preservative content. Opt for brands with lower sodium and saturated fat content and avoid brands with preservatives such as nitrites. Consider selecting bacon brands that are humanely raised, free from antibiotics and added hormones, and certified by animal welfare organizations. As with any food, moderation is key, and consuming bacon in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
