Is there anything better than bacon? Nothing is as salty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying as a crispy strip served hot.
But not all bacon is created equal—and there are so many options to choose from. Cured vs. uncured bacon. Thin-sliced vs. thick-sliced bacon. Smoked vs. unsmoked bacon. The list goes on and on.
In this guide, we’re exploring the different types of bacon so that you can choose a quality option that you and your family will love.
Sourcing & Processing
As with all food, quality begins at the source. Where bacon comes from, how it’s made, and the standards of the company all play a role in the finished product.
It’s not always easy to find answers to these questions. Thankfully, if you know what to look for, you can find responsibly sourced and processed bacon.
Here’s what you’re after.
Humanely Raised Animals
For most people, bacon comes from the supermarket. But in reality, bacon comes from animals (usually pigs, but you can also find turkey bacon, chicken bacon, and more).
When those animals are responsibly raised, everyone wins. Not only are well-raised animals happier throughout their lives, but the resulting product actually tastes better.
That’s right: Meat from stressed animals doesn’t taste as good as meat from cared-for animals.
With that in mind, it’s worth seeking companies that raise their animals humanely. Ideally, farms should be:
- Stress-free
- Family-owned
- Optimized for outdoor grazing
A Natural Diet
You know that saying, “You are what you eat?” Well, it’s true: An animal’s diet impacts the quality of the finished product.
At some farms, animals are fed the by-products of other animals—food that’s nothing like their natural diet. They may also receive growth hormones and antibiotics.
Humane farms, on the other hand, understand that less is more. For instance, at Wellshire, we feed our animals a natural, fully vegetarian diet featuring healthy grains. It’s what animals prefer—and their bacon is all the better for it.
No Added Nitrates or Nitrites
When it’s time to make bacon, many producers will add nitrate (NO3) and/or nitrite (NO2) to their product. In theory, there are a few reasons companies use these compounds:
- They limit the growth of harmful bacteria
- They keep the meat an appealing pink color
- They contribute a salty, succulent taste
However, there’s a problem: While humans need some nitrates and nitrates to thrive, too many may lead to health risks.
That’s why it’s worth avoiding bacon with added nitrates and nitrites.
Deciding Between Uncured and Cured Bacon
Luckily, it’s easy to find out if your bacon has added nitrates and nitrites. You just have to understand the difference between uncured and cured meats.
Cured Bacon
Most modern bacon is “cured.” The curing process involves adding chemical curing agents to the meat as preservatives. These synthetic preservatives help extend the bacon’s shelf life.
Curing may be the norm, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.
Uncured Bacon
Bacon labeled as “uncured” contains no synthetic additives. Uncured meats replace the chemical curing agents with naturally nitrate-rich alternatives, like celery powder or sea salt.
It’s important to note that uncured bacon is not less “safe” than its cured counterpart. Uncured bacon simply relies on plant-based ingredients for preservation and flavor.
Ultimately, uncured bacon is more natural than cured bacon, making it the more appealing choice.
Smoked or No?
This one comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the complex, slightly sweet flavor of applewood smoked bacon, while others like the milder taste of unsmoked meat.
Thick-Sliced or Thin-Sliced?
Again, this choice is mostly about personal preference, though your recipe may influence your decision.
Thin bacon can cook up crispier, so it’s ideal if you want a bit of texture. Meanwhile, thick-sliced bacon has a more substantial and chewy mouthfeel.
Best Uses for Bacon
Once you’ve picked up the perfect package of bacon, there’s only one thing left to do: eat!
If you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in luck—we’ve put together some mouth-watering ideas.
Bacon at Breakfast
Bacon is the undeniable star of any morning meal. You can always eat it as-is alongside French toast or eggs, but you could also:
- Add it to a breakfast sandwich
- Chop it into a hash or omelet
- Bake it into a scone or muffin
- Layer it into a frittata or quiche
- Candy it for a sweet-meets-savory punch (it goes great with waffles)
Bacon-Forward Meals
Outside of breakfast hours, bacon still shines. Some of the tastiest anytime meals for bacon include:
- Perogies with bacon, sour cream, and chives
- A classic BLT
- Corn chowder with bacon, potatoes, cream, and dill
- Bacon cheeseburgers
- Carbonara (untraditional but delicious)
- Fried rice with bacon
- Chicken and bacon Caesar salad
Want Better Bacon? Choose Wellshire.
When you’re shopping for bacon, quality matters. That’s because natural, humanely raised meats taste better, and they make whatever they’re in taste better, too.
At Wellshire, we keep ingredients and additives to a minimum, focusing instead on flavorful, high-quality meat.
So, the next time you’re in charge of “bringing home the bacon,” bring Wellshire’s uncured bacon into your home. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health. Stress at Slaughter: A Key Factor in the Determination of Meat Quality? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048467/
National Institutes of Health. Nitrites in Cured Meats, Health Risk Issues, Alternatives to Nitrites: A Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654915/
WebMD. Foods High in Nitrates. https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-nitrates
