Bringing Home the (Healthiest) Bacon

Bacon often gets a bad rap, and it's understandable why. Let's face it - it's a highly caloric food with a bunch of salt. (Delicious, delicious calories and salt...😅) And while we're not advocating that even the highest-quality bacon should be part of your every-day diet, there ARE measures you can take to get something that's tasty and relatively healthy. 

Consideration #1

This almost goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway: Opt for bacon that's uncured, organic, and from an animal never treated with antibiotics. The last thing you want is bacon that's chock-full of artificial nitrates, preservatives, and whatever residual antibiotics may have been administered. 

Bacon Buyers Often Ask... "Doesn't 'natural, uncured, organic' bacon still have nitrates in it?" Yes, this is true. However, the uncured, organic types contain nitrates that naturally occur in the celery used in the bacon's processing. Again, bacon's not something to eat for three squares a day, but I know I'd rather have nitrates from celery over nitrates from a lab! 

Consideration #2

Bacon can contain different kinds of fat, and these various types can make a big difference in an item's "health score". So, what's the healthy fat bacon can potentially contain, and how do you find it in the store? 

The Different Types of Fat in Bacon

Bacon contains three main types of fat: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and saturated fat. Each of these fats has different effects on your body. While all fats provide energy, some are healthier than others. The best kind of fat to look for in bacon is monounsaturated fat.

Monounsaturated fats are often called “good fats” because they come with a bunch of health benefits. These are the same fats you’ll find in olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Research shows that monounsaturated fats can:

• Lower bad cholesterol (LDL), which helps protect your heart.
• Reduce inflammation in your body, which is linked to a lower risk of many diseases.
• Provide a good dose of vitamin E, which supports healthy skin, eyes, and your immune system.

On the other hand, polyunsaturated fats and saturated fats, while not necessarily bad in small amounts, don’t offer the same benefits as monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats, in particular, are best eaten in moderation because they’re linked to higher cholesterol levels and heart disease if consumed in excess.

How to Choose Healthier Bacon

So, how can you find bacon that’s higher in monounsaturated fats? It’s easier than you might think! Look for bacon with long, thick strips of fat. This might seem surprising, but those big fat strips tend to contain more monounsaturated fats compared to thinner, leaner cuts.

Here are a few tips when shopping for healthier bacon:

1. Look at the fat marbling: Choose bacon that has visible, even layers of fat running through it.
2. Go for higher-quality bacon: Bacon from pasture-raised or free-range pigs is often higher in healthier fats. These pigs eat a more natural diet, which affects the fat content of the meat.
3. Check the label: Some brands may include information about the fat content on the packaging. If you’re unsure, you can also look for bacon from heritage pork breeds, which often have a better balance of fats.

A Word About Moderation

Even with its healthy fat potential, bacon should still be enjoyed in moderation. It’s a processed meat, which means it’s often high in salt and preservatives. Eating too much can lead to other health concerns, like high blood pressure. Pair bacon with healthier options, like eggs, avocado, or whole-grain toast, to balance out your meal.

By choosing bacon with more monounsaturated fats and eating it occasionally, you can enjoy this tasty treat while making a smarter, more health-conscious choice!

🥓 Serving Up Bacon Dishes

Now that you know how to choose the best bacon, it's time to cook some bacon-based recipes! Allow us to suggest a few:

• Bacon Apple Toasty - A delicious, high-end grilled cheese (homemade tomato soup recipe included!)
• Cobb Salad - Classics are classics for a reason. Big Horn's take on the famous salad stands among the best!
• Bacon and Asparagus Frittata - Bacon + Eggs + Asparagus = A breakfast / brunch for the ages