Uncovering the Best Bacon for Keto Diet
What is the Best Bacon for Keto?
👉 The best bacon for keto diets should ideally be sugar-free and free from added carbs, as these can impact ketosis. Opt for uncured bacon as it typically has fewer additives and preservatives that could interfere with your keto goals.
Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple and a versatile ingredient in the keto diet. Its irresistible aroma and satisfying crunch make it a top choice for keto enthusiasts. But not all bacon is equal in maintaining ketosis and maximizing the benefits of this low-carb, high-fat lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll dissect the essential criteria for selecting the best bacon for keto. From examining the ingredients label to understanding the impact of processing methods, we leave no sizzle stone unturned.
Our insights will help you make informed choices to enhance your meal plans while satisfying your bacon cravings. Discover the best bacon for keto brands and varieties that deserve a prime place in your keto kitchen. Get ready to enjoy low-carb delight!
Table of Contents
- Is Bacon Keto?
- Types of Bacon for Keto
- How to Choose the Best Bacon for Keto
- Best Bacon for Keto Brands
- Best Bacon for Keto FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Is Bacon Keto-Friendly?
Although bacon may not typically be associated with diet food, it surprisingly aligns well with a keto diet plan. With its low-carb content and high levels of protein and fat, bacon makes for a delightful keto ingredient. You can eat bacon as a breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also incorporate it into your dinner to lend a burst of exquisite bacon flavor.
Adding bacon to your diet a few times a week can enhance the taste and nutritional value of your meals. But before consuming excessive amounts of bacon, remember that bacon quality can differ significantly. Balance your bacon consumption with other wholesome, low-carb foods such as vegetables and lean protein sources.
When following a keto diet, monitoring carbohydrate intake is crucial. Although the pork used for making bacon is naturally low in carbs, some manufacturers may add sugars during the curing process. Hence, it is vital to carefully read product labels to ensure you get sugar-free bacon from the best bacon brands.
Types of Bacon for Keto
Bacon is typically made from pork belly that is carefully cured in salt, sugar, and a blend of spices.
In addition to traditional pork bacon, you can now find delicious alternatives like turkey bacon and beef bacon. Although the curing and smoking process remains the same, each variation offers its own unique flavors and textures.
American Bacon: American bacon, also known as streaky bacon, belly bacon, or side bacon, consists of a thinly sliced pork belly. It is usually cured, smoked, and sold uncooked. American bacon adds a crispy and crunchy texture to various dishes.
Canadian Bacon: Also called peameal bacon or back bacon, this bacon is made from round slices of pork loin, which is a cut of meat from the pig’s middle back. It is cured and smoked, providing a leaner option compared to traditional bacon. It is commonly used in dishes like Eggs Benedict or a traditional English breakfast.
Guanciale: Guanciale is a type of preserved meat obtained from the pig’s jowl. This fatty portion of pork is seasoned with herbs and salt and undergoes a curing process for a minimum of three months. It is widely recognized in Italy for its savory, fatty, and indulgent taste, reminiscent of pancetta or bacon.
Pancetta: Pancetta is a seasoned and salt-cured meat taken from the pig’s underside. While retailers in Italy typically sell pancetta in thin slices, it is commonly found cubed in the US. Diced pancetta plays a vital role in carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish.
Uncured Bacon: This is a bacon variant devoid of artificial ingredients or sodium nitrates frequently found in regular bacon. However, it is important to note that uncured bacon may still contain naturally occurring nitrates from the seasonings used on the meat.
Turkey Bacon: Is turkey bacon keto? For those seeking a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, sugar-free turkey bacon is a viable choice. Made from ground turkey meat, it boasts lower fat and calorie content compared to its pork counterpart.
Vegan Bacon: Although not technically bacon due to being meat-free, vegan bacon offers a fantastic option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or simply seeking a healthier alternative. From soy-based tempeh and tofu to wheat-based seitan, strips of rice paper, or even coconut flakes, there is an array of options available that provide a delicious, bacony flavor.
How to Choose the Best Bacon for Keto
When selecting keto bacon, look beyond net carbs and protein. Take a moment to read ingredient labels and prioritize your health when shopping. Here are a few tips for choosing the best bacon for keto:
Choose Uncured Bacon
Traditional cured bacon contains sugar and preservatives like sodium nitrates and nitrites. On a ketogenic diet, it’s important to avoid sugars and limit nitrates/nitrites. That’s why uncured bacon is a popular and healthier choice.
The best bacon for keto is typically uncured and sugar-free as it relies on natural ingredients like cultured celery powder and sea salt for preservation, rather than using artificial additives. Enjoy the flavor and color without any artificial ingredients.
Opt for Smoked Bacon
Its rich, smoky flavor perfectly complements a variety of dishes. It aligns seamlessly with your healthy keto diet, provided you select the right kind.
When shopping for smoked bacon, look for naturally smoked options without any artificial flavoring. You’ll enjoy the same nutritional benefits as regular pork bacon while savoring that exquisite smoky taste that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Check the Ingredients
When choosing the best keto bacon, whether it’s cured or uncured, it’s crucial to carefully review the ingredient list on the package. Avoid brands that include sugars, maple syrup, honey, or cane sugar as part of their curing process.
Ideally, the ingredient list should only contain pork, salt, and natural curing agents, if applicable. Keep it simple and pure for the best choice.
Select Fattier Cuts
To optimize your keto diet, prioritize choosing bacon cuts with higher fat content and lower protein. Look for bacon sourced from fattier sections of the pig, such as pork belly.
Aim for a bacon option that offers a fat-to-protein ratio of 70/30 or 60/40. By doing so, you can incorporate more fat while enjoying the savory taste and benefits of bacon.
Best Bacon for Keto Brands
Looking for the best bacon for keto diets? Start with these recommended brands when shopping at your local grocery store or online.
Applegate Naturals Bacon
Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of delicious bacon without added sugar. Their bacon is sourced from humanely raised animals and is free of antibiotics, hormones, and artificial ingredients.
It does not marinate in sauce and comes in an 8-ounce pack. Each serving contains 5 grams of protein, 320 milligrams of sodium, and 6 grams of fat, making it a low-calorie option with about 70 calories per slice.
Pederson’s Natural Farms Hickory Smoked Bacon
Pederson’s Natural Farms Sugar-Free Bacon has no sugar or artificial flavors, just a delicious, natural taste. It’s gluten-free, lactose-free, and keto-friendly.
Smoked over natural wood chippings, with 30g of calories, 2g of fat, and 230mg of sodium per serving.
Naked Bacon Chipotle Bacon
Naked Bacon’s No Sugar Added Chipotle Bacon is a great alternative to your carb-loaded breakfast or lunch. With just 60 calories per 2 slices, 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, and 246 milligrams of sodium, it’s a healthy choice.
Made by hand in small batches using dry-cured pork belly, it has a unique smoky flavor and contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients. While it may not be the same crispy bacon from other brands, its taste more than makes up for it.
Epic Uncured Hickory Bacon Bits
Epic Bacon Bits have a hickory-smoked flavor without all the fat and calories. They’re gluten-free and keto-friendly with zero net carbs.
No nitrates or nitrites are added. And they only have 110mg of sodium per serving, less than other brands. Available in original and smoked flavors.
Burgers’ Smokehouse Cured Country Bacon
Burgers’ Smokehouse Cured Country Bacon is made with 100% pork and contains no added sugar or carbs, making it ideal for keto dieters. Plus, it’s dry-cured, with zero preservatives or artificial ingredients. It features natural flavors like hickory smoke and maple syrup.
Each slice provides 50 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fat. With just one piece per serving, you’ll feel satiated and stay on track with your Keto diet plan. It also meets the requirements of a low-sodium diet with 120 milligrams of sodium per slice.
Best Bacon for Keto FAQs
What Type of Keto Bacon is the Healthiest?
The healthiest type of keto bacon is usually uncured and made from high-quality pork without any added sugar. It’s best to choose bacon that is minimally processed and doesn’t contain artificial additives. For an even healthier choice, consider bacon from pasture-raised or organic pigs, as it may have higher nutrient content and better animal welfare standards.
How Many Slices of Bacon Can You Eat on Keto?
The amount of bacon you can eat on keto varies based on your goals and macronutrient intake. It also depends on the thickness of the bacon. Bacon generally comes in two slice varieties: thick cut and regular slices. Thick-sliced bacon is thicker than regular bacon, ranging from â…› to ÂĽ inch. Regular bacon has thinner cuts, around 1/16 of an inch.
Thick-cut bacon has a higher fat content, and a chewy texture, and requires a longer cooking time. It’s perfect for serving as a side dish with bacon slices. However, if you’re making a recipe like bacon-wrapped hotdogs, it’s better to use regular-cut bacon as it cooks more evenly.
For your reference, here’s the generic nutritional content of one cooked slice of sugar-free uncured bacon:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Final Thoughts
When choosing bacon for a keto diet, a few important factors come into play. To stay in ketosis and achieve your low-carb goals, it’s crucial to find bacon that is free of sugars and carbohydrates.
Select bacon with a high fat-to-protein ratio to meet your keto macros and feel satisfied and energized throughout the day. Opt for uncured bacon to avoid additives and preservatives that may interfere with your commitment to clean eating.
Our journey has unveiled the importance of reading labels, making informed choices, and understanding the nuances of bacon production methods. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the grocery store aisles, choosing the bacon that perfectly complements your keto diet.
Whether you prefer the classic smoky flavor, the richness of thick-cut varieties, or the convenience of pre-cooked options, the best bacon for keto is out there, waiting to sizzle its way into your low-carb delight.
When exploring culinary adventures, keep in mind that bacon is just one part of the keto puzzle. Combine it with other keto-friendly ingredients and recipes to create tasty, fulfilling meals that support your health and wellness goals.
Pair it with a spinach omelet or scrambled eggs & avocado for breakfast. Or, serve bacon bits over a light salad for lunch. Bacon is also a great addition to snacks or appetizers like these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Happy cooking!