How Much Phosphorus is in Bacon?

Bacon is a favorite food for many, adding delicious flavor and crunch to everything from breakfast sandwiches to burgers. But for those with chronic kidney disease, excess phosphorus can be damaging. In this article, we’ll analyze the phosphorus content of different types and servings of bacon to understand how it fits into a kidney-friendly diet.

Why Phosphorus Matters with Kidney Disease

First, let’s briefly cover why monitoring phosphorus intake is important for kidney health. Phosphorus is a mineral that plays crucial roles like:

• Building strong bones and teeth
• Making new cells
• Supporting muscle function
• Maintaining acid-base balance

Healthy kidneys filter excess phosphorus out of the blood. But when kidneys are damaged, phosphorus can build up. High blood phosphorus further damages kidneys and increases risk of cardiovascular disease.

Therefore, limiting dietary phosphorus is critical to prevent complications. Understanding how much phosphorus is in bacon can help determine if and how it fits into your kidney diet.

Phosphorus Content by Type of Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to phosphorus content. Here’s an overview of how much phosphorus is typically in 2-3 slices of popular bacon varieties

• Pork bacon: 30-40% of the daily limit
• Turkey bacon: 20-30% of the daily limit
• Canadian bacon: 25-35% of the daily limit

Pork bacon tends to be highest in phosphorus, with just 2-3 slices providing almost half the daily phosphorus limit for kidney disease. Turkey and Canadian bacon are slightly lower.

However, bacon is generally in the “medium” phosphorus food category for kidney diets. It’s not as high as organ meats or processed deli meats, but not as low as plant proteins or egg whites. Moderation is key.

Phosphorus Content by Serving Size

In addition to choosing leaner bacon types, watching your portion size can help manage phosphorus intake. Here’s how the phosphorus adds up for different serving sizes of pan-fried pork bacon:

• 1 slice: 15% daily value
• 2 slices: 30% daily value
• 3 slices: 40% daily value
• 4 slices: 55% daily value

As shown, the more slices consumed, the higher the percentage of your total recommended daily phosphorus max Sticking to 1-2 slices per meal is ideal to keep levels in check.

Watch for Phosphate Additives

When buying bacon, it’s also crucial to read ingredient labels carefully to avoid phosphate additives. Phosphates like sodium tripolyphosphate are commonly added to cured and processed meats as preservatives.

While naturally occurring phosphorus in protein foods is only about 40% absorbable by the body, phosphorus from food additives is nearly 100% absorbed. Just a small amount of phosphates can throw off phosphorus levels.

Homemade or additive-free bacon is best for limiting excess phosphates. Look for brands listing only ingredients like pork, water, sea salt, sugar, etc.

Healthier Ways to Get Bacon Flavor

For those with advanced kidney disease, bacon may need to be avoided completely due to the medium-high phosphorus content. However, there are still ways to enjoy the bacon taste without overdoing phosphorus:

• Add small bacon bits or drippings as a flavoring to vegetables, salads, etc.

• Use a bacon seasoning blend to add smoky flavor without the meat.

• Make a bacon vinaigrette dressing with a touch of bacon fat infused in vinegar.

• Opt for turkey or veggie bacon 1-2 times per week as a lower phosphorus option.

• Sauté mushrooms, Brussels sprouts or onions in bacon grease for flavor.

The key is utilizing bacon as an accent flavor, not the main protein source. This allows you to get the taste without excessive phosphorus intake.

Best Low Phosphorus Proteins

To keep phosphorus low while still getting adequate protein, focus on these low phosphorus options:

• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and nut butters
• Eggs whites
• Non-dairy milk
• Tofu
• Seeds

Plant proteins are ideal since only about 40% of their phosphorus is absorbed, versus over 90% for animal proteins like bacon. However, even meats like chicken, fish and shrimp can be lower phosphorus options when enjoyed in balance.

Tips for Including Bacon in a Kidney Diet

Bacon can be part of a kidney-friendly diet in moderation by following these tips:

• Choose uncured bacon with no phosphorus additives
• Limit to 1-2 slices max per serving
• Balance with low phosphorus foods at same meal
• Avoid using bacon as your sole protein source
• Look for lower phosphorus turkey or Canadian bacon
• Crumble bacon as a flavoring instead of eating strips

Monitoring portions, phosphorus additives and pairing with veggies and plant proteins are keys for keeping bacon in balance.

The Bottom Line

While delicious, bacon is moderately high in phosphorus, with 2-3 slices providing 30-40% of the daily limit for those with kidney disease. Sticking to just 1-2 slices at a time, avoiding phosphate additives and balancing with low phosphorus foods can help incorporate bacon as part of a kidney-friendly diet. Rely on plant proteins as your core sources of phosphorus-free protein. With smart moderation, bacon can still have an occasional place on the menu.