Is Butterball Turkey Bacon Actually Healthy? Examining the Facts

Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon perceived as a healthier choice by many. Butterball is one of the most well-known brands of turkey bacon. But does swapping regular bacon for Butterball turkey bacon really make your breakfast healthier?

In this article, we’ll analyze the nutrition facts and ingredients behind Butterball turkey bacon to see if it truly deserves its reputation as a healthy bacon option.

Why Do People Think Turkey Bacon is Healthier?

First let’s look at why turkey bacon is considered a healthier choice compared to pork bacon in the first place

• Lower in fat and calories than pork bacon
• Contains less saturated fat than pork bacon
• No actual bacon fat from pork
• Perceived as more natural and less processed
• Made from lean turkey meat instead of fatty pork belly
• Contains fewer preservatives like sodium nitrite

These factors have led to the common belief that turkey bacon like Butterball is the sensible nutrition-conscious choice over regular pork bacon. But is that really true when we dig deeper?

Examining Butterball Turkey Bacon Nutrition Facts

To determine how healthy Butterball turkey bacon really is, we need to look at its detailed nutrition information.

Here are some key stats per 1 slice (14g) serving

• 30 calories
• 2g protein
• 0.5g saturated fat
• 135mg sodium
• 10mg cholesterol

So far, the numbers look decent. Now let’s compare to regular pork bacon stats:

• Pork bacon (per slice): 41 calories, 3g protein, 1.7g saturated fat, 190mg sodium, 13mg cholesterol

Butterball turkey bacon is lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol compared to pork bacon. However, it’s still high in sodium at nearly 10% of the daily recommended value.

Questionable Ingredients in Butterball Turkey Bacon

When it comes to ingredients, Butterball turkey bacon contains:

• Mechanically separated turkey
• Turkey
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil
• Natural flavor
• Sodium phosphate
• Potassium acetate
• Sodium nitrite

The use of mechanically separated turkey and added sodium nitrite raises some health concerns:

• Mechanically separated turkey may contain more fat and bacteria vs. cut turkey
• Sodium nitrite is considered a carcinogen when consumed in high amounts

Furthermore, the addition of sugars and oils indicates Butterball turkey bacon is not 100% natural turkey meat.

The Verdict: Is Butterball Turkey Bacon Healthy?

Given the nutrition stats and ingredients analysis, here’s the final verdict on Butterball turkey bacon:

Butterball turkey bacon is healthier than pork bacon, but it’s still a processed meat product high in sodium and questionable ingredients.

The pros of Butterball turkey bacon are:

• Fewer calories and less saturated fat than pork bacon
• Lower cholesterol levels compared to pork
• Provides lean protein from turkey meat

However, the cons are:

• Still high in sodium
• Contains potentially harmful added nitrites
• Uses mechanically separated turkey
• Includes added sugars and oils

Therefore, while Butterball turkey bacon beats regular pork bacon on some nutrition metrics, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet due to the cons mentioned.

Healthy Ways to Enjoy Turkey Bacon

Here are some tips to enjoy Butterball turkey bacon in a balanced way:

• Limit to 1-2 slices per serving
• Opt for the reduced sodium or no-nitrite varieties
• Combine with vegetables in sandwiches and wraps
• Add small amounts as a topping to salads and soups
• Bake or grill instead of pan-frying to reduce fat
• Pair with whole grain options like whole wheat bread
• Avoid adding extra salt, sugar, butter or oil when cooking
• Maximum 1-2 servings per week as part of a veggie-rich diet

While Butterball turkey bacon is a slight upgrade from pork, it should still be treated as an occasional processed meat. Stick to the serving tips above to get the benefits without overdoing the less healthy aspects.

The Bottom Line

Butterball turkey bacon deserves its reputation as a somewhat healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. It contains fewer calories, less saturated fat, lower cholesterol, and lean turkey protein instead of fatty pork.

However, the presence of sodium nitrite, mechanically separated turkey, and added sugars still means Butterball turkey bacon should be consumed in moderation. Use the nutrition facts and ingredients list to make informed choices when buying turkey bacon. Prioritize quality and limits when incorporating it into an overall nourishing diet.