Is Organic Bacon Actually Healthy? Let’s Find Out

Bacon has become an iconic breakfast food in many parts of the world. The sizzling strips of cured and smoked pork belly are loved for their rich, salty, smoky and slightly sweet flavor. However, in recent years, bacon has come under scrutiny for potential health risks.

Most bacon on the market is cured using nitrites, which can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures. Many conventional bacon brands also contain preservatives, flavor enhancers and lots of sodium.

This has led many health-conscious consumers to seek out alternative “clean” bacons, including organic options. But is organic bacon truly a healthier choice? I decided to dig into the details to find out.

What Makes Bacon “Organic”?

For bacon to be certified organic in the United States, it must comply with regulations set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic pigs must be:

Fed an organic, vegetarian diet free of antibiotics, hormones and GMOs
Raised with access to the outdoors and without cramped confinement
Never administered antibiotics or growth hormones
Processed without artificial preservatives, flavor enhancers or colors

Additionally, the curing process for organic bacon cannot use sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate Instead, alternative curing agents like celery powder are used

This results in bacon made from pigs raised in more humane conditions without drugs or chemical additives. But is it significantly healthier?

Potential Benefits of Choosing Organic Bacon

There are some potential perks to picking organic bacon over conventional options

1. No nitrates/nitrites. Conventional bacon cured with sodium nitrite may contain nitrosamines after cooking. These compounds may be carcinogenic. Organic bacon skips nitrates/nitrites, avoiding this issue.

2. No artificial ingredients. Conventional bacon may contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, colors and other additives. Organic eschews these artificial ingredients.

3. More humane standards. Organic pigs must have outdoor access and spacious housing, resulting in less crowded, more humane conditions. This may also reduce animal stress.

4. No GMOs. Pigs raised organically cannot be fed genetically modified grains like GMO corn or soy. This avoids any potential health issues linked to GMOs.

5. No routine antibiotics. Preventive antibiotics cannot be routinely administered to organic pigs. This helps avoid antibiotic resistance issues.

However, some potential cons need consideration too.

Downsides and Considerations of Organic Bacon

While organic bacon does have some health advantages over conventional, it has some caveats as well:

1. Still high in sodium. While organic bacon skips nitrates, it’s still cured with sea salt and contains high levels of sodium. Those limiting sodium need to moderate portions.

2. Can be more expensive. Organic bacon costs $1-3 more per pound on average than conventional bacon, a pricier premium.

3. Shorter shelf life. Without preservatives, organic bacon lasts 1-2 weeks refrigerated versus 4-6 weeks for conventional options.

4. Needs proper cooking. Organic bacon free of nitrates/nitrites may still form some carcinogens if cooked improperly at high heat.

5. Lower availability. Organic bacon can be hard to find compared to abundant conventional options at mainstream grocers.

6. Contains saturated fat. While organic, bacon is still high in saturated fat and calories. Those at risk for heart disease need small servings.

7. Not always better taste. Some people accustomed to conventional bacon prefer the more robust smoky, salty flavor profile.

Tips for Cooking and Eating Healthier Bacon

To gain benefits from organic bacon while moderating any downsides, here are some tips:

Look for uncured organic bacon options lowest in sodium.
Cook on medium heat, avoiding charring or burning to reduce carcinogens.
Drain bacon grease after cooking and blot strips to remove excess fat.
Enjoy organic bacon in moderation as a treat or occasional meal component.
Limit portion sizes to 1-2 strips maximum per serving.
Pair bacon with plenty of vegetables to balance its fat and sodium.
Skip extras like bacon bits, crumbles or sandwiches to control overindulgence.

The Bottom Line

So, is organic bacon truly healthier? In some ways, yes. Organic standards result in bacon made without nitrites/nitrates, artificial ingredients, routine antibiotics and GMOs. However, organic bacon is still high in sodium and saturated fat.

For maximum benefits, those who enjoy bacon should choose high-quality organic brands and cook it properly. Moderating portions and pairing bacon with other healthy foods can allow you to savor it while avoiding drawbacks.

Overall, organic bacon can be a smart choice for an occasional indulgence. But daily strips or overindulgence in even organic bacon may not be ideal for health. As with any delicious food, moderation remains key.

Bacon Review – How To Buy The BEST Bacon At The Store…And What To Avoid!

FAQ

What is the healthiest bacon?

Uncured bacon (bacon that hasn’t been cured with synthetically sourced nitrates) claims to be healthier than regular bacon, as the nitrates come from vegetables.

Why is organic bacon better?

Not all bacon is created equal Our organic pigs thrive in a slow-growing, pasture-raised system that gives them freedom to roam and play within family groups. They forage on herb-rich grass, supplemented with simple cereals and with surplus organic fruit and vegetables for extra variety.

Is organic bacon the same as regular bacon?

If the meat is further processed into products like bacon, no artificial ingredients can be used. This means no artificial preservatives, colorings, or flavorings. So if you buy organic bacon, you’re also purchasing bacon that is uncured, nitrate-free, and natural.

Is organic uncured bacon healthy?

So is uncured bacon better for you than bacon cured with nitrites? Not by much. It’s still unknown if the natural nitrites found in celery are less harmful than those added to cured bacon. And bacon still ranks high in salt and saturated fat content, both of which should be limited to decrease risk of heart disease.

Is Bacon healthy?

Bacon is a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, saturated fats, and oleic acid, which are linked to healthy cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation. Avoid bacon products containing nitrites, which may cause adverse health effects. Choose uncured, organic bacon instead. 1. Is it healthy to eat bacon?

Is organic Bacon bad for You?

The fact is that most bacon sold in grocery stores contains antibiotics, growth hormones, and other harmful substances. But thanks to the rise of organic agriculture and a new generation of farmers, we can now bacon without compromising our health. This guide will show you how to buy and cook organic bacon without compromising its flavor.

Should you eat organic Bacon?

If you want to know the health benefits of organic bacon, the answer is that you should eat it. It has less salt, no nitrites, and is free of hormones. Where to buy organic bacon? While the USDA organic label does not guarantee safety, it is a good indicator. But where do you find bacon that is 100% organic?

Is organic Bacon better than regular bacon?

Organic bacon is the best way to enjoy bacon without harming your health. You know you’ve got a great product when customers tell their friends that bacon is. Unfortunately, organic bacon is harder to find than regular bacon. Most bacon comes from factory farms, and the meat is injected with hormones and antibiotics to speed up growth.