Is Peameal Bacon Keto-Friendly? The Complete Low-Carb Guide

Peameal bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to regular bacon among keto dieters But is this Canadian delicacy truly keto-friendly?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about peameal bacon and its compatibility with a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet.

What is Peameal Bacon?

Also known as Canadian bacon, peameal bacon comes from the lean boneless pork loin. It undergoes a dry-curing process before getting rolled in cornmeal (historically peas, hence the name “peameal”).

Unlike belly bacon, peameal bacon doesn’t get smoked. This gives it a milder, ham-like flavor rather than the smokiness regular bacon has.

Peameal bacon contains less fat than regular bacon, but more fat than ham. It’s also juicier and doesn’t get as crispy when cooked.

Some of the most popular ways to enjoy peameal bacon include

• On a sandwich
• In a salad
• As a breakfast side
• In soups and stews
• As a pizza topping
• Wrapped around cheeses and other fillings

Is Peameal Bacon Keto?

The short answer? Yes, peameal bacon can fit into a keto diet when consumed in moderation.

Here’s a nutritional breakdown of 3 ounces (85g) of peameal bacon [1]:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Net Carbs: 1g
• Protein: 22g

With its high protein content, low carb count, and moderate fat, peameal bacon can be an excellent addition to a well-formulated ketogenic diet.

However, as with any food, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and ingredients. Some brands may contain added sugars or other undesirable ingredients. Check the labels and aim for no more than 4-6 ounces of peameal bacon per day.

And because peameal bacon is leaner than belly bacon, you may need to increase your intake of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts when substituting it.

Peameal vs. Belly Bacon Nutrition

To understand why peameal bacon is more keto-friendly than regular bacon, let’s compare the nutrition facts of 3 ounces of each [2, 3]:

As you can see, peameal bacon contains much less fat and over double the protein compared to belly bacon. It also has slightly more carbs due to the cornmeal coating, but it’s still negligible at just 1 gram net carb per serving.

So if you’re looking limit fat intake or increase protein on keto, peameal bacon can be the better choice over regular bacon.

7 Tips for Adding Peameal Bacon to Your Keto Diet

Here are some tips to help you incorporate peameal bacon into your low-carb, high-fat lifestyle:

1. Read nutrition labels carefully. Look for minimal ingredients and watch out for added sugars, which can quickly add carbs.

2. Consider sodium content. Peameal bacon is cured, so it contains a good amount of sodium. Be mindful of this if limiting salt intake.

3. Increase healthy fats. Since it’s leaner than regular bacon, pair peameal bacon with avocados, olive oil, nut butters, etc.

4. Enjoy in moderation. Stick to about 4-6 ounces per day to keep carb intake low.

5. Cook properly. Pan-fry, bake, or grill. Avoid burning or charring to prevent formation of carcinogens.

6. Use it to add flavor. Peameal bacon can infuse dishes like omelets, salads, roasted Brussels sprouts with smoky pork taste.

7. Store properly. Keep refrigerated and use within 4-7 days of opening package. Freeze extras if needed.

8 Delicious Keto Recipes with Peameal Bacon

To help you get started, here are some yummy keto recipes featuring peameal bacon:

1. Peameal Bacon Breakfast Casserole

This hearty casserole with eggs, cheese, and veggies will keep you feeling full all morning.

2. BLT Salad with Peameal Bacon

A fresh summer salad with all the flavors of a BLT sandwich – without the bread.

3. Peameal Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Buttery scallops get a boost of flavor and crunch wrapped in peameal bacon.

4. Peameal Bacon Cheeseburgers

Piled high with all your favorite toppings but wrapped in peameal bacon instead of a bun.

5. Peameal Bacon and Brussel Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are taken to the next level with the addition of crispy peameal bacon.

6. Peameal Bacon Egg Cups

Make breakfast easy by baking these grab-and-go egg muffins ahead of time.

7. Peameal Bacon Avocado Toast

For a lower-carb twist, serve mashed avocado on peameal bacon slices instead of bread.

8. Creamy Peameal Bacon Soup

Peameal bacon adds a subtle smoky depth to this comforting, creamy cauliflower soup.

Is Peameal Bacon Worth It on Keto?

At the end of the day, is peameal bacon worth including in your keto diet?

For most people, the answer is yes – in moderation.

Peameal bacon provides a good balance of protein, fat, and flavor. The milder taste can be preferable for those who find regular bacon too salty or smoky.

Just be mindful of portion sizes, ingredients, and pairing peameal bacon with enough healthy fats and veggies. Used properly, it can be a tasty addition to keto breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and more.

So if you’re a bacon lover struggling to give it up on keto, try subbing in some peameal bacon. Your tastebuds and macros will thank you!

Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments!