Where to Buy Oscar Mayer Bacon in the UK: A Complete Guide

Oscar Mayer is an iconic American brand known for producing delicious cured and smoked meats like hot dogs bologna ham, and most famously – bacon. Generations of Americans have grown up enjoying sizzling strips of Oscar Mayer bacon as part of a classic American breakfast.

While Oscar Mayer products are ubiquitous grocery store staples in the USA, they can be harder to find in the UK. However, the brand’s popularity has gradually expanded across the pond. Read on for a complete guide to tracking down packages of authentic Oscar Mayer bacon in Britain.

A Bit of History on Oscar Mayer Bacon

Oscar F Mayer founded his namesake company in Chicago in 1883 It began as a small retail meat market but soon expanded into processing and national distribution of cured meats. By the early 1900s, Oscar Mayer was producing bacon as well as the wiener sausages that would make the brand famous.

In the postwar 1950s, Americans fell in love with convenience foods and breakfast strips of “Oscar Mayer bacon!” jingles became pop culture sensations. To this day, Oscar Mayer bacon remains one of America’s top-selling grocery items. It delivers the perfect balance of smoky, salty, pork belly flavor.

What Makes Oscar Mayer Bacon Special

There are a few key factors that set Oscar Mayer bacon apart from other mass-produced bacon brands:

• Hand-trimmed pork bellies – Oscar Mayer bacon starts with whole pork belly that is hand-trimmed into uniform rectangles This attention to detail maximizes meat and minimizes waste

• Beechwood smoking – Slow smoking over fragrant beechwood infuses the pork belly with a distinctive smoky flavor.

• ** proprietary curing process** – Exact details are a company secret, but it involves curing with salt, sugar, and nitrites for preservation.

• No rind – Oscar Mayer bacon comes rindless, unlike many European bacons. This makes it quick and convenient for cooking.

• Thicker cut – Each slice has a pleasantly substantial thickness and juicy bite.

Overall, Oscar Mayer bacon provides the quintessential balance of smokiness, saltiness, and pork flavor Americans crave.

Where to Buy Oscar Mayer Bacon in the UK

Oscar Mayer Bacon can be purchased from the following UK sources:

Online Shops

Several online specialty food retailers offer shipping across Britain:

• Fine Food Specialist – Carries 3 x 200g packs for £13.95

• American Fizz – Sells 375g packs for around £5.50

• USA Foods – Importer offering 500g packs

• American Sweets – Stocks Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits

• British Corner Shop – Large selection of US goods

Ordering online provides the easiest way to get authentic American-packaged Oscar Mayer bacon delivered straight to your door.

Specialty Shops

Some specialty food shops and delis stock Oscar Mayer products:

• Jones & Sons – North London shop with imported American goods

• Granger & Co – Several London locations carrying US foods

• Geales – Fishmonger & delicatessen in Notting Hill

• The American Food Store – Market stall in Portobello Road, London

Call ahead to check availability and stop in to shop a taste of America!

American Military Bases

For British citizens living near US military bases like RAF Lakenheath or RAF Menwith Hill, base commissaries will stock Oscar Mayer bacon. Shopping privileges vary by site, so check guidelines.

In Person in the USA

When visiting the United States, pick up a few packs of Oscar Mayer bacon at any major grocery store like Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, etc. Bacon freezes very well for transport back to the UK in checked luggage. Just declare it at customs.

How to Cook Oscar Mayer Bacon

Cooking Oscar Mayer bacon perfectly crispy without burning takes some technique:

• Pan fry – Place cold bacon strips in a heavy skillet and fry over medium-low heat, turning frequently. Cook to desired doneness.

• Oven bake – Arrange bacon on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.

• Microwave – Between paper towels on a plate, microwave in 30 second bursts until crisp.

No matter how you cook it, Oscar Mayer bacon delivers crispy, meaty, smoky slices of breakfast perfection. Enjoy its American-style flavor alone or on burgers and sandwiches.

Discover More Oscar Mayer Products

Beyond bacon, here are some other iconic Oscar Mayer meats to try from the USA:

• Hot dogs – The famous “wieners” that made the brand famous. The beef franks are top sellers.

• Cold cuts – Pick up sliced oven-roasted turkey, chicken, and ham for sandwiches.

• Bologna – A nostalgic treat! Fried bologna sandwiches are a guilty pleasure.

• Sausage links – Smoked pork or turkey breakfast sausages.

• Lunchables – These packable cracker, meat, and cheese snacks are kid-favorites.

Now that you know where to find authentic Oscar Mayer bacon, it’s easy to enjoy a taste of Americana in your British kitchen! Sizzling strips straight from the skillet make any morning feel like a throwback to childhood weekends spent on American grandma’s farm. Pass the bacon!