Beef bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. With its rich, meaty flavor and pleasantly chewy texture, it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking to try beef bacon but aren’t sure where to find it, this guide covers all the best places to buy quality beef bacon locally or online.
Benefits of Beef Bacon
Here’s a look at some of the reasons beef bacon has grown in popularity:
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Lower in Fat – Beef bacon contains less saturated fat than pork bacon. For example, a slice of beef bacon has around 2.4g fat vs 5g for pork bacon.
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Higher in Protein – A slice of beef bacon packs about 5g of protein while pork bacon has 3g per slice.
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More Meaty Flavor – The rich beefiness of the bacon comes through since it’s made from 100% beef.
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No Pork – Beef bacon contains no pork, making it good for those avoiding pork for religious or dietary reasons.
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Chewier Texture – When cooked, beef bacon develops a pleasantly chewy, meaty texture compared to the crispiness of pork bacon.
Where to Buy Beef Bacon Locally
Check these locations in your area to find beef bacon close to home:
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Grocery Stores – Ask your local supermarket butcher counter or check the packaged lunch meat section.
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Specialty Butcher Shops – Many independent butchers carry beef bacon. Check your local listings.
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Farmers Markets – Look for vendors selling locally raised meats. Ask if they offer beef bacon.
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Halal or Kosher Markets – Since they specialize in pork-free meats, these are good spots to find beef bacon.
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Steakhouse Restaurants – Some steakhouses will sell their custom house-cured beef bacon. Check with high-end spots.
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Online Then Pick Up In-Store – Order beef bacon for curbside pickup from neighborhood supermarket websites.
Where to Buy Beef Bacon Online
If you strike out finding it locally, here are some top online stores that ship beef bacon:
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ButcherBox – This popular meat delivery service offers both sliced and slab beef bacon options.
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Crowd Cow – Get 100% grass-fed beef bacon sliced or in slab form from this online butcher.
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Porter Road – Their cattle are pasture-raised and their beef bacon is nitrate-free.
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Holy Grail Steak Co – Specializing in American Wagyu beef, they offer artisan beef bacon.
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D’Artagnan – This gourmet food purveyor ships cured, smoked, and uncured beef bacon varieties.
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Chicago Steak Company – Alongside premium steaks, they also sell sliced or slab beef bacon.
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Amazon – Search for brands like Wellshire Farms, Pederson’s Natural Farms, or Buy & Buy for prime eligible beef bacon.
What to Look for When Buying Beef Bacon
Whether shopping in stores or online, look for these signs of quality when purchasing beef bacon:
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Ingredients – Look for beef bacon made from 100% beef without fillers or too many extra ingredients.
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No Nitrates/Nitrites – Opt for uncured beef bacon without these preservatives if possible.
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Minimal Processing – Choose beef bacon that is naturally smoked or cured rather than “meat formed” or made from bacon bits.
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Sourcing – Beef from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle makes for higher quality bacon.
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Thickness – Consider whether you prefer thinly sliced or thick cut beef bacon based on intended use.
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Marbling – Some fat marbling provides flavor and moisture. Avoid beef bacon that looks overly lean.
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Price – Expect to pay around $6 to $12 per pound for high-end artisanal beef bacon.
How to Store Beef Bacon
Once purchased, properly storing beef bacon preserves freshness:
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Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
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For maximum shelf life, freeze beef bacon in an airtight freezer bag. It will keep 6 months frozen.
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Let frozen beef bacon thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Avoid thawing at room temp.
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For food safety, use fresh beef bacon within 1 week of opening the package.
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Cooked beef bacon keeps up to a week refrigerated in an airtight container.
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To freeze cooked beef bacon, let it cool completely before freezing in a single layer.
Cooking and Serving Beef Bacon
Beef bacon deserves a spot on the breakfast table! Here are tips for cooking and serving:
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Cook on medium heat in a skillet to render the fat slowly and avoid burning.
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Bake in the oven at 400°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to collect drippings.
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Microwave between paper towels in 30 second bursts, checking to avoid overcooking.
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Beef bacon pairs well with eggs, toast, pancakes, hash browns, etc. Think classic breakfast.
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Use in BLTs, club sandwiches, beef burgers, or chopped in salad toppings.
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Wrap cooked beef bacon around steak filets, chicken breasts, shrimp or other proteins.
Now that you know where to source high-quality beef bacon both locally and online, it’s time to start cooking! Beef bacon is worth seeking out to enjoy its signature rich, meaty taste and pleasant chewy texture.
Beef bacon- fantastic tasting
FAQ
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