With this extensive, current, and comprehensive list of bacon brands and options, you can quickly identify a delicious, Whole30-approved brand that is free of sugar and other ingredients that are prohibited during your Whole30. Following a Whole30 or Paleo diet is now simpler than ever thanks to the availability of many of these bacon options at our local Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, and Sprouts stores. If you’d rather shop online, those options are also available!.
Finding bacon that is approved or compliant with Whole30 can be difficult, but things are undoubtedly getting easier than they were a few years ago. Remember, you’ll need to check the ingredient labels for each bacon, and they can change periodically. The things you’ll want to avoid in your Whole30 bacon is sugar, carrageenan, sulfites or MSG. You can find a complete list of additives that are off limits on the Whole30 here.
Another important thing to note is that bacon shouldn’t be used as a primary protein source. Consider bacon as a condiment that belongs more to the category of healthy fats and something you can add to your meal rather than the main source of protein. These Whole30 recipe ideas—eggs, country potatoes, and chicken bacon Alfredo casserole—include bacon as a delectable side dish rather than the main protein.
This organic uncured smoked bacon is made without added sugar with organic pork, water, vinegar (made with organic ingredients), salt, and celery powder as its ingredients.
Ingredients: pork, water, less than 2% salt, vinegar, citrus extracts, pomegranate extract, and rosemary extract. Hickory-smoked bacon without sugar%20%E2%80%93%20
There was no added sugar, the bacon was uncured and smoked, and the ingredients were pork, water, and less than 2% of the following: salt, vinegar, citrus extracts, pomegranate extract, and rosemary extract.
Where to buy: The Simple Grocer sells every pork product from Pederson in a customizable bundle or as part of an online Whole30 bundle. Also available online from Butcher Box. A number of Super Targets, Fresh Thyme, Sprouts, and other large grocery stores carry individual packs of bacon. Find one near you using their store locator.
Nature’s Rancher is a Peterson’s Farms company that is a Whole Foods exclusive. The Nature’s Rancher bacon is Pederson’s bacon, but sold only at Whole Foods under the Nature’s Rancher name.
There was no added sugar, the bacon was unsmoked and hickory smoked, and the ingredients were pork, water, less than 2% salt, vinegar, citrus extracts, pomegranate extract, and rosemary extract.
Where to buy: Naked Bacon is available for purchase on their website and in a variety of bundles from a number of Target locations. Head to their website to order or check the store locator.
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon, especially among those following the Paleo diet. But is turkey bacon truly Paleo? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Unlike pork bacon, which comes from the belly of a pig, turkey bacon is made from mechanically separated turkey parts. This means that various parts of the turkey, excluding the bones and skin, are ground together to create a paste-like texture. This paste is then formed into strips and smoked to resemble the look and taste of pork bacon.
Ingredients in Turkey Bacon
The ingredients in turkey bacon can vary depending on the brand. However, some common ingredients include:
- Mechanically separated turkey: This is the main ingredient in turkey bacon and is what gives it its texture.
- Water: Water is added to help bind the ingredients together and create a more pliable texture.
- Sugar: Sugar is often added to turkey bacon to enhance its flavor and give it a more caramelized appearance.
- Salt: Salt is added for flavor and preservation.
- Preservatives: Preservatives such as sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate are often added to turkey bacon to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- Flavorings: Flavorings such as smoke flavor, spices, and herbs are added to give turkey bacon a more bacon-like taste.
Is Turkey Bacon Paleo?
According to the Paleo diet guidelines, processed foods, including those with added sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors, are not allowed. Therefore, most commercially available turkey bacon brands would not be considered Paleo-compliant due to the presence of these ingredients.
However, there are a few brands of turkey bacon that are made with minimal ingredients and no added sugar or preservatives. These brands are typically more expensive than conventional turkey bacon, but they are a better option for those following a strict Paleo diet.
Paleo-Friendly Turkey Bacon Brands
Here are a few brands of turkey bacon that are considered Paleo-friendly:
- Applegate Naturals Uncured No Sugar Bacon: This bacon is made with just turkey, water, sea salt, and celery powder.
- Trader Joe’s Uncured Turkey Bacon: This bacon is made with turkey thighs, water, sea salt, raw sugar, celery powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Wellshire Sugar Free Uncured Turkey Bacon: This bacon is made with turkey, water, sea salt, celery powder, paprika, white pepper, and onion powder.
Should You Eat Turkey Bacon on Paleo?
While there are a few Paleo-friendly turkey bacon options available, it’s important to note that turkey bacon is still a processed food. It’s high in sodium and fat and it doesn’t offer the same nutritional benefits as whole, unprocessed foods.
Consequently, turkey bacon on the Paleo diet ought to be regarded as a special occasion meal rather than a daily requirement. If you decide to consume turkey bacon, make sure the brand you select has few ingredients, no added sugar, and no preservatives.
Pork bacon can be tastyly substituted with turkey bacon, but before purchasing, make sure you know what’s in it. Make sure the brand you choose for your Paleo diet has few ingredients and no added sugar or preservatives if you’re following that diet. On the Paleo diet, turkey bacon ought to be regarded as a special occasion meal rather than a daily requirement.
Additional Resources
- The Paleo Diet Food List: https://thepaleolist.com/2015/03/20/is-turkey-bacon-paleo/
- Whole Kitchen Sink: https://www.wholekitchensink.com/whole30-compliant-bacon/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turkey bacon healthier than pork bacon?
Turkey bacon is generally lower in fat and calories than pork bacon. However, it is important to note that turkey bacon is still a processed food and should be consumed in moderation.
Can I eat turkey bacon on Whole30?
Yes, there are a few brands of turkey bacon that are Whole30-compliant. Make sure there are no added sugars or preservatives in the bacon by carefully reading the ingredients list.
What are some healthy alternatives to turkey bacon?
There are many healthy alternatives to turkey bacon, such as:
- Avocado: Avocado is a healthy and delicious source of fat and fiber. It can be sliced and grilled or pan-fried to create a crispy bacon-like texture.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms can be sauteed or grilled to create a savory and flavorful bacon-like topping.
- Tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that can be marinated and grilled to create a chewy and flavorful bacon-like texture.
Turkey bacon can be a tasty alternative to pork bacon, but it’s important to be aware of the ingredients before you buy it. If you’re following the Paleo diet, be sure to choose a brand that is made with minimal ingredients and no added sugar or preservatives. Turkey bacon should be considered an occasional treat rather than a staple food on the Paleo diet.
Wellshire Whole30 Approved Bacon
Ingredients for Paleo Sugar-Free Dry-Rubbed Bacon: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Mace, Allspice, Fenugreek, Black Pepper, and White Pepper)
Paleo Sugar-Free Uncured Turkey Bacon Ingredients: Onion powder, celery powder, white pepper, sea salt, turkey, water, and paprika
Where to buy: Wellshire is an exclusive brand to Whole Foods (store locator), but you can also order online on their website.
Target Whole30 Compliant Bacon
Pork Cured in Market Pantry Hardwood Smoked Classic Cut Reduced Sodium Bacon; Water, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, and Sodium Nitrite
Where to buy: Target – Check out my list of over 50 other Whole30 Target products!
Kirkland Signature Thick Sliced Lower Sodium Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Water, Salt, Sodium, Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
Where to buy: Select Costco locations, sold in packs of 4 bacon packages – This bacon isn’t sold in all markets, to my knowledge. Find more Whole30 Costco items on this Costco Whole30 List.
Sugar Free Pork Bacon Slices – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt
Sugar Free Diced Uncured Pork Bacon Ends – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt
Sugar Free Canadian Bacon Slices – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt
Where to buy: All U.S. Wellness Meat products are available for purchase only online.