The Healthiest Bacon Brands and Types According to a Nutritionist in 2025

For many, a breakfast plate without bacon is unimaginable and since we love piling it onto our plates, it’s worth knowing what the healthiest bacon really is. Bacon gets a bad reputation, but the truth is, not all strips are created equal. That’s where the question, “What is the healthiest bacon?” comes in. The answer depends on more than just calories and fat because we also have to look at the ingredients, processing methods and how it fits into our overall diet. 

From classic pork to salmon and even plant-based options, the healthiest bacon choices can be overwhelming. So we’ve rounded up the healthiest type of bacon (all nutritionist approved), looked at clever swaps and shared easy ways to enjoy the healthiest bacon without giving up flavor.

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• Is Bacon Healthy?
• How We Choose the Healthiest Bacon
• The 13 Healthiest Bacon Types
• What Is the Healthiest Bacon?

Is Bacon Healthy?

The best things in life are enjoyed in moderation and bacon is no exception — the nutritionist who reviewed this content would agree. Is bacon healthy? It’s never been known for wearing a health halo, given its high sodium content, nitrates and saturated fat. The World Health Organization (WHO) also classifies processed meats as carcinogenic. Research shows 50 grams of processed meat per day can raise colorectal cancer risk by 18%.

So the short answer is no. There’s really no such thing as a definitive healthiest type of bacon. All bacon is high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. It’s also high in sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure, and many varieties are cured with nitrites that can form harmful compounds when cooked at high heat. Combined with being a processed meat, these factors make bacon one of the least heart-healthy choices if eaten regularly.

That said, there are still ways to enjoy this golden, crispy meat sparingly as part of your diet. You can keep it in your routine by limiting how often it shows up on your breakfast plate and choosing the healthiest bacon available in smaller portions.

How We Choose the Healthiest Bacon

At Cozymeal, we bring years of food industry expertise to the table with an apron in hand and that includes knowing how to spot the healthiest bacon options. Accuracy and quality matter to us, which is why every recommendation is backed by solid research and real experience.

With over a decade in the culinary space, we get the demand for healthier foods and what readers are really after when it comes to making choices. Just like with other breakfast staples, finding the healthiest bacon comes down to balancing flavor, nutrition and convenience in a way that blends into everyday life.

Our editorial team puts in the work by comparing nutrition labels, sourcing second opinions from registered nutritionists and even taste-testing products. We also factor in consumer reviews to make sure we’re helping you confidently choose the healthiest bacon for your needs.

The list also meets the following criteria:

• Showcases a variety of the healthiest bacon options that fit different flavor preferences, from smoky to mildly seasoned.
• Considers a range of diets, offering inclusive types of the healthiest bacon such as pork, beef, turkey and plant-based alternatives.
• Recommends the healthiest bacon brands with consistently strong consumer reviews for both taste and quality.

The 13 Healthiest Bacon Types

1. Back Bacon / Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon often gets dismissed as the “impostor” of the bacon world since it’s cut from the back instead of the belly. Additionally, many people can’t quite tell the difference between Canadian bacon vs. ham, which adds to the confusion. Still, it’s one of the healthiest bacon varieties with very little fat and far fewer calories than traditional strips.

Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon Hickory Smoked is one of the healthiest bacon brands to add to your cart when you’re craving a slice. Each serving provides a decent 10 grams of protein for just 60 calories, keeping things lean and tasty. The downside lies in the sodium levels, which at 460 milligrams push it into the “enjoy in moderation” category. So while it's a protein win, it’s best not to pile it on your plate every morning.

Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon Hickory Smoked Nutritional Info (per 51-gram serving) 

• Calories: 60 
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
• Sodium: 460 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: <1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

2. Back Bacon Medallions

Back bacon medallions are basically Canadian bacon in disguise, made by trimming away all the fat from back bacon and leaving only the lean eye of the loin. What’s left behind is flavorful bacon with just a fraction of the fat, making it one of the healthiest bacon types out there. Taste-wise, it lands somewhere between smoky bacon and savory ham.

Some of the healthiest bacon brands like Hormel Black Label Canadian Bacon provide this leaner cut, though the sodium content is still something to watch. A typical serving (two slices, about 51 grams) has 60 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein and 430 milligrams of sodium. 

Hormel Black Label Canadian Bacon Nutritional Info (per 51-gram serving) 

• Calories: 60 
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
• Sodium: 430 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 10 grams

3. Center-Cut Pork Bacon

Center-cut is considered one of the healthiest bacon types, giving you everything but the trimmings since it comes from the leaner middle section of the pork belly. One of the best bacon brands for the job is Hempler’s Original Center Cut Bacon, which is hardwood-smoked to lock in the irresistible aromas and satisfying flavors.

A serving of two strips comes in at 90 calories with five grams of fat. While this bacon is leaner than most, portion control still matters since the 390 milligrams of sodium per serving edges toward the high side. Even so, it’s one of the healthiest bacon brands, whether you’re sprinkling it over a salad or enjoying it at the breakfast table.

Hempler’s Original Center Cut Bacon Nutritional Info (per 21-gram serving) 

• Calories: 90 
• Total Fat: 5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Sodium: 390 milligrams
• Total Carbs: <1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: <1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 9 grams

4. Thin-Sliced Center Cut

Thin-sliced center cut bacon omits the fattiest part of the pork belly, making it one of the healthiest bacon options to grab when you’re after something lighter. Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon is a great example, perfect if you’re craving bacon without piling on extra fat. It also shines when a recipe calls for thin, crispy bacon bits. Since the pork belly is hand-trimmed, you get lean, crisp bacon that cooks up faster and feels lighter than traditional cuts or thick slices.

Two Oscar Mayer skillet-cooked slices come in at 60 calories with five grams of protein, keeping it among the healthiest bacon choices and reinforcing why many consider it one of the healthiest bacon products available. The only trade-off is that they use sodium nitrate in the curing process, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon Nutritional Info (per 13-gram serving)  

• Calories: 60 
• Total Fat: 4.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
• Sodium: 240 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 5 grams

5. Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon, like Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon, is marketed as the lighter alternative to pork and a favorite among the health-conscious and there’s plenty of truth to that. One slice has 30 calories, five grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fat, with none of the saturated fat you’d find in your average bacon strip.

It’s considered one of the healthiest bacon options on the market if you’re cutting back on red meat and can’t resist a satisfying turkey bacon sandwich. That said, it’s still a processed meat, falls just short of being considered low in sodium and doesn’t crisp up the same way pork bacon does. Just remember that, similar to regular bacon, it’s tastier in moderation.

Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon Nutritional Info (per 15-gram serving)  

• Calories: 30 
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 150 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 5 grams

6. Chicken Bacon

Another alternative to pork is chicken bacon, a stand-in that offers the same smoky flavor with far fewer calories and less fat. A single slice of Maple Lodge Farms Chicken Bacon Style has 35 calories, three grams of protein and one gram of fat. It’s one of the leanest and healthiest bacons to keep in your rotation.

If your goal is to reduce saturated fat or you simply want a lighter breakfast protein, chicken bacon is a solid alternative. The only catch is that it provides less protein than pork bacon and the sodium per serving isn’t on the low end, so moderation still matters.

Maple Lodge Farms Chicken Bacon Style Nutritional Info (per 21-gram serving)  

• Calories: 35
• Total Fat: 2.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Sodium: 180 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

7. Beef Bacon from Eye of Round

Beef bacon made using eye of round comes from a lean cut of beef, giving you a more meaty bite than you’re probably used to. Since the eye of round is naturally low in fat, this healthiest bacon alternative cooks up lighter with less grease but remains flavorful.

Wellshire Farms Smoked Uncured Beef Bacon, with 40 calories, four grams of protein and 240 milligrams of sodium per slice, is a solid brand to check out. It’s leaner than pork for sure and considered one of the healthiest bacon swaps, but also a bit saltier, so it’s really about choosing your trade-off.

Wellshire Farms Smoked Uncured Beef Bacon Nutritional Info (per 11-gram serving) 

• Calories:  40
• Total Fat: 2.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Sodium: 240 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 4 grams

8. Salmon Bacon

Salmon bacon is smoky, lean and a worthy alternative to pork — especially if you’re looking to cut saturated fat and add omega-3s. Naturally lower in saturated fat, this healthiest bacon option has a slightly sweet flavor profile with a savory, ocean-forward mouthfeel.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Boston Smoked Fish Co. offers a hot-smoked salmon belly option that crisps up nicely and works in BLTs or breakfast plates. With about 120 calories and 7 grams of fat per 2-ounce serving, plus 12 grams of protein, it ranks among the healthier bacon alternatives.

Boston Smoked Fish Co. Salmon Bacon Nutritional Info (per 57-gram serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
• Sodium: 300 milligrams
• Total Carbs: <1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: <1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 12 grams

9. Lower-Sodium Pork Bacon

Lower sodium is always a smart choice, especially when bacon is involved. With less salt weighing down each strip, the blood pressure concerns aren’t quite as heavy. That puts it high on the list of healthiest bacon picks for anyone cutting back on sodium but still wanting to enjoy the simple pleasure of crispy, flavorful bacon.

Giant’s Lower Sodium Premium Cut Bacon is the best bacon brand for the job if you’re looking for reduced-sodium options. Each serving of this healthiest bacon choice delivers only 160 milligrams of sodium and 80 calories in two strips. It’s healthier than your average bacon, but given the saturated fats, it’s best to keep portions in check and avoid overindulging.

Giant’s Lower Sodium Premium Cut Bacon Nutritional Info (per two-slice serving) 

• Calories: 80 
• Total Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
• Sodium: 160 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

10. No-Sugar-Added Bacon

Oftentimes, sugary add-ons and sweeteners sneak their way into cured meats, so if you’re watching added sugars, no-sugar-added bacon is a straightforward place to start — though most bacon contains little added sugar to begin with. 

One of the most popular healthiest bacon options is Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon, a hardwood-smoked product cured without sugar. It doesn’t make bacon the healthiest bacon overall, but it can suit preferences like keto or low-carb.

Two cooked slices provide 70 calories with five grams of fat, six grams of protein and 310 milligrams of sodium. The practical win is a sugar-free cure for those avoiding added sugars, while the main drawback remains the same as other bacon: sodium stays on the higher side, so keep portions modest.

Applegate Naturals No Sugar Bacon Nutritional Info (per 14-gram serving)  

• Calories: 70 
• Total Fat: 5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Sodium: 310 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

11. No Nitrite Added Bacon

For a more natural spin on a breakfast favorite, bacon labeled “no nitrites added” earns a look. It’s one of the healthiest bacon options because it skips synthetic curing agents such as sodium nitrite. Some makers also avoid sodium nitrate, or use natural sources like celery powder or sea salt that can still generate nitrite during curing — so portions should stay modest.

A good place to start is Coleman Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon, which avoids added nitrites and comes from crate-free hogs raised without antibiotics or added hormones. It’s a cleaner, mindful option that tastes like classic bacon. Two cooked slices provide 80 calories, six grams of fat and 280 milligrams of sodium.

Coleman Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon Nutritional Info (per 17-gram serving) 

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
• Sodium: 280 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 6 grams

12. Unsmoked Bacon

While the allure of smoked bacon seems universal, not everyone is a fan of the woodsy taste. Some prefer the look of bacon with a subtler taste, which is why unsmoked bacon skips the extra wood-smoking process and delivers a milder, more delicate flavor.

In the U.S., true unsmoked bacon is tough to find, so many people substitute it for milder uncured bacon or even pancetta (cue the pancetta vs. bacon debate) when supermarket shelves disappoint. It’s definitely a niche category and you’ll likely have better luck at specialty meat shops. 

The upside is that unsmoked bacon avoids smoke-related carcinogens, earning its place on this healthiest bacon list. That said, bacon is still bacon and the high salt content isn’t going anywhere just because this healthiest bacon option ditches the smoke.

Jolly Posh Foods Back Bacon Nutritional Info (per 37-gram serving) 

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Sodium: 220 milligrams
• Total Carbs: <1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 14 grams

13. Plant-Based “Bacon”

Meat-free lifestyles don’t have to miss out on the joy of sizzling bacon thanks to plant-based versions. This strong contender for the healthiest bacon will easily fool your taste buds, with a look and crunch that mimics the real thing while staying completely meat-free. It’s typically made from soy protein, tempeh, coconut or mushrooms, giving you a familiar, naturally smoked flavor and salty bite with far less saturated fat and zero cholesterol.  

There are downsides — to mimic the taste and texture of real bacon, many plant-based varieties end up highly processed with all sorts of binders, flavorings and sodium. If it still ticks your boxes, a popular option is Lightlife Smart Bacon, which provides 40 calories, two grams of protein and 290 milligrams of sodium per two slices.

Lightlife Smart Bacon Nutritional Info (per 20-gram serving) 

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 2 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 290 milligrams
• Total Carbs: <1 gram
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 5 grams

What Is the Healthiest Bacon?

The question of “what is the healthiest bacon?” isn’t as simple as grabbing the pack that shouts low-carb or flaunts a no-nitrates-added label. Those claims can be misleading because many of these bacons still rely on natural nitrate sources like celery powder, which work just like the synthetic ones. In other words, they’re not automatically a safer bet, so it’s not quite time to celebrate.

There isn’t one perfect pick. Back bacon or medallions and center-cut pork are leaner than standard belly bacon. Turkey and chicken can cut saturated fat, though they are still processed meats. Plant-based options skip meat entirely but can be high in sodium. Whatever you choose, eat smaller portions less often.

So while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all healthiest bacon brand, the real win comes down to choosing leaner cuts, checking the nutrition panel and making sure your portions are balanced. Pair that with some of the healthiest ways to cook bacon, such as baking on a wire rack to let the fat drain and you’ve also got a smarter approach to enjoying it. 

Hopefully, by now you have an answer to “What is the healthiest bacon?” and can let that guide your next bacon-filled adventure. You’ll know what to look for when choosing the healthiest bacon in the frozen aisle and discover the healthiest way to cook bacon that fits your lifestyle.

Underestimating the effects of mouthwatering, crispy fried bacon on our bodies is no longer an option. With smarter choices, though, healthy bacon can still earn a spot on your plate as part of a balanced lifestyle.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.