Finding the best bacon comes down to one big tradeoff: flavor intensity versus convenience and price. After comparing 15 popular options, Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon with Signature Dry Rub earns the top spot for its balance of spice-driven flavor, generous cut, and reliable rendering. If you want old-fashioned smokehouse character, Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon delivers a dry-cured punch most grocery brands can’t match, while Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut remains the practical everyday choice for families who cook bacon weekly. Below, I break down how each option compares on smoke flavor, thickness, cure style, sugar content, and value per slice.
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Key Takeaways
- Thick-cut, dry-rubbed options like amazon.com/dp/B09ZN67X3Q?tag=supportbreakfast-20&ascsubtag=dc-1085802″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Tender Belly and North Country Smokehouse beat standard grocery bacon on flavor depth, but they cost more per slice and take longer to cook evenly.
- Turkey-free alternatives like Godshall’s Beef Bacon exist for dietary restrictions, but the flavor and texture tradeoff is real — it works best as a topping, not the centerpiece of breakfast.
- Center-cut options from Oscar Mayer and 365 by Whole Foods trade some richness for less fat shrinkage, making them the smarter pick for sandwich builders and meal preppers.
- No-sugar uncured bacons (Applegate Organic, Tender Belly No Sugar) dominate for keto and paleo buyers, though they sacrifice the caramelized sweetness many people associate with classic bacon.
- Value packs like Amazon Grocery Hickory Smoked and Smithfield Premium Thick Slice deliver the most bacon per dollar but show thinner, less consistent slices than the premium tier.
| bacon | Cut | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Godshall’s Beef Bacon | Beef plate (belly) | — |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured | Thick cut | — |
| Applegate Organic No Sugar Unc | — | — |
| North Country Smokehouse Organ | — | — |
| Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Pep | — | — |
| Oscar Mayer Original Center Cu | Center cut | Oscar Mayer |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon | Thick cut | — |
| Smithfield Premium Thick Slice | Thick Slice | Smithfield |
| Naturally Applewood Smoked Thi | Thick cut | — |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market | Center cut | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| Amazon Grocery Naturally Hicko | — | Amazon Grocery |
| Niman Ranch Pork Bacon | — | Niman Ranch |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Redu | Center cut | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| Applegate Naturals Fully Cooke | — | Applegate Naturals |
| Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood | — | Oscar Mayer |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Godshall’s Beef Bacon, 10 oz (6 Pack)
Godshall’s Beef Bacon is the clearest choice here for shoppers who want a bacon-style option without pork. Cut from the beef plate, it brings a smoky, savory profile and can crisp up for a crunchy finish, giving it a different character from the pork-based Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon. That difference matters at the table: beef bacon may render differently, so familiar pork-bacon cooking habits may need adjusting. Each serving has 4 grams of protein and no carbs, while the six-pack offers several packages on hand. Its main tradeoff is availability; conventional pork bacon is easier to find, and buyers seeking the classic pork flavor should choose another pick in this roundup.
Pros:- Pork-free bacon alternative made from beef plate
- Smoky, savory flavor and crisp texture when cooked
- 4 grams of protein per serving with zero carbs
- Six-pack provides multiple packages
Cons:- May be harder to find than regular pork bacon
- Beef bacon can render differently from pork, requiring cooking adjustments
Best for: Shoppers avoiding pork who want a smoky, crisp bacon alternative and prefer keeping multiple packages on hand
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking classic pork-bacon flavor or a widely available option that cooks exactly like pork bacon
- Cut:Beef plate (belly)
- Package size:10 oz
- Pack quantity:6
- Protein:4 grams per serving
- Carbs:0
- Flavor:Smoky and savory
Our verdict“Choose Godshall’s if you want a pork-free, smoky bacon alternative and are comfortable adjusting how you cook it.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon, No Sugar, Freshly Ground Spices, 10 oz
Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon earns its place for buyers who want substantial slices with a spice-forward finish. Its heritage-breed pork gets a dry rub of freshly ground spices, with no added sugar; the product also lists no added nitrates or nitrites. With no added water, it is positioned for less shrinkage during cooking, so the thick cut can bring more substance to a plate than Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon, which is listed as an 8-ounce hickory-smoked option without a cut specification. Tender Belly also carries gluten-free and Paleo certifications. The tradeoff is that this specialty profile and sourcing may cost more than conventional bacon, and shoppers who prefer a thin, mild slice may find the thick cut and seasoning less suited to their usual breakfast.
Pros:- Thick cut for a more substantial slice
- No added sugar or added water
- Heritage-breed pork described as vegetarian fed and crate-free
- Gluten free and Paleo certified
Cons:- Specialty sourcing and features may make it more expensive than standard bacon
- Thick slices may not suit shoppers who prefer a lighter, thinner cut
- Freshly ground spice rub may be too assertive for buyers seeking a mild flavor
Best for: Bacon fans who want thick, filling slices, a spice rub, and no added sugar
Not ideal for: Shoppers who prefer thin, lightly seasoned bacon or are prioritizing a conventional, less specialized option
- Cut:Thick cut
- Weight:10 oz
- Curing:Uncured
- Sugar:No added sugar
- Nitrates/nitrites:None added
- Pork source:Heritage breed, vegetarian fed, crate-free
- Water added:None
- Dietary certifications:Gluten free; Paleo certified
Our verdict“Pick Tender Belly for thick, spice-seasoned slices with no added sugar, if you are comfortable with a specialty product.”
Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon, 8 oz
Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon suits shoppers whose bacon choice starts with organic sourcing and a short list of exclusions. It is USDA Organic, hickory smoked, and made without sugar, chemical nitrites or nitrates, antibiotics, or added hormones. That gives it a more defined sourcing-and-ingredient focus than North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, which highlights maple syrup and Certified Humane pork instead. Applegate is an 8-ounce pack, so it is a smaller-format pick than the four 14-ounce packages of Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon. Its description does not specify a cut, and the supplied product data gives no particular drawback; buyers should not assume a thick slice or peppered profile. Choose it for organic, hickory-smoked bacon without added sugar, not for a stated specialty cut.
Pros:- USDA Organic
- Hickory-smoked flavor
- Made without sugar, chemical nitrites or nitrates
- Made without antibiotics or added hormones
Cons:- The listed pack is 8 oz, smaller than Broadbent’s four 14-ounce packages
- The supplied product data does not specify a cut
- No particular drawback is provided in the product information
Best for: Shoppers who prioritize USDA Organic bacon without added sugar, antibiotics, or added hormones
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a specified thick cut, a larger multi-pack, or a maple or pepper-seasoned flavor
- Net weight:8 oz
- Type:Uncured bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked
- Sugar:Sugar free
- Organic certification:USDA Organic
- Antibiotics:No antibiotics
- Added hormones:None
- Dietary claims:Gluten free, dairy free, Whole30 approved
Our verdict“Choose Applegate for an organic, hickory-smoked bacon option with no added sugar and clearly stated exclusions.”
North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, 8 Ounce
North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon makes the most sense for shoppers who want an organic bacon with a maple note and animal-welfare details. The description says it is handcrafted with local maple syrup and made from Certified Humane pork, with no nitrates, nitrites, artificial flavors, antibiotics, or added hormones. Compared with Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon, its distinguishing point is maple syrup; Applegate is the clearer fit for someone specifically avoiding sugar. North Country’s fully integrated sourcing, from feed through processing, gives buyers more detail about how the product is produced. The pack is 8 ounces, and its premium organic positioning may make it more expensive than conventional bacon. Choose it for a maple-accented profile and sourcing standards; skip it if you want no-sugar bacon or a less specialized option.
Pros:- USDA Organic and Certified Humane
- Made with local maple syrup
- No nitrates, nitrites, or artificial flavors
- Sourcing is vertically integrated from feed to processing
Cons:- Maple syrup makes it a poor match for buyers avoiding sugar
- Premium organic positioning may make it more expensive than conventional bacon
Best for: Shoppers seeking USDA Organic, Certified Humane bacon with a maple-syrup note and detailed sourcing
Not ideal for: Buyers avoiding sugar or maple flavor, or those seeking a conventional bacon option
- Size:8 oz
- Certification:USDA Organic
- Animal welfare certification:Certified Humane
- Sweetener:Local maple syrup
- Nitrates/nitrites:None
- Artificial flavors:None
- Antibiotics:None
- Added hormones:None
Our verdict“Pick North Country for organic, Certified Humane bacon with a maple note and traceable production details.”
Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon, 14 oz, 4-Pack
Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon is the lineup’s pick for shoppers who want a pronounced, savory edge and several packages at once. Its hickory smoke and pepper seasoning give it a more assertive profile than the maple-accented North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, while salt curing adds another reason to expect a salty bite. The four individually packaged 14-ounce portions suit households that use bacon across breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads. Broadbent’s lists no added nitrites, though the product data does not claim organic certification or the sourcing details featured by North Country. The salt-forward style can overwhelm people who prefer milder bacon, and this product is unavailable in California and Massachusetts. Pick it for pepper seasoning and multi-package convenience where it is sold.
Pros:- Hickory-smoked with pepper seasoning
- Four individually packaged portions
- No added nitrites
- Can be served at breakfast or used in sandwiches and salads
Cons:- Naturally salty flavor may be too strong for some buyers
- Unavailable in California and Massachusetts
- Does not list the organic and humane certifications featured by North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon
Best for: Households that enjoy pepper-seasoned, smoky bacon and want four separately packaged portions for varied meals
Not ideal for: Shoppers who prefer mild or less salty bacon, or who live in California or Massachusetts
- Product type:Peppered country bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked pepper
- Curing:Salt cured
- Added nitrites:None
- Package quantity:4 packages
- Package weight:14 oz each
- Availability restriction:Unavailable in California and Massachusetts
Our verdict“Choose Broadbent’s if you want smoky, peppered country bacon in multiple packages and live where it is available.”
Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
There is a reason Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut has been a breakfast-table fixture for decades: it delivers exactly what most people expect from bacon, with no surprises. The center cut trims away the fattiest edges, so slices cook up straighter and leaner than the Smithfield thick slice, while the slow wood smoking gives it a familiar, balanced smokiness that does not overpower eggs or a sandwich. Compared with specialty options like Tender Belly’s dry-rubbed thick cut, it is less dramatic — no spice rub, no heritage-breed marbling — but that neutrality is the point. It works in a BLT, crumbled over salad, or beside pancakes without hijacking the plate. The tradeoff is shelf life: it must stay refrigerated and be used within seven days of opening, so it is not a pantry backup.
Pros:- Slow-smoked with real wood for classic balanced flavor
- Hand-trimmed center cut cooks leaner and straighter than regular cuts
- Versatile enough for breakfast, sandwiches, and recipes without dominating
- Gluten-free and made from selected, hand-trimmed pork cuts
Cons:- Must be refrigerated and used within seven days of opening
- Flavor is mild compared with hickory or applewood specialty bacons
- Standard thin-slice texture may feel flimsy next to thick-cut options
Best for: Households that want a dependable, crowd-pleasing everyday bacon for breakfast and sandwiches
Not ideal for: Bacon enthusiasts chasing bold smoke, thick slabs, or artisanal flavor — this is deliberately middle-of-the-road
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Cut:Center cut
- Flavor:Original
- Weight:12 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking method:Slow-smoked with real wood
- Storage:Refrigerate; use within seven days after opening
- Gluten-free:Yes
Our verdict“If you want the bacon everyone at the table will eat without complaint, this classic center cut is the safest pick on the list.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon, Uncured, Signature Dry Rub, 10 oz
This is the bacon you cook when the bacon is the meal. Tender Belly’s thick-cut slabs come from marbled heritage breed pork, dry-rubbed with freshly ground spices and cherrywood smoked, producing a sweetness and depth that the Oscar Mayer center cut simply does not attempt. Because no water is added, slices barely shrink in the pan — you get noticeably more bacon per pound than water-pumped supermarket brands, which partly justifies the premium positioning. Compared with the Niman Ranch applewood uncured option, Tender Belly leans spicier and more assertive thanks to the rub. The honest tradeoff: uncured means no nitrates or nitrites, so the shelf life is shorter than conventional bacon, and the price per ounce is among the highest in this lineup.
Pros:- Thick, well-marbled slices from heritage breed pork
- Humanely raised, crate-free, vegetarian fed with no antibiotics or hormones
- No added water means less shrinkage and more bacon per slice
- Cherrywood smoke plus signature dry rub creates distinctive spiced-sweet flavor
Cons:- Uncured format shortens shelf life compared with conventional bacon
- Premium specialty pricing makes it impractical as an everyday bacon
- Bold spice rub may clash with delicate recipes
Best for: Bacon lovers who want a centerpiece-worthy slab with spice, marbling, and ethical sourcing
Not ideal for: Budget shoppers or anyone who needs bacon to sit in the fridge for weeks — uncured bacon demands prompt use
- Cut:Thick cut
- Curing:Uncured
- Seasoning:Signature dry rub with freshly ground spices
- Smoking:Cherrywood smoked
- Pork source:Heritage breed, humanely raised, vegetarian fed, crate-free
- Weight:10 oz
- Dietary notes:Gluten free; no antibiotics, hormones, nitrates or nitrites added
- Water added:None (less shrinkage)
Our verdict“A splurge slab for people who treat bacon as the main event, not a side — just plan to cook it soon after it arrives.”
Smithfield Premium Thick Slice Bacon, 12 oz
When bacon needs to hold its own inside a cheeseburger or a stacked BLT, thin center-cut slices fall apart — and that is exactly where Smithfield Premium Thick Slice earns its spot. The hearty thick cut stays meaty and chewy after cooking, while natural hickory smoking delivers a bold, robust smoke that stands up to beef, cheddar, and mayo. It is smokier and more assertive than the milder Oscar Mayer center cut, though it lacks the spice-rub complexity of Tender Belly. With no MSG and no artificial colors, it keeps the ingredient list clean for a mainstream brand. The main limitations are practical: it requires refrigerated or frozen storage, and a single 12 oz pack disappears fast in a household that cooks bacon more than once a week.
Pros:- Thick slices stay meaty and substantial in sandwiches and burgers
- Naturally hickory smoked for a bold, robust flavor
- Hand-selected and hand-trimmed for consistent quality
- No MSG and no artificial colors
Cons:- Requires refrigerated or frozen storage at all times
- Single 12 oz package is small for bigger households
- Hickory smoke intensity may overwhelm delicate dishes
Best for: Burger builders, BLT stackers, and cooks who want smoky bacon with substantial bite
Not ideal for: Large families or meal preppers — one 12 oz package goes quickly, and it cannot be stored at room temperature
- Brand:Smithfield
- Cut:Thick Slice
- Smoke flavor:Naturally hickory smoked
- Net weight:12 oz
- Packaging:Vacuum-packed
- Storage:Keep frozen or refrigerated until ready to use
- Special features:No MSG, no artificial colors
Our verdict“The go-to pick when bacon is a structural ingredient in a sandwich rather than a side dish.”
Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, 16 Oz
This Amazon Grocery (formerly Fresh Brand) option is the value play of the roundup: a full 16-ounce package of applewood smoked thick-cut bacon at store-brand pricing, giving you a third more bacon per package than the 12 oz Smithfield or Oscar Mayer packs. The applewood smoke leans sweeter and gentler than Smithfield’s hickory, which makes it a friendlier match for pancakes, waffles, and egg breakfasts where you want smoke without bite. It is gluten free with no added MSG, so the basics are covered even at a lower tier. The tradeoffs are the ones typical of store brands: packaging can vary between orders, and availability is tied to Amazon’s grocery channels, so it may not always be in stock when you need a reorder.
Pros:- 16 oz package offers more bacon than standard 10-12 oz packs
- Applewood smoke delivers a milder, slightly sweet flavor
- Gluten free with no MSG added
- Store-brand pricing keeps cost per ounce low
Cons:- Packaging may vary, which can be confusing on repeat orders
- Availability may be limited to Amazon Grocery channels
- Less flavor complexity than premium cherrywood or dry-rubbed options
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers and high-volume breakfast households who want the most bacon per dollar
Not ideal for: Shoppers who want guaranteed consistency — packaging and availability can shift between orders
- Package size:16 oz
- Cut:Thick cut
- Smoking:Applewood smoked
- Gluten free:Yes
- MSG added:No
- Brand line:Amazon Grocery (previously Fresh Brand)
Our verdict“If you go through bacon fast and want gentle smoke at a low per-ounce cost, this 16 oz pack is the smart stock-up choice.”
365 by Whole Foods Market, Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon, 12 oz
For buyers who read the label before the price, 365 by Whole Foods’ uncured center cut hits the sourcing notes that matter: pork raised without antibiotics, vegetarian-fed, and uncured with no added nitrates or nitrites. The center cut makes it noticeably leaner than the Smithfield thick slice, rendering less fat in the pan and fitting more comfortably into lighter meals. Compared with Applegate’s organic no-sugar option, this one emphasizes smokehouse flavor and everyday accessibility rather than full organic certification, which keeps it a mid-tier choice rather than the strictest on the shelf. The tradeoff is character: leaner center-cut bacon delivers less of the crispy, fatty richness that makes Tender Belly’s marbled slabs so indulgent, and detailed nutrition information is limited beyond basic protein and cholesterol figures.
Pros:- Pork raised without antibiotics and vegetarian fed
- Uncured with no added nitrates or nitrites
- Center cut renders less fat for a leaner meal
- Smokehouse flavor keeps it more interesting than plain uncured options
Cons:- Leaner center cut can cook up drier and less rich
- Limited nutritional detail available on packaging
- Not organic, unlike some competing clean-label bacons
Best for: Health-conscious shoppers who want leaner, responsibly sourced bacon without added nitrates or nitrites
Not ideal for: Bacon traditionalists who crave fatty, rich slices — the lean center cut will feel dry by comparison
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Size:12 oz
- Cut:Center cut
- Type:Uncured bacon
- Flavor:Smokehouse
- Pork source:Vegetarian fed
- Antibiotics:Raised without antibiotics
Our verdict“The right pick if your priority is a leaner slice with clean sourcing rather than maximum indulgence.”
Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 Oz
For shoppers who want real hickory smoke flavor without the premium markup, this is the value play of the roundup. The full 16-ounce package puts it ahead of Niman Ranch Pork Bacon on a per-ounce basis, and unlike that pricier option, this one fits comfortably into a weekly grocery budget. The natural hickory smoking gives it a stronger, more traditional campfire profile compared to the milder 365 by Whole Foods Reduced Sodium option — a plus for anyone who likes bold bacon. The tradeoff is simplicity: you get no specialty claims like uncured, humane certification, or reduced sodium, just straightforward smoked bacon. Repeat buyers should also note the packaging may vary since the rebrand from Fresh Brand, which can cause confusion at checkout and in the pantry.
Pros:- Naturally hickory smoked for authentic, traditional flavor
- Affordable pricing under the Amazon Grocery line
- Full 16-ounce package offers strong value per ounce
- Part of a one-stop grocery line for easy restocking
Cons:- Packaging may vary due to the Fresh Brand rebrand, confusing repeat buyers
- No specialty attributes like uncured, antibiotic-free, or reduced sodium
Best for: Budget-conscious families who buy bacon regularly and want the most ounces per dollar
Not ideal for: Shoppers prioritizing ethical sourcing claims or reduced sodium, since this option offers neither
- Weight:16 oz
- Brand:Amazon Grocery
- Formerly:Fresh Brand
- Smoking Method:Naturally hickory smoked
- Curing:Conventional
- Specialty Claims:None
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for everyday bacon buyers who care about smoke flavor and price over specialty sourcing claims.”
Niman Ranch Pork Bacon, Applewood Smoked Uncured, 12 Ounce
This option stands out for buyers whose priority is how the pork was raised, not just how it tastes. Niman Ranch sources from farms with humane animal treatment practices, no added antibiotics, and no added hormones — claims that go beyond what Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon or the Amazon Grocery option can make. The applewood smoke is sweeter and subtler than hickory, landing closer to the flavor profile of the Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon in this lineup but with cleaner sourcing credentials. Being uncured and gluten-free broadens its appeal for label readers. The meaningful tradeoffs: you pay a premium for the ethics, and the 12-ounce package runs smaller than the 16-ounce budget picks, so cost per ounce is the highest concern here.
Pros:- Applewood smoked for a rich, subtly sweet flavor
- Gluten-free and all natural
- No added antibiotics or hormones
- Cruelty-free pork from humanely raised animals
Cons:- Premium brand pricing compared with conventional bacon
- Allergen information only available on the physical package
- Smaller 12-ounce package means a higher cost per ounce
Best for: Conscious consumers who want humanely raised, antibiotic-free pork and are willing to pay more for it
Not ideal for: Value-focused shoppers feeding a big household, given the premium price and smaller 12-ounce package
- Brand:Niman Ranch
- Product Type:Pork Bacon
- Flavor:Applewood Smoked
- Curing:Uncured
- Package Size:12 ounces
- Dietary:Gluten-free
- Added Antibiotics:None
- Added Hormones:None
Our verdict“This is the pick for buyers who put humane sourcing first and accept a higher per-ounce cost as the price of those standards.”
365 by Whole Foods Market Reduced Sodium Uncured Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
Compared with every other bacon in this roundup, this one attacks a problem most ignore: sodium load. With 37% less sodium than Whole Foods’ regular uncured smokehouse bacon, it suits anyone watching salt intake without abandoning bacon entirely. The center cut means leaner, meatier strips — closer to Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon in profile, but with the uncured and vegetarian-fed pork credentials Oscar Mayer doesn’t offer. Shoppers who already like the 365 Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon can think of this as the same concept tuned for a low-sodium diet. The tradeoff is texture and richness: less fat means less of the crisp, fatty bite that makes Smithfield Premium Thick Slice or Tender Belly options so indulgent, and reduced sodium can taste slightly muted to bacon purists.
Pros:- 37% less sodium than the regular uncured smokehouse bacon
- Made with vegetarian-fed pork
- Raised without antibiotics
- Center cut delivers leaner, meatier strips
Cons:- Leaner cut means less fat and less indulgent crispness
- Reduced sodium can read as muted flavor next to full-sodium bacon
Best for: Salt-restricted dieters and leaner-bacon fans who still want uncured, better-sourced pork
Not ideal for: Bacon traditionalists who crave fatty, thick-cut richness and full savory punch
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Type:Reduced sodium uncured center cut bacon
- Package Size:12 oz
- Pork:Vegetarian-fed; raised without antibiotics
- Sodium:37% less than regular uncured smokehouse bacon
- Cut:Center cut
- Curing:Uncured
Our verdict“This model is better suited to health-motivated buyers who need lower sodium and leaner cuts than to anyone chasing classic bacon indulgence.”
Applegate Naturals Fully Cooked Uncured Sunday Bacon, 2.52 Oz
Every other bacon in this roundup assumes you’ll stand at a stove dealing with splatter — this one eliminates that entirely. Fully cooked and microwave-ready, it delivers ten slices in minutes with no mess, making it the only true grab-and-go option here. The clean-label credentials rival Niman Ranch: humanely raised pork, no chemical nitrites or nitrates, no GMO ingredients, and minimal processing. The obvious tradeoff is quantity and value — at 2.52 ounces, you get a fraction of what the 16-ounce Amazon Grocery or Oscar Mayer packages provide, and natural-brand pricing applies to a tiny box. Texture also differs from pan-fried fresh bacon; microwaving won’t replicate the rendering you get cooking Smithfield Premium Thick Slice raw. It’s a convenience tool, not a breakfast centerpiece.
Pros:- Fully cooked and ready in minutes with no mess
- Made from humanely raised, 100% natural pork
- No chemical nitrites, nitrates, artificial, or GMO ingredients
- Only option in the lineup requiring zero cooking skill
Cons:- Higher price point typical of natural brands, on a very small package
- Requires a microwave for reheating
- Texture can’t match freshly pan-cooked bacon
Best for: Busy office workers, dorm residents, and meal-preppers who want bacon in minutes without a stove
Not ideal for: Families cooking big breakfasts, since the small 2.52-ounce package and premium pricing scale poorly
- Brand:Applegate Naturals
- Weight:2.52 oz
- Slices:10
- Cooking State:Fully cooked
- Preparation:Microwave and eat
- Curing:Uncured
- Pork:100% natural, humanely raised
- Additives:No chemical nitrites, nitrates, or GMO ingredients
Our verdict“Choose this if speed and cleanup matter more than quantity or classic texture; skip it for any real cooking application.”
Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, 16 oz
When a recipe just calls for bacon — quiche, sandwiches, breakfast for a crowd — this is the reliable default. Naturally hardwood smoked with real wood and cut from hand-trimmed pork, it delivers the familiar supermarket flavor most households expect, and the vacuum-sealed 16-ounce package with roughly 18 slices matches the Amazon Grocery option on volume. Compared with Broadbent’s Peppered Country Bacon or Tender Belly’s dry-rubbed options, it’s far milder — which is exactly the point: it plays well in any dish without dominating. It lacks the premium sourcing of Niman Ranch and the lean profile of the 365 center cut, sitting squarely in the middle on every dimension. Note the seven-day window after opening; casual users may waste slices if they don’t plan around it.
Pros:- Naturally smoked with real hardwood
- Made from hand-trimmed cuts of pork
- Versatile for breakfasts, sandwiches, and recipes
- Full 16-ounce package with about 18 slices
Cons:- Must be used within seven days of opening, risking waste for light users
- Mild flavor may underwhelm compared with artisan or thick-cut options
Best for: Households that use bacon as an everyday cooking ingredient and want consistent, widely-appealing flavor
Not ideal for: Charcuterie enthusiasts seeking artisanal smoke intensity or specialty curing, which this mainstream style doesn’t deliver
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Weight:16 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking Method:Naturally hardwood smoked with real wood
- Meat:Pork
- Packaging:Vacuum-sealed plastic
- Use After Opening:Within 7 days
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense as the dependable, all-purpose pantry bacon for busy households rather than for adventurous flavor seekers.”
How We Picked
I evaluated every option on the same core dimensions: smoke and cure flavor, slice thickness and consistency, fat-to-lean ratio, ingredient quality (uncured vs. cured, organic vs. conventional, added sugar), and practical value — how much usable cooked bacon each package actually yields. Products that rendered cleanly without flooding the pan scored higher, as did options with shorter, more transparent ingredient lists. Packaging size and shelf convenience mattered too: a six-pack of beef bacon and a fully cooked shelf-stable pouch serve very different buyers than a single 10-ounce artisan pack.
The ranking order reflects a simple philosophy: flavor-first options sit at the top, balanced everyday picks fill the middle, and dietary-specific or convenience-driven options round out the list where their tradeoffs make sense for narrower use cases. Where two products seemed similar — such as the two Tender Belly varieties or the two 365 offerings — I separated them by their distinct roles, since one targets no-sugar diets and the other targets sodium reduction.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Bacon
Choosing bacon involves more than grabbing the shiniest package. Here are the factors that actually change how your breakfast tastes, and the mistakes I see buyers make most often.Cured vs. Uncured: What the Label Actually Means
Despite the naming, both styles are technically cured — the difference is the source of nitrates. Conventional cured bacon uses synthetic sodium nitrite, while uncured bacon uses naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder or sea salt. Flavor-wise, the difference is subtle; safety and preference-wise, it mostly comes down to ingredient-list priorities. Buyers often assume uncured means healthier or shorter-lived, but shelf life is similar and the nitrite content in the finished product is comparable. If a clean label matters to you, uncured picks like Niman Ranch or Applegate fit; if you care purely about classic flavor and price, conventional options like Smithfield serve you just as well.
Thickness Determines Everything About Cooking
Slice thickness is the single biggest predictor of how bacon behaves in the pan. Thin-sliced grocery bacon crisps fast and shatters easily — great for crumbling onto salads or burgers. Thick-cut bacon like Tender Belly or Smithfield Premium holds a chewy-tender center, stands up to sandwiches and BLTs, and works better for wrapping around other foods. A common mistake is buying thick-cut expecting quick crispy strips; it takes nearly twice as long and benefits from medium-low heat to render without burning the edges. Match the cut to the dish, not just to the word “premium” on the label.
Smoke Source and Intensity
Not all smoke is equal. Applewood smoke (Niman Ranch, Applegate) leans sweet and mild, hickory (Broadbent’s, Amazon Grocery) runs bold and assertive, and country-style dry curing adds salt and pepper depth that wet-cured bacon can’t replicate. If you’re serving bacon alongside delicate foods — eggs, pancakes, avocado toast — a milder smoke won’t dominate the plate. For bacon-forward dishes like carbonara or a bacon-topped burger, bolder smoke holds its ground. Buyers who complain their bacon “tastes like ham” are usually tasting mild smoke plus sugar, not a quality problem.
Sugar Content and Special Diets
Most conventional bacon contains brown sugar or dextrose, which caramelizes and creates that classic sweet edge — but it also burns faster under high heat. No-sugar options like Applegate Organic No Sugar and Tender Belly’s No Sugar variety are built for keto, paleo, and low-glycemic diets, and they brown more predictably. The tradeoff is flavor: sugar plays a real role in bacon’s browning chemistry, and some sugar-free strips taste flatter straight out of the pan. If you’re not restricting sugar, there’s little reason to pay a premium for it. If you are, checking the label matters more than the brand, since several “natural” bacons still sneak in sweeteners.
Center Cut vs. Regular Cut
Center-cut bacon is trimmed from the leaner middle of the pork belly, which means less fat, less shrinkage, and more consistent strips — but also less of the rendered fat that carries flavor. Regular cut shrinks more in the pan yet delivers richer taste and leaves you with bacon grease for cooking. Meal preppers and sandwich makers tend to prefer center cut because the slices stay uniform; flavor chasers usually don’t. Oscar Mayer’s Center Cut and both 365 offerings illustrate this well: they’re not trying to be the boldest bacon on the shelf, they’re trying to be the most predictable.
Packaging Size and Waste
Bacon size ranges from a 2.52-ounce fully cooked pouch to a six-pack totaling 60 ounces. Buying in bulk only saves money if you’ll actually use it — opened bacon keeps for about a week, and freezer storage changes the texture slightly. Multi-packs like Broadbent’s 4-pack or Godshall’s 6-pack make sense for households that cook bacon multiple times a week, while single 8-to-10-ounce artisan packs suit occasional buyers who want variety. The fully cooked Applegate pouch exists for a different reason entirely: camping, travel, and desk lunches where a skillet isn’t available. Match package size to your real consumption, not your aspirational consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thick-cut bacon actually better than regular bacon?
Not universally — it depends on what you’re cooking. Thick-cut bacon holds its texture better in sandwiches, wraps, and dishes where bacon is a structural ingredient, and it’s more forgiving if you walk away from the stove. Regular and thin-cut bacon crisps faster, crumbles more easily, and works better as a garnish or in recipes where you want it to dissolve into the dish. The mistake I see most is treating thick-cut as an automatic upgrade; it cooks nearly twice as long and can frustrate anyone expecting quick, shatteringly crisp strips. Choose based on the dish, not the price tier.
Is uncured bacon healthier than cured bacon?
The health difference is smaller than the labeling suggests. Both types contain nitrites — uncured versions simply derive them from natural sources like celery powder rather than synthetic sodium nitrite, and the finished products end up chemically similar. What actually moves the health needle is sodium content, sugar content, and fat ratio, which vary widely across both categories. Applegate’s No Sugar uncured option or 365’s Reduced Sodium pick make more of a nutritional difference than choosing uncured alone. If a clean-sounding label gives you peace of mind, uncured is a reasonable choice, but don’t assume it’s automatically lower in salt or fat.
What’s the best bacon for a keto or low-sugar diet?
Look specifically for zero added sugar on the ingredient list, not just the word “natural” — many premium bacons contain brown sugar or maple. From this lineup, Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured and Tender Belly’s No Sugar Thick Cut are the standout fits, with Tender Belly offering more spice complexity and Applegate providing an organic certification. Niman Ranch’s applewood-smoked uncured bacon is a close third if a touch of natural sweetness is acceptable. The practical tradeoff: sugar-free bacon browns more evenly and won’t burn under high heat, but some eaters miss the caramelized edge. Pairing it with a peppered or spiced variety, like Broadbent’s, compensates well.
Can I get good bacon without the premium price?
Yes, and the gap is smaller than marketing implies. Smithfield Premium Thick Slice and Amazon Grocery Hickory Smoked deliver solid smoke flavor and respectable thickness at a mainstream price point, and Oscar Mayer’s options are perfectly serviceable for everyday breakfasts and recipes. What you give up is the dry-rub complexity, careful cure, and consistent hand-cut quality of artisan brands like Broadbent’s or North Country Smokehouse. My advice: reserve premium bacon for eating straight where flavor is the point, and use value bacon in recipes — casseroles, quiches, burgers — where it’s one ingredient among many.
Is beef bacon a good substitute for pork bacon?
It’s a good substitute for specific needs, not a drop-in replacement. Godshall’s Beef Bacon is made from beef belly and satisfies households avoiding pork for dietary or religious reasons, and it renders a flavorful fat comparable to tallow. The differences: beef bacon tends to be slightly chewier, less uniformly striped, and a bit leaner than pork, so it behaves differently in the pan. It shines as a topping for burgers, salads, and baked potatoes, where its beefy richness is an advantage. If pork bacon’s flavor is what you love, though, no substitute will fully replicate it.
Conclusion
For the best overall bacon, Tender Belly Thick Cut with Signature Dry Rub earns the top spot — its spice-forward cure, generous thickness, and clean ingredient list make it the most complete package in this lineup. For best value, Smithfield Premium Thick Slice and Amazon Grocery Hickory Smoked deliver dependable smoke and body without the artisan markup, making them the smart default for weekly grocery runs. For the best premium experience, Broadbent’s Peppered Country Bacon brings a dry-cured, hickory-smoked intensity that grocery bacon simply doesn’t attempt — buy it when bacon is the centerpiece of the meal.
For beginners or bacon traditionalists, Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut is the low-risk pick: predictable, widely available, and easy to cook. For specific needs: Applegate Organic No Sugar for keto and low-sugar diets, 365 Reduced Sodium for salt-conscious eaters, Niman Ranch for humanely raised applewood flavor, Godshall’s Beef Bacon for pork-free households, and Applegate’s Fully Cooked Sunday Bacon for camping, travel, or no-stove situations. Whatever you choose, match the cut and smoke level to how you actually eat bacon — that single decision matters more than any brand name on the package.
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