Are you a fan of bacon and butter, but wondering which one is better for your health?
The debate between bacon fat and butter has been going on for years, with people wondering which one is the healthier option.
While both have their own unique flavors and uses in cooking, the question remains: is bacon fat better than butter?
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional differences between the two and help you make an informed decision about which one to use in your cooking.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of bacon fat and butter.
Is Bacon Fat Better Than Butter?
When it comes to nutrition, bacon fat is actually lower in saturated fat and higher in the good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than butter. According to the USDA, a tablespoon of unsalted butter has 102 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 2 milligrams of sodium. Salted butter has 90 milligrams of sodium.
On the other hand, a tablespoon of bacon fat has 115.7 calories, 12.8 grams of fat, and 19.4 milligrams of sodium. So if you’re watching your sodium intake, bacon grease is actually the lower sodium alternative to salted butter. Unsalted butter would be the lowest-sodium choice.
Bacon fat is also higher in monounsaturated fat (the good fat) than butter. Unlike margarine, bacon grease does NOT contain trans fat (aka “bad fat”). A comparison between a tablespoon of bacon grease, butter, and canola oil is quite interesting. Bacon grease has slightly less cholesterol than butter and only 2 more milligrams of saturated fat. It has the same number of calories as the oil, but more saturated fat and sodium.
Nutritional Comparison: Bacon Fat Vs. Butter
When comparing the nutritional value of bacon fat and butter, both are high in calories and saturated fat. However, butter, unsalted has more riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and folate, while bacon contains more niacin. Butter, unsalted is also an excellent source of Vitamin A.
Bacon fat has many similarities, nutritionally speaking, to other oils. It has similar calorie and fat content, 40 calories and 5 grams of fat per teaspoon. Bacon fat is higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than butter. These are good fats that can help lower cholesterol levels.
Bacon grease is actually the lower sodium alternative to salted butter. Unsalted butter would be the lowest-sodium choice. Bacon grease also does NOT contain trans fat (aka “bad fat”), unlike margarine.
When it comes to cooking with bacon fat versus butter, it’s important to note that bacon grease can change the taste of your recipe by offering the fragrance of bacon. If you do not want a bacon taste at all, bacon fat may not be the best choice. Additionally, using bacon fat to bake may not give you the same consistency that butter provides.
Health Benefits And Risks Of Bacon Fat And Butter
While bacon fat and butter both have their benefits, they also have their risks. High-fat dairy products like butter have been linked to a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. However, butter is high in calories and saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation. It’s best to consume it alongside a mix of heart-healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
Bacon fat, on the other hand, is often associated with negative health effects due to its high sodium and nitrate content. Nitrates can form carcinogens when exposed to high heat, which can lead to cancer. Bacon is also very salty, and too much salt in one’s diet can lead to increased blood pressure. However, it’s important to note that the sodium levels in bacon fat are negligible, only 6 milligrams per teaspoon. Additionally, food manufacturers have made nitrate-free bacon available.
The fats in bacon are about 50% monounsaturated and a large part of those is oleic acid – the same fatty acid that olive oil is praised for and generally considered “heart-healthy”. This means that bacon fat can actually be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The presence of a high level of fat, coupled with lots of protein in a traditionally small-serving food like bacon can help you feel full after eating it, cutting down on the urge to overeat.
Culinary Uses Of Bacon Fat And Butter
Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes in place of butter or oil. Its unique flavor profile adds a delicious, smoky taste to any dish. Here are some culinary uses of bacon fat and butter:
1. Baked goods: Bacon grease can be used instead of butter or shortening in savory baked goods such as cornbread, biscuits, or tortillas. You can even make bacon grease cookies for a sweet and salty treat.
2. Grilled cheese sandwich: Spread a little mustard and mayo on two slices of bread, layer with your favorite cheese slices, and cook in bacon fat in a hot skillet for a delicious twist on a classic sandwich.
3. Sauteed vegetables: Use bacon grease instead of butter or oil to saute onions and peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Refried beans: Add a bit of bacon grease to homemade refried beans for an added depth of flavor.
5. Fried eggs: Bacon grease is the classic way to fry eggs, and for good reason – it makes them taste amazing!
6. Roasted vegetables: When roasting veggies, add a dab of cold bacon grease and once melted, stir veggies to coat for an extra smoky flavor.
7. French toast and pancakes: Use bacon grease to fry your French toast and pancakes for a delicious pairing with maple syrup.
8. Seasoning cast iron: Bacon fat works great for seasoning cast iron cookware.
9. Fire starter: Use bacon grease to make simple fire starters and enjoy a roaring fire in no time.
Cooking With Bacon Fat Vs. Butter: Which Is Better?
When it comes to cooking with bacon fat versus butter, the choice ultimately depends on the recipe and personal preference. While butter has a mild flavor and can cook a meal without altering the taste, bacon fat can really change the taste of your recipe by offering the fragrance of bacon. If you do not want bacon taste at all, using bacon fat would not be ideal.
Additionally, while bacon fat has more saturated fat than butter, these fats are considered good fats. However, it would be uneasy to use bacon fat where butter would sit perfectly in most recipes. Using bacon fat to bake would not give you the same consistency that butter gives. So, unless your recipe can be substituted with bacon fat, it is not recommended to use it for baking.
It is important to note that when cooking with bacon fat, it is best to use it in moderation as it can add a significant amount of calories and sodium to your dish. However, using bacon fat in moderation can add a delicious and unique flavor to your meals.
In terms of cost, while some cooking oils can get expensive, such as avocado oil, bacon fat is the waste from cooking bacon, so it’s more or less free. It’s a great way to use up a byproduct and add flavor to your meals.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between bacon fat and butter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, bacon grease is the way to go. However, if you’re watching your cholesterol intake, unsalted butter would be the better choice.
In terms of overall nutrition, bacon fat is higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than butter, making it a healthier option. However, it’s important to note that bacon fat can change the taste of your recipe by offering the fragrance of bacon. So if you don’t want a bacon taste at all, it’s not ideal to use bacon fat.
Furthermore, when it comes to baking, it’s better to use butter as it gives the same consistency that bacon grease doesn’t always provide. In addition, freezing your leftover bacon grease and disposing of it properly is the best way to avoid clogging your drain or melting your waste bin.
