Are you a bacon lover who can’t get enough of that crispy, salty goodness?
Do you find yourself wondering what exactly is in the bacon at McDonald’s?
Well, wonder no more! We’ve done the research and have all the answers for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in McDonald’s bacon, including whether or not it contains pork.
We’ll also take a look at the company’s efforts to source humane pork and what that means for consumers.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about the bacon at McDonald’s.
Is McDonald’s Bacon Pork?
The short answer is yes, McDonald’s bacon is made from pork. In fact, nearly all of the meat in McDonald’s breakfast items is pork, including the sausage and Canadian bacon. The only exception is the steak in the Steak, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit.
McDonald’s uses two ingredients that contain pork: bacon rashers and sausage patty. These ingredients are used in many of their menu items such as Big Flavour Wraps and breakfast items.
It’s important to note that not all bacon is created equal. Canadian bacon, for example, is essentially cured pork loin that has been sliced. The bacon used by McDonald’s is likely more like chopped-and-formed ham, which means it may not be as high quality as other types of bacon.
What Is McDonald’s Bacon Made Of?
McDonald’s bacon is made from pork bellies that have been cured with water, salt, sugar, natural smoke flavor, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. These ingredients are used to give the bacon its distinct flavor and texture.
It’s worth noting that McDonald’s has faced criticism in the past over its pork suppliers. In 2011, the Humane Society of the United States accused Smithfield, a company that supplies McDonald’s with pork, of lying to shareholders about animal welfare. Specifically, Smithfield was accused of confining breeding sows to gestation cages that were so small they couldn’t even turn around.
In response to this criticism, McDonald’s pledged to have its U.S. pork suppliers phase out the use of these crates by 2022. While this is a step in the right direction for animal welfare, it’s important to keep in mind that not all McDonald’s locations may be using humane pork at this time.
McDonald’s Efforts To Source Humane Pork
In recent years, McDonald’s has been working to improve the welfare of the pigs that are used to make their bacon and other pork products. In 2012, the company announced a commitment to source pork from producers who do not use gestational crates for pregnant sows. These crates are small enclosures that prevent the sow from moving around freely during pregnancy, causing discomfort and stress.
Since then, McDonald’s has been phasing out gestational crates in its pork supply chain. The company expects to source 85% to 90% of its pork volumes from sows not housed in gestation crates during pregnancy by the end of 2022. By the end of 2024, it expects 100% of its U.S. pork to come from sows housed in groups during pregnancy.
McDonald’s has also been working with its pork suppliers to improve animal welfare standards. The company works closely with suppliers who are dedicated to continuously improving animal welfare and phasing out the use of gestation stalls for housing pregnant sows in the U.S. market.
However, not everyone is satisfied with McDonald’s efforts. Animal rights groups such as The Humane Society of the United States have criticized McDonald’s for not doing enough to end the use of gestational crates in its pork supply chain. They argue that McDonald’s is still buying pork from farmers who keep pregnant sows confined to narrow cages for weeks at a time.
Despite these criticisms, McDonald’s remains committed to improving animal welfare standards in its supply chain. The company believes that it is important to work collaboratively with suppliers and industry stakeholders to drive positive change and ensure that animals are treated humanely throughout their lives.
What Does Humane Pork Mean For Consumers?
When it comes to pork and other meat products, consumers are increasingly concerned about the welfare of the animals that are raised for food. This has led to the rise of terms like “humane pork” and “humanely raised” on food packaging and menus. However, as we’ve seen with the concept of “humanewashing,” these terms can be misleading and vague.
So, what does “humane pork” actually mean for consumers? Unfortunately, there is no clear definition or standard for what constitutes humane treatment of pigs. Some companies may use the term to imply that their pigs are raised in spacious outdoor environments or given more time to grow before slaughter. Others may claim that their pigs are not given antibiotics or growth hormones.
Consumers should be cautious when interpreting these claims and look for more specific information about the farm or producer behind the product. For example, some third-party certifications like Animal Welfare Approved or Certified Humane may provide more rigorous standards for pig welfare.
It’s also important to note that even with the best intentions, raising pigs for food can involve practices that many people find objectionable. For example, pigs may still be castrated without anesthesia, confined indoors for much of their lives, or transported long distances to slaughterhouses.
Ultimately, consumers who are concerned about animal welfare may want to consider reducing their meat consumption overall or seeking out alternative protein sources like plant-based options. While it can be challenging to navigate the complex world of meat production and labeling, making informed choices can help support more ethical and sustainable food systems.
Alternatives To McDonald’s Bacon For Vegetarians And Vegans.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you may be wondering what alternatives are available to McDonald’s bacon. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that can satisfy your cravings for a smoky, savory flavor.
One popular option is plant-based bacon substitutes. These products are typically made from soy or wheat protein and are designed to mimic the taste and texture of real bacon. Some of the best vegan bacon substitutes include All Vegetarian Vegan Bacon Slices, Be Leaf Foods Bacon Strips, and Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon.
Another option is to look for menu items that don’t contain any meat or animal products. For example, McDonald’s offers a few vegetarian breakfast options such as the Egg McMuffin (without the Canadian bacon) and the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. You can also try ordering a breakfast sandwich without the bacon or sausage.
If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, consider trying one of McDonald’s veggie burgers. While the company doesn’t currently offer a vegan burger in the US, the UK location offers The Veggie Stack – a vegan burger with or without cheese.
Ultimately, there are plenty of alternatives to McDonald’s bacon for vegetarians and vegans. Whether you’re looking for plant-based substitutes or meat-free menu items, there are plenty of options available that can satisfy your cravings while still aligning with your dietary preferences.
