Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Healthy? A Full Guide

Are you a fan of bacon but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further than turkey bacon.

But is all turkey bacon created equal? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Oscar Mayer’s Original Turkey Bacon and determine whether it’s a healthy choice for your diet.

From its nutritional content to its ingredients, we’ll break down the pros and cons of this popular processed meat. So, whether you’re a health-conscious eater or a bacon fanatic, read on to find out if Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon is the right choice for you.

Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Healthy?

Oscar Mayer’s Original Turkey Bacon is often touted as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon due to its lower fat, calorie, and sodium content. However, it’s important to note that turkey bacon still contains saturated fat and sodium, both of which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease when consumed in large amounts.

In fact, Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon is considered a “Dirty Keto” food because it’s a low-carb processed food that contains unhealthy ingredients like sugar and sodium nitrite. These additives can be harmful to your health when consumed in excess.

Additionally, turkey bacon typically contains artificial ingredients, flavors, and preservatives that may not be beneficial for your health. While it may be a convenient and tasty option for breakfast or sandwiches, it’s best to limit your consumption of processed meats like turkey bacon in favor of lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans.

What Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon?

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon is a type of bacon made from smoked, cured turkey that has been chopped and formed into slices. It is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon due to its lower fat and sodium content. The turkey used to make this bacon is raised without hormones, in accordance with federal regulations.

The ingredients in Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon include turkey, sugar, salt, potassium lactate, water, potassium chloride, sodium diacetate, sodium phosphates, smoke flavor, sodium ascorbate, autolyzed yeast extract, sodium nitrite, and soy lecithin. While some of these ingredients are natural flavorings and preservatives, others like sugar and sodium nitrite are considered additives that may be harmful when consumed in excess.

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon can be cooked on the stove, in the oven or microwave for convenience. It is vacuum packed in a resealable package to maintain freshness and should be kept refrigerated and used within seven days of opening.

Nutritional Content Of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon

One slice of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon (15g) contains 35 calories, 3g of fat, 1g of saturated fat, and 140mg of sodium. The % Daily Value (DV) for these nutrients is based on a 2,000 calorie diet, with the DV for fat and saturated fat being 5% and the DV for sodium being 6%.

Compared to pork bacon, Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon has 58% less fat and 57% less sodium per serving. However, it’s important to remember that turkey bacon is still a processed meat product and should be consumed in moderation. It’s also worth noting that the fat content in Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon has been reduced from 6g to 3g per serving, which is a positive change for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake.

Ingredients In Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon

The ingredients in Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon include turkey, mechanically separated turkey, sugar, salt, potassium lactate, water, potassium chloride, smoke flavor, sodium diacetate, sodium phosphates, sodium ascorbate, autolyzed yeast extract, soy lecithin, and sodium nitrite. It’s important to note that some of these ingredients are additives and preservatives that may not be beneficial for your health.

For example, sodium nitrite is a common preservative used in processed meats like turkey bacon to prevent bacterial growth and maintain color. However, it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health issues when consumed in large amounts.

Similarly, autolyzed yeast extract is often used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods but can contain high levels of glutamic acid, which may cause adverse reactions in some people.

While some of the ingredients in Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon are natural and unprocessed, others are not. As with any processed food, it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully and be aware of any potential health risks associated with the additives and preservatives used.

Health Benefits Of Turkey Bacon

While there are certainly some drawbacks to consuming turkey bacon, it does offer some potential health benefits worth considering. For example, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon, containing fewer calories and less fat. This can be beneficial for individuals who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their intake of saturated fat.

Turkey bacon is also a good source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health and wellness, and can help support immune function, energy production, and healthy metabolism.

Furthermore, some brands of turkey bacon may be made with natural preservatives like celery powder, which contains nitrates that can help prevent spoilage without the use of synthetic additives. This can be a healthier option for individuals who are concerned about consuming artificial ingredients or additives.

Potential Risks Of Consuming Processed Meat

Processed meats like turkey bacon are often linked to an increased risk of health problems. One study found that consuming large amounts of processed meat can lead to an increased risk of early death, heart disease, and cancer. This is due in part to the high levels of sodium and saturated fat found in these products.

Sodium is a major concern when it comes to processed meats. These products are often loaded with salt to enhance their flavor and extend their shelf life. However, consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which can lead to serious heart problems over time.

Saturated fat is another risk factor associated with processed meats. This type of fat can increase the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While turkey bacon may be lower in fat than traditional pork bacon, it still contains saturated fat that should be consumed in moderation.

Finally, processed meats like turkey bacon often contain artificial ingredients, flavors, and preservatives that may not be beneficial for your health. These additives can contribute to inflammation in the body and may increase the risk of certain diseases over time.

Conclusion: Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon A Healthy Choice?