Are you a fan of bacon but worried about its compatibility with your keto diet?
Fear not, because there’s a type of bacon that might just be the perfect fit for your low-carb lifestyle: peameal bacon.
This Canadian delicacy is a leaner and healthier alternative to traditional bacon, and it’s also incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
But the question remains: is peameal bacon keto-friendly?
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of peameal bacon and how it fits into the keto diet.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this delicious and potentially diet-conscious breakfast staple.
Is Peameal Bacon Keto Friendly?
The short answer is yes, peameal bacon can be keto-friendly.
Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is made from lean pork loin that has been cured and rolled in cornmeal. This means that it is lower in fat than traditional bacon, but still packs a flavorful punch.
In terms of its nutritional value, a 3-ounce serving of peameal bacon contains approximately 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 22 grams of protein. It also has only 1 gram of carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a keto diet.
However, it’s important to note that some brands of peameal bacon may contain added sugars or other ingredients that could increase the carb count. As with any food on the keto diet, it’s important to read labels and choose options that fit within your daily carb limit.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a type of back bacon that is wet-cured, unsmoked, and made from trimmed lean boneless pork loin that has been rolled in cornmeal. It is a Canadian specialty that likely originated in Toronto, where it is still beloved today. The name “peameal bacon” derives from the historic practice of rolling the cured and trimmed boneless loin in dried and ground yellow peas to extend shelf life. However, since the end of World War I, it has been rolled in ground yellow cornmeal.
Compared to traditional bacon, peameal bacon is lower in fat and has a milder flavor once it’s off the griddle. The lack of fat also means that it stays juicy, rather than becoming crunchy and dry. A whole slab of peameal bacon can even be cooked as a roast for dinner.
Peameal bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including sandwiches and breakfast plates. In fact, peameal bacon sandwiches are often considered a signature dish of Toronto, particularly from Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.
For those following a keto diet, peameal bacon can be a great option due to its low carb count and high protein content. However, it’s important to read labels and choose options without added sugars or other ingredients that could increase the carb count.
Nutritional Value Of Peameal Bacon
Peameal bacon is a great source of protein, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 22 grams of protein. This makes it an ideal food for those following a keto diet, as protein is an important macronutrient that helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
In addition to protein, peameal bacon is also low in carbohydrates, with only 1 gram of carbs per serving. This makes it a great option for those who are trying to maintain ketosis, as it won’t cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels.
Peameal bacon is also relatively low in fat compared to traditional bacon, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 3 grams of fat. While some may see this as a negative, it can actually be beneficial for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight on the keto diet.
How Does Peameal Bacon Compare To Traditional Bacon?
When comparing peameal bacon to traditional bacon, there are a few key differences to note. First and foremost, peameal bacon is made from pork loin that has been wet-cured and rolled in cornmeal, while traditional bacon is typically made from pork belly that has been cured and smoked. This means that peameal bacon has a milder flavor than traditional bacon, with a salty-sweet taste that is more similar to fresh ham.
Another difference is the fat content. Peameal bacon is much leaner than traditional bacon, with only 3 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving compared to the 10-12 grams of fat found in traditional bacon. This makes it a great option for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake or follow a lower-fat diet.
Finally, peameal bacon is typically lower in calories than traditional bacon. A 3-ounce serving of peameal bacon contains approximately 120 calories, while the same serving size of traditional bacon can contain anywhere from 120-150 calories depending on the brand.
Peameal Bacon And The Keto Diet
Peameal bacon is a great option for those following the keto diet. As mentioned before, it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Peameal bacon can be easily incorporated into a keto-friendly meal plan. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast protein alongside eggs or added to a salad as a flavorful topping. Additionally, peameal bacon can be used as a substitute for traditional bacon in recipes, providing a leaner alternative that still delivers on taste.
It’s important to note that while peameal bacon is keto-friendly, it should still be consumed in moderation. As with any food on the keto diet, it’s important to maintain a balance of macronutrients and not rely solely on one type of food.
Peameal Bacon Recipe Ideas For The Keto Diet
If you’re looking for creative ways to incorporate peameal bacon into your keto diet, here are some recipe ideas to try:
1. Peameal Bacon and Egg Muffins: Whip up a batch of these easy-to-make muffins for a protein-packed breakfast on-the-go. Simply coat a muffin tin with cooking spray, add a slice of peameal bacon to each cup, crack an egg on top, and bake in the oven until cooked through.
2. Peameal Bacon Grilled Cheese: Swap out traditional bread for keto-friendly bread and add a few slices of peameal bacon to your grilled cheese sandwich for a delicious and satisfying lunch option.
3. Peameal Bacon and Avocado Salad: Toss together some mixed greens, sliced avocado, and diced peameal bacon for a refreshing and filling salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
4. Peameal Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Layer a slice of peameal bacon, a fried egg, and some cheese between two slices of keto-friendly bread for a hearty breakfast sandwich that’s sure to keep you full until lunchtime.
5. Peameal Bacon and Cauliflower Fried Rice: Use riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice to make this low-carb version of fried rice. Add in some diced peameal bacon, scrambled eggs, and your favorite veggies for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Conclusion: Is Peameal Bacon A Good Choice For Keto Dieters?
Based on the information above, peameal bacon can be a good choice for keto dieters. It is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a filling and satisfying option. Additionally, it is lower in fat than traditional bacon, which may be appealing to some individuals on the keto diet who are looking to limit their fat intake.
However, as with any food on the keto diet, it’s important to choose high-quality, minimally processed options and to read labels carefully to ensure that you are staying within your daily carb limit. Overall, peameal bacon can be a tasty addition to a keto meal plan when eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
