Is Pork Roll Healthier Than Bacon? The Key Facts

Are you a fan of breakfast meats? Do you love the salty, savory taste of bacon? Or maybe you prefer the circular shape and versatility of pork roll?

Whatever your preference, there’s no denying that both pork roll and bacon are popular choices for breakfast sandwiches and other dishes. But when it comes to health, which one is the better option?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value of pork roll and bacon to determine which one comes out on top.

So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn about these beloved breakfast meats.

Is Pork Roll Healthier Than Bacon?

When it comes to comparing pork roll and bacon, the first thing to consider is their nutritional value. According to the USDA, 100 grams of pork roll contains 317 calories, 14 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 27 grams of fat. In comparison, 100 grams of bacon contains a whopping 898 calories, 37 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 83 grams of fat.

As you can see, bacon is much higher in calories and fat than pork roll. However, it does contain more protein. So if you’re looking to increase your protein intake, bacon may be the better choice.

But what about the health implications of consuming these meats? It’s no secret that processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans.

While both pork roll and bacon are considered processed meats, bacon is typically cured with nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Pork roll, on the other hand, is not typically cured with these chemicals.

Additionally, pork roll is often made with leaner cuts of pork than bacon, which means it may contain less saturated fat. Saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.

What Is Pork Roll And Bacon?

Pork roll and bacon are both processed meat products made from pork, but they have distinct differences. Pork roll is made from pork, salt, sugar, and spices, and is formed into a cylindrical log shape before being smoked. It is strongly associated with the state of New Jersey, where it’s produced and often served as breakfast meat. Depending on where you are located, pork roll may be referred to by its other name, Taylor ham.

Bacon, on the other hand, is typically made from pork belly and is cured with nitrates and nitrites. This curing process gives bacon its characteristic flavor and texture.

In terms of nutritional value, pork roll contains fewer calories and less fat than bacon. It also tends to be made with leaner cuts of pork, which means it may contain less saturated fat. However, both pork roll and bacon are considered processed meats and have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Nutritional Comparison: Calories And Fat Content

When comparing the calorie and fat content of pork roll and bacon, it’s clear that pork roll is the healthier option. 100 grams of pork roll contains 317 calories and 27 grams of fat, while bacon contains a staggering 898 calories and 83 grams of fat per 100 grams. This means that bacon has 202% more calories than pork roll.

In terms of macronutrient ratios, bacon is much lighter in protein and much heavier in fat compared to pork roll. Bacon has a macronutrient ratio of 0:0:100, while pork roll has a ratio of 36:0:65 for protein, carbohydrates, and fat from calories.

It’s important to note that both pork roll and bacon are high in saturated fat. Each dish of fried, cured pork roll includes 2.9 grams of saturated fat, while pork roll itself contains around 5.23g of saturated fat per serving. Bacon, on the other hand, contains a whopping 13.5g of saturated fat per serving.

While turkey bacon or turkey hot dogs may sometimes be considered healthier than their beef or pork counterparts, they’re often equivalent in calories, fat, and sodium. A typical turkey hot dog is around 100 calories and is 72 percent fat, with around 6 grams of protein and nearly 600 mg of sodium. Turkey bacon, on the other hand, contains around 100 calories for two slices and about 6 grams of fat.

Sodium Levels In Pork Roll And Bacon

Another important factor to consider when comparing pork roll and bacon is their sodium content. Both meats are high in sodium, but bacon tends to have a much higher concentration. This is because bacon is a cured meat, which means it is treated with salt to preserve it.

One slice of cooked pork bacon (about 8 grams in weight) has 180 milligrams of sodium, while a 3-ounce portion of broiled pork chop has only 50 milligrams of sodium. In comparison, turkey bacon contains 135 milligrams of sodium per cooked slice.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, it’s important to be mindful of how much bacon you consume. A few slices can easily max out your daily recommended intake of salt, which is less than 1,500 milligrams according to the American Heart Association. Two ounces of turkey bacon has more than 1,900 milligrams of sodium, while the same amount of pork bacon contains roughly 1,300 milligrams.

High sodium intake not only increases your risk of heart disease but also raises the likelihood of kidney stones. Therefore, if you’re looking for a healthier option between pork roll and bacon, it’s important to choose the one with lower sodium content.

Protein And Other Nutrients In Pork Roll And Bacon

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues in the body. Both pork roll and bacon are good sources of protein, but bacon contains more protein than pork roll. According to the USDA, 100 grams of bacon contains 37 grams of protein, while 100 grams of pork roll contains 14 grams of protein.

In addition to protein, both pork roll and bacon contain other important nutrients. Pork has more thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, folate and Vitamin B12 compared to bacon. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing certain diseases.

Pork is also an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for regulating blood pressure and maintaining healthy heart function. Bacon, on the other hand, is not a good source of potassium.

It’s important to note that both pork roll and bacon are high in calories and saturated fat. Excessive intake of these can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume these meats in moderation and balance them with a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Health Risks Associated With Excessive Consumption Of Pork Roll And Bacon

Excessive consumption of pork roll and bacon can lead to a variety of health risks. Both of these processed meats are high in sodium and preservatives, which have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. One study found that every 50-gram serving of processed meat, such as bacon or deli meat, was associated with a 42% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 19% higher risk of diabetes.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization has classified processed meats, including bacon, as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans. Eating more than 700 grams of red meat per week, including pork roll and bacon, has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. The risk of developing bowel cancer goes up by 1.18 times for every 50 grams of processed meat consumed per day.

Pork liver, which is often used in pork roll, is also a top food-based transmitter of hepatitis E virus. This virus can cause acute illness, enlarged liver, liver failure, and even death in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Thorough cooking is necessary to deactivate the virus.

Conclusion: Which Is Healthier?

Based on the nutritional information and health implications, it seems that pork roll may be the healthier option between the two. While bacon may have more protein, it is also much higher in calories, fat, and contains nitrates and nitrites that have been linked to cancer. Pork roll, on the other hand, is typically made with leaner cuts of pork and is not typically cured with these chemicals. It also contains less saturated fat than bacon, which can be beneficial for overall health. However, it’s important to note that both meats should be consumed in moderation due to their links to cancer and other health issues. As with any food, it’s important to consider the nutritional value and potential health risks before making a decision on what to consume.