Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s crispy, salty, and oh-so-delicious.
But have you ever heard of economy sliced bacon?
This type of bacon is becoming increasingly popular with health-conscious individuals who still want to indulge in their bacon cravings.
In this article, we’ll explore what economy sliced bacon is, where it comes from, and how it differs from other types of bacon.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this leaner and more affordable option for your breakfast plate.
What Is Economy Sliced Bacon?
Economy sliced bacon is a type of bacon that comes from the back of the pig. It’s a leaner cut of bacon that has only a thin layer of fat, making it a healthier option for those who are watching their fat intake.
This type of bacon is also more affordable than other types of bacon, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
The Origin Of Economy Sliced Bacon
The origin of economy sliced bacon can be traced back to the early 20th century when bacon became a staple in American households. The demand for bacon grew rapidly, and manufacturers began to experiment with different cuts of meat to produce a more affordable product.
The back of the pig was found to be a leaner cut of meat, and by slicing it thinly, manufacturers were able to produce more slices per pound, making it a more economical option for consumers.
Today, economy sliced bacon is inspected and passed by the Department of Agriculture, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and safety. It is made in North Carolina and is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of bacon without breaking the bank.
Despite its affordability, economy sliced bacon still provides important nutrients such as protein. A serving of three slices contains 7.5 grams of protein, making it a great addition to any meal.
The popularity of bacon has led to a trend of “bacon mania” in the United States, with sales reaching $4.9 billion in 2018 alone. Economy sliced bacon has played a significant role in this trend, providing an affordable and delicious option for consumers across the country.
How Is Economy Sliced Bacon Made?
Economy sliced bacon is made using a similar process to other types of bacon. The pork is first cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and nitrate. Nitrate is added to give the bacon its characteristic pink color. Other flavorings, such as black pepper, maple syrup, or paprika, may also be added to enhance the taste.
After the curing process, the bacon is sliced thinly and packaged for sale. Unlike other types of bacon, economy sliced bacon is made from a leaner cut of pork, which means it has less fat content. This makes it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy the taste of bacon without consuming too much fat.
One of the benefits of economy sliced bacon is its affordability. Because it comes from a leaner cut of pork and has less fat content, it’s typically less expensive than other types of bacon. This makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want to enjoy the taste of bacon without breaking the bank.
Nutritional Benefits Of Economy Sliced Bacon
Despite being an affordable option, economy sliced bacon still offers some nutritional benefits. A serving of three average-sized slices contains 7.5 grams of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles in the body.
Additionally, while bacon is often associated with high levels of fat, economy sliced bacon only contains nine grams of fat per serving, with 3.8 grams being saturated. This makes it a better option than other types of bacon that may contain higher levels of fat and saturated fat.
In terms of cholesterol, a serving of economy sliced bacon contains 30 milligrams, which is relatively low compared to other animal products such as eggs or cheese. However, individuals with high cholesterol levels should still consume this product in moderation.
Lastly, a serving of economy sliced bacon contains 435 milligrams of sodium, which is a moderate amount. While this may not be a concern for individuals with normal blood pressure levels, those with hypertension should limit their intake of sodium.
How Does Economy Sliced Bacon Compare To Regular Bacon?
When comparing economy sliced bacon to regular bacon, there are a few key differences to consider. Regular bacon is typically made from pork belly, which has long layers of fat running parallel to the rind. This makes regular bacon much fattier than economy sliced bacon.
In terms of nutrition, economy sliced bacon has more protein and less fat than regular bacon. It also has about 10 fewer calories per serving and 15 fewer calories from fat when compared to regular bacon from the same company.
While regular bacon is available in a variety of thicknesses, economy sliced bacon is generally on the thinner side. This can make it a good option for cooking quickly or for adding to dishes like pasta or sandwiches.
Cooking With Economy Sliced Bacon
Cooking with economy sliced bacon can be a great way to add flavor to your meals without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for using this type of bacon in your cooking:
1. Use it in breakfast dishes: Economy sliced bacon is perfect for breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. It adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs well with eggs and other breakfast ingredients.
2. Add it to salads: Crumbled economy sliced bacon can be a great addition to salads, adding both flavor and texture. Try adding it to a spinach salad with strawberries and goat cheese for a delicious and hearty meal.
3. Wrap it around vegetables: Wrapping vegetables like asparagus or green beans in economy sliced bacon before roasting or grilling can add a delicious smoky flavor to the vegetables.
4. Use it in soups and stews: Adding economy sliced bacon to soups and stews can add depth of flavor to the dish. Try adding it to a lentil soup or beef stew for an extra layer of flavor.
When cooking with economy sliced bacon, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a leaner cut of bacon, so it may not render as much fat as other types of bacon. This means you may need to add some oil or butter to the pan when cooking with it.
