Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, but for those looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon has become a popular choice.
However, not all turkey bacon is created equal. With so many brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top turkey bacon brands. From taste to nutrition, we’ve evaluated each brand to help you make an informed decision.
So, whether you’re a die-hard bacon lover or just looking for a healthier option, read on to find out which turkey bacon brand reigns supreme.
What Is The Best Turkey Bacon Brand?
After evaluating various turkey bacon brands, we have determined that the best one is Wellshire Farms.
Wellshire Farms offers a variety of turkey bacon products, including classic organic turkey bacon and a sugar-free option. Their “Classic Sliced Turkey Bacon” contains only eight simple ingredients and claims to use turkeys raised in a clean environment with animal-friendly practices and without antibiotics.
In terms of taste, Wellshire Farms’ turkey bacon has a nice contrast of sweet and salt, making it a great candidate for a BLT. It also has decent flavor and a chewy texture, which is perfect for those who prefer thick cuts of bacon.
When it comes to nutrition, Wellshire Farms’ turkey bacon is comparable to traditional pork bacon. An average slice of pork bacon contains 35 calories, 1 gram saturated fat, and 130 milligrams of sodium. Wellshire Farms’ turkey bacon has similar stats, making it a great alternative for those watching their calorie and sodium intake.
What Is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon, especially among those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions. It is a meat product made from chopped or minced turkey that has been seasoned, cured, and smoked to resemble the taste and texture of bacon. The mixture is then formed into strips that can be cooked and eaten in the same way as pork bacon.
While turkey bacon is often marketed as a healthier option, it is important to note that it still contains saturated fat and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease. In fact, some dietitians recommend limiting bacon products, including turkey bacon, to less than one serving per week in your diet.
Turkey bacon is widely available at most grocery stores and comes in different varieties, including those made with only turkey meat or those that contain other meats like pork. It can be pan-fried, microwaved or baked in the oven until crispy and golden.
When comparing the nutritional value of pork and turkey bacon, they are quite similar in terms of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and sodium. However, turkey bacon does contain less fat than pork bacon, which means it shrinks less when cooked.
Nutritional Benefits Of Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon is often touted as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. While it is true that turkey bacon has fewer calories and less fat than pork bacon, it is still important to consider the overall nutritional benefits and drawbacks.
One of the main benefits of turkey bacon is its lower fat content. Turkey bacon contains only 14 grams of fat per serving, compared to 22 grams in pork bacon. It also has less saturated fat, which is considered the bad fat for your diet. However, it is important to note that turkey bacon still contains 4 grams of saturated fat per serving, which is half as much as pork bacon.
Another benefit of turkey bacon is its lower calorie count. A serving of turkey bacon contains 218 calories, compared to 268 calories in pork bacon. This makes it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
Both turkey and pork bacon are good sources of B vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. However, since bacon is usually eaten in small serving sizes, none of the vitamins and minerals found in a slice of turkey bacon exceed 10% of the daily value (DV).
It is also important to note that most bacon products, whether made from turkey or pork, contain added sugar unless they are labeled as “no sugar added.” This can be a drawback for those watching their sugar intake.
In terms of sodium content, both turkey and pork bacon can be high in sodium. Two ounces of turkey bacon contains 1,900 milligrams of sodium, while the same amount of pork bacon contains roughly 1,300 milligrams. This makes it important to look for reduced-sodium options when shopping for turkey bacon.
What To Look For When Choosing A Turkey Bacon Brand
When choosing a turkey bacon brand, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product possible.
1. Ingredients: Look for turkey bacon that contains simple, natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain preservatives or artificial flavors.
2. Animal Welfare: Choose a brand that uses turkeys raised in a clean environment with animal-friendly practices and without antibiotics.
3. Taste: Opt for a brand that offers a good balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a chewy texture that is perfect for sandwiches.
4. Nutrition: Check the nutrition facts to ensure that the turkey bacon is low in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
5. Price: While price shouldn’t be the only factor, it is important to consider when choosing a turkey bacon brand. Look for a product that offers good value for money.
Top Turkey Bacon Brands On The Market
Aside from Wellshire Farms, there are several other turkey bacon brands on the market that are worth considering.
Jennie-O offers a nice and thin turkey bacon that results in a super crispy crunch, which is often lacking in turkey bacon. It has a bacon-like appearance and taste, making it a great option for those who miss the real thing.
Oscar Mayer’s Original Turkey Bacon is perfect for lovers of thin bacon. It has a savory and smoky flavor with a lightly sweet undertone. It is not as salt-forward as some of the other turkey bacons on the market, making it a great addition to dishes without overwhelming the palate with salt.
Godshall’s Fully Cooked Uncured Turkey Bacon has a crunchy and meaty texture that would sit perfectly between seasonal tomatoes and crisp lettuce on a BLT. It has little granules of crispiness throughout each strip, which adds an interesting texture to every bite.
Butterball Everyday Original Turkey Bacon is sweeter than most of the other turkey bacons on the market and has frilly little crispy edges. While it may not be the best option for those who prefer a salty taste, it would be great on a burger, adding a nice little flavor punch that melds well with other toppings.
Taste Test Results: Which Brand Comes Out On Top?
In addition to our research, we conducted a blind taste test of five nationally available turkey bacon brands. Our panel of 21 tasters sampled pan-fried strips plain and in BLT sandwiches. After careful evaluation, Wellshire Farms was the clear winner.
The other brands we tested had some drawbacks. One brand was too dry and salty, while another had an undesirable texture that was almost flaky and fell apart easily. Another brand tasted too salty and was cured with sodium nitrite. One brand had an odd aftertaste and was made with “mechanically separated turkey.”
Wellshire Farms’ turkey bacon, on the other hand, had a refreshingly decipherable ingredient list and was made with turkey thighs and celery powder in place of nitrites. Its slices were substantial, making it a great choice for those who like thick cuts of bacon. Our tasters noted that it had a nice contrast of sweet and salt, and a chewy texture that held up well in a BLT sandwich.
How To Cook Turkey Bacon For Optimal Flavor And Texture
Cooking turkey bacon can be a bit tricky, as it doesn’t always come out as crispy and flavorful as pork bacon. However, with the right cooking methods, you can achieve optimal flavor and texture with your turkey bacon.
One popular method is to cook turkey bacon on the stovetop. Preheat a skillet with two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Place four strips of turkey bacon in the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy. Transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Another great method is baking turkey bacon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on top of the sheet and arrange your turkey bacon in a single layer on the rack or parchment. Bake for 12 minutes on the middle rack of the oven, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook turkey bacon in the microwave. Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels and spread out the bacon without overlapping. Cook for 2-4 minutes, adjusting the cooking time to your desired level of crispiness.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your turkey bacon is cooked thoroughly over medium-high heat before serving. This will help prevent any risk of food poisoning.