When it comes to fast food breakfast, McDonald’s is a go-to for many people. But have you ever wondered what kind of bacon they use in their breakfast sandwiches and burritos?
Is it real bacon or some sort of processed imitation? And what about the other meats in their breakfast items?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in McDonald’s breakfast menu and answer the question: What kind of bacon does McDonald’s use?
What Kind Of Bacon Does McDonald’s Use?
McDonald’s uses two types of bacon in their breakfast items: standard bacon and Canadian bacon. Standard bacon is made from pork belly and is a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches. Canadian bacon, on the other hand, is made from pork loin and is used in the Egg McMuffin.
Both types of bacon are real meat and not processed imitations. McDonald’s prides itself on using quality ingredients in their menu items, and their bacon is no exception.
McDonald’s Breakfast Menu: A Closer Look
If you’re a fan of breakfast, then you’re probably familiar with the McDonald’s Breakfast Menu. This menu is packed with all your favorite breakfast items, from the classic Egg McMuffin® breakfast sandwich to the famous Hash Browns. But what else does this menu have to offer?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the items on the McDonald’s Breakfast Menu. First up, we have the Egg McMuffin. This iconic sandwich features a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, and melty American cheese, all sandwiched between a toasted English muffin.
If you’re not a fan of Canadian bacon, don’t worry – McDonald’s offers other breakfast sandwiches that feature standard bacon instead. For example, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit is a popular choice that features a fluffy biscuit, crispy bacon, a freshly cracked egg, and melty American cheese.
And if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, then you might want to try the McGriddles. These sandwiches feature a sweet and savory combination of maple-flavored griddle cakes, crispy bacon, and a freshly cracked egg.
Of course, no breakfast would be complete without something on the side. McDonald’s offers a variety of options here as well. The Hash Browns are a classic choice – these crispy potato bites are the perfect complement to any breakfast sandwich. And if you’re looking for something sweet, then you might want to try the Hotcakes. These fluffy pancakes are served with butter and syrup and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Debate Over Real Vs. Processed Bacon
There has been a debate in recent years over the use of nitrates and nitrites in cured meats, including bacon. Some argue that the use of these chemicals makes processed meats more carcinogenic than unprocessed meats. However, it’s important to note that not all cured meats are created equal.
While some bacon is treated with chemicals to preserve its color and flavor, there are also options for “uncured” bacon that is still cured but using natural nitrates found in celery. Despite the use of natural nitrates, however, uncured bacon still contains nitrates and nitrites.
For those who want to avoid all forms of nitrates and nitrites, there is the option of bacon made without these preservatives. However, this type of bacon may not last as long or maintain its pink color as well as nitrate-cured bacon.
When it comes to McDonald’s bacon, both standard and Canadian bacon are made from real pork and are not processed imitations. While the specific curing process used by McDonald’s is not publicly disclosed, it can be assumed that they use a method that ensures the safety and quality of their bacon.
McDonald’s Bacon: What’s In It?
If you’re wondering what exactly is in McDonald’s bacon, the ingredients list might surprise you. According to their website, their pork bellies are cured with water, salt, sugar, natural smoke flavor, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.
While some of these ingredients may sound unfamiliar, they are all commonly used in the curing and preservation of meats. For example, sodium nitrite is a common preservative used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in cured meats.
It’s worth noting that some people may have dietary restrictions or preferences that make them avoid certain ingredients. For example, Muslims do not consume pork products due to religious reasons. Recently, a Muslim woman filed a discrimination complaint against a McDonald’s restaurant in Massachusetts after workers intentionally put bacon on her fish sandwich.
Other Meats In McDonald’s Breakfast Items
Aside from bacon, McDonald’s breakfast items also include other meats such as sausage and steak. Nearly all of the meat in their breakfast items is pork, with the exception of the steak in the Steak, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit. However, the availability of this item varies by location.
In 2011, McDonald’s pork supplier, Smithfield, was accused of lying to shareholders about animal welfare practices. This led to McDonald’s pledging to have its U.S. pork suppliers phase out the use of gestation crates for breeding sows by 2022. While they are making efforts to source humane pork, it is not a guarantee at this time.
It is important to note that while McDonald’s breakfast items may not be the healthiest options due to high levels of saturated fat and sodium, they do use real meat and strive to use quality ingredients in their menu items.
Conclusion: Is McDonald’s Bacon Worth It?
After trying the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese, it’s safe to say that McDonald’s bacon is worth it. The thick and salty slices of bacon added a delicious meaty flavor to the burger and paired well with the beef patty. The smoky sauce, while not overpowering, enhanced the bacon’s flavor and made for a tasty combination.
However, at 770 calories and 51 grams of fat, this burger is not the healthiest option on the menu. It’s important to indulge in moderation and balance out your meals with healthier options.
In terms of price, McDonald’s bacon can be a bit pricier than other fast-food chains due to its quality ingredients. But for those who value taste and quality over price, it’s definitely worth the extra cost.