Where Does Appleton Farms Bacon Come From? A Full Guide

Are you a fan of Aldi’s Appleton Farms bacon? Do you ever wonder where it comes from and how it’s made?

Look no further, because we’ve got the answers for you!

Despite recent changes in ownership and rebranding, Appleton Farms bacon is still being produced in the heart of the Midwest.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of this beloved bacon brand and what makes it so unique.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about where your favorite bacon comes from.

Where Does Appleton Farms Bacon Come From?

Appleton Farms bacon is a product of Aldi, a popular grocery store chain known for its affordable prices and high-quality products. While Aldi sources its products from various suppliers, Appleton Farms bacon is produced in the Midwest region of the United States.

Specifically, the bacon is manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana, which is located around 150 miles from Aldi’s US headquarters in Batavia, Illinois. Despite changes in ownership and rebranding, the production of Appleton Farms bacon has remained consistent and reliable.

The History Of Appleton Farms Bacon

Appleton Farms bacon is a relatively new addition to the Appleton Farms brand, which has been in operation for nearly four centuries. While the farm has been producing high-quality dairy products and meats for generations, it wasn’t until recently that Appleton Farms began producing its own bacon.

The decision to produce bacon was likely influenced by the growing popularity of the meat in recent years. Bacon has become a staple in American cuisine, with many people incorporating it into their meals on a regular basis. As a result, many grocery stores and food brands have begun producing their own bacon products to meet consumer demand.

Appleton Farms bacon is made from high-quality pork that is sourced from Midwest farms. The meat is then cured and smoked using traditional methods to create a rich, smoky flavor that is beloved by bacon enthusiasts. The bacon is sliced and packaged in Aldi’s state-of-the-art facilities before being shipped to stores across the country.

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Appleton Farms brand, the bacon has quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and delicious flavor. Many customers have praised the bacon for its crispy texture and rich, smoky taste, making it a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Production Process

The production process for Appleton Farms bacon begins with the belly section of the pig being removed from the loin. The ribs are then scooped off, leaving the belly ready for the curing process. The belly is then injected with a brine solution that contains salt, sugar, sodium nitrate, and other flavorings. This brine solution is either soaked or pumped into the belly, depending on the method used for curing.

After curing, the bacon can be smoked to enhance its flavor and preservation. However, commercial production methods often use convection ovens to cook the bacon, which takes around six hours or more. To achieve a smoky flavor, liquid smoke may be added to the meat during this process.

Industrial processes of curing bacon result in bacon that is higher in moisture and generally lower in flavor intensity. This is because added moisture increases the weight of the bacon, which increases its cost. However, dry-cured bacon offers more meat and flavor since it does not contain added water.

Once the bacon has been cooked and processed, it is sliced and packaged for distribution to Aldi stores nationwide. The production process for Appleton Farms bacon ensures that it is a high-quality product that meets Aldi’s standards for taste and affordability.

The Ingredients Used

The ingredients used in Appleton Farms bacon are water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. These ingredients are common in the production of bacon and are used to cure the meat and enhance its flavor.

Water is added to the bacon during the curing process to help distribute the other ingredients evenly throughout the meat. Salt is a key ingredient in curing bacon as it helps to preserve the meat and prevent spoilage. Sugar is also added to balance out the saltiness and provide a slightly sweet flavor.

Sodium phosphates are used as a preservative and to improve the texture of the bacon. Sodium erythorbate is another preservative that helps to prevent the formation of harmful bacteria. Sodium nitrite is used to give the bacon its characteristic pink color and to prevent bacterial growth.

Quality Control Measures

In order to maintain the quality and safety of Appleton Farms bacon, Aldi has implemented strict quality control measures. These measures include following the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) concept, which is a scientific process control system that identifies potential hazards and implements preventative measures to mitigate them.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) also has oversight and authority for quality control checks in meat and poultry products that are intended for commercial distribution. Aldi ensures that all businesses that produce meat and poultry that is federally inspected design and operate HACCP guidelines to effectively eliminate, reduce, or prevent food safety hazards.

Aldi also conducts regular quality control checks on its products to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This includes testing for contaminants, such as bacteria or other harmful substances, as well as ensuring that the bacon is properly packaged and labeled.

Sustainability Practices

Animal agriculture is making significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint and taking care of animals. The pork industry, in particular, is committed to sustainability and has released a new sustainability report titled “Commit and Improve: Pig Farmers’ Approach to Sustainability.” This report details the industry’s progress towards sustainability through the “We Care” ethical principles, which include data on food safety, animal well-being, the environment, public health, our people and communities.

The pork industry has made significant reductions in the use of natural resources over the past 55 years. Per pound of pork produced, U.S. pork producers have reduced land use by 76%, water use by 25%, energy use by 7% and their carbon footprint by more than 7%. Additionally, pork production accounts for less than 0.3% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Animal nutrition is a critical aspect of animal welfare, and pig farmers work with nutritionists to develop animal diets that are balanced, age-appropriate, and sustainable. These strategies target efficient production, maximize animal health, and follow proper feed processing and biosecurity protocols. Improved and modern animal housing also allows farmers to control access and prevent the introduction and spread of disease.

The pork industry’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental sustainability to food safety and animal welfare. By implementing sustainable practices, they are not only protecting the environment but also ensuring the well-being of animals and producing safe, high-quality food for consumers.

Where To Find Appleton Farms Bacon

If you’re looking to try Appleton Farms bacon for yourself, you can find it in Aldi stores across the country. Since it is a Regular Buy item, it is always available in stores and can be easily located in the meat section. However, it’s important to note that availability may vary by location and quantities may be limited.

To purchase Appleton Farms bacon, simply head to your nearest Aldi store and look for the distinctive packaging. The product code for the 1 pound package of Premium Sliced Bacon is 9399. Keep in mind that Aldi accepts various forms of payment including cash, EBT, credit cards, and contactless payment methods, but does not accept manufacturer’s coupons.