How Much Does a Side of Bacon Cost?

Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast meats, loved for its savory, smoky flavor and crispy texture While many people buy bacon in 12 oz packages, bacon can also be purchased in larger, cost-saving bulk quantities like a “side” of bacon. But how much does a full side of bacon cost and is it worth it to buy in bulk?

What is a Side of Bacon?

A side of bacon consists of 10-12 pounds of cured and sliced pork belly. The term “side” refers to one half of the belly section from a hog. Pork bellies are divided into two sides when processing pork for consumer sale.

One side of bacon contains a good mix of lean meat and fat to produce tasty bacon slices. A side is portioned and packaged into 1 pound consumer packages by most suppliers, containing around 16-20 packages depending on thickness.

Buying an entire side of bacon at once provides big savings compared to buying individual 1 pound packages. It can also ensure you always have bacon stocked in the freezer for meals and recipes. Restaurants, food service operations, and large families often buy sides of bacon for convenient bulk prep.

Average Cost for a Side of Bacon

The price of a side of bacon depends on several factors:

• Type of bacon – Premium artisan bacons cost more than basic supermarket varieties. Flavored bacons also command a higher price tag.

• Brand – Well-known national brands are pricier than generic or store brands.

• Source – Humanely-raised, antibiotic-free, or heirloom pork can increase costs. Commercial pork is cheapest.

• Cut thickness – Thinner bacon slices are less expensive than thick-cut.

• Time of year – Bacon prices fluctuate based on demand, supply, and promotions.

For a basic grocery store side of regular sliced bacon, expect to pay $50-$70 on average for 10-12 lbs. Thicker sliced or artisan bacon can range from $70-$120 per side. Based on recent price data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price per pound of sliced bacon in US cities is $6.88.

Here is a breakdown of approximate side of bacon prices from different suppliers:

• Supermarket bacon – $50 to $70 for 10-12 lbs
• Mass retailer like Costco – $55 to $60 for 10 lbs
• Mail order or online – $60 to $90 for 10-12 lbs
• Humanely raised – $80 to $120 for 10-12 lbs
• Thick cut premium – $90 to $120 for 10-12 lbs

Buying a side always saves compared to buying individual 1 lb packages priced around $6 to $9 each. Overall savings range from $20 to $60+ per side depending on brand, quality, and promotions.

Benefits of Buying a Side of Bacon

There are several advantages to purchasing a full side of bacon:

• Bulk discount pricing – Buying a full side saves at least $1 to $2 per pound compared to smaller packages.

• Freezer convenience – Store leftover packs in freezer for bacon anytime.

• More variety – Mix different bacon types like regular, thick cut, peppered, applewood smoked.

• Preparedness – Always have bacon on hand for recipes, breakfasts, and snacks.

• Costco, restaurants – Food industry buyers can store bulk bacon inventory.

• Custom slicing – Slice to preferred thicknesses not available in stores.

• Minimal waste – Use all parts of the side efficiently.

• Price hedge – Lock in lower bulk bacon price in case market prices rise.

• Support local farms – Buy directly from regional pork producers.

The main downside is needing freezer space for bulk storage and the upfront cost. For big families or bacon lovers, buying a whole side at once provides great value.

Tips for Buying and Storing Bacon Sides

Follow these tips to choose a tasty side of bacon and store it properly:

• Inspect the pork belly for ample streaks of lean meat and creamy white fat. Avoid sides with large fatty sections.

• Choose a trusted, high-quality supplier and brand for best flavor and food safety.

• Consider the total size that fits your needs. 10-12 lbs is ideal for most families while 20 lbs may suit restaurants.

• For maximum freshness, use sealed packs within 2 months. Freeze any bacon not used.

• Layer unopened packs flat in airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

• Let frozen packs thaw in the refrigerator overnight before opening.

• Once open, store in the fridge up to 7 days. Re-seal opened packs tightly.

• Cook bacon within 5 days for peak flavor and texture.

Buying a side of bacon provides great value for money. Just be sure to compare prices across brands and stores. With proper freezer storage and food safety, a side can supply delicious bacon for months of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Bacon Side Dishes and Recipes

A side of bacon yields a lot of tasty meat for all kinds of recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use up a bacon stash:

• Bacon wrapped appetizers – Scallops, shrimp, chicken bites

• Bacon jam – Sweet, savory spread for burgers or sandwiches

• Pizza – Bacon and onion is a classic topping

• Quiche – Bacon and cheese is a tasty brunch quiche

• Salads – Candied bacon, BLTs, bacon bits

• Soup – Garnish for baked potato, clam chowder, bean

• Pasta – Bacon carbonara, spaghetti alla carbonara

• Sandwiches – Club, BLT, turkey or beef bacon melt

• Breakfast – Bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches

• Burgers – Bacon cheeseburgers, guacamole bacon burgers

• Potatoes – Fully loaded baked potatoes

With creative recipes, you can easily use up an entire side of bacon. The smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture enhances so many dishes.

Is Buying a Side of Bacon Worth It?

Purchasing a full side of bacon requires a higher upfront cost, typically $50 to $120. But the long-term savings of $1 to $2 per pound compared to buying packages individually adds up, especially for frequent bacon consumers. Just be sure you have enough freezer space to store 10+ pounds.

Buying in bulk makes the most sense for larger families, those who cook bacon weekly, and restaurants or food suppliers. The convenience of always having bacon on hand can be worth the storage considerations for some bacon lovers.

Evaluate your household’s bacon consumption to decide if buying a full side is a smart budget and meal decision. Take advantage of excellent bulk pricing to enjoy delicious bacon for breakfasts, snacks, sandwiches, salads, and recipes any time.