When it comes to delicious pizza toppings, two options often top the list: bacon and pepperoni. But if you’re trying to make a healthier choice, you may be wondering – which one is better for you?
I took an in-depth look at the nutritional profiles of bacon versus pepperoni to find out which one reigns supreme in the battle of the meats. Keep reading for a detailed comparison of these tasty toppings.
Nutritional Profile
First let’s examine the basic nutritional facts of bacon versus pepperoni
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Calories Pepperoni wins here with around 70 calories per ounce versus bacon’s 100 calories per ounce.
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Fat: Bacon contains significantly more fat, with 9 grams of fat per ounce compared to 5 grams in pepperoni.
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Saturated Fat: Again, bacon loses out with 3.5 grams of saturated fat per ounce while pepperoni has 2 grams.
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Sodium: Pepperoni packs a whopping 430mg of sodium per ounce. Bacon has less at 190mg per ounce.
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Protein: Pepperoni edges out bacon here, with 6 grams of protein per ounce versus bacon’s 5 grams.
So clearly when it comes to fat, sodium and calories, pepperoni is the healthier choice over bacon. But other factors come into play as well.
Ingredients
When choosing processed meats, it’s important to consider what goes into them.
Pepperoni contains beef, pork, spices, salt, sugar, and preservatives like sodium nitrite. Bacon is typically made from pork belly meat cured with salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and other preservatives.
While both contain preservatives, pepperoni has the added ingredients of beef and spices, making it slightly more processed than regular bacon. Still, the preservative content is lower in pepperoni.
Cancer Risk
One health concern with processed meats is cancer risk. The World Health Organization classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen – meaning there is strong evidence that it causes cancer.
Most of this evidence relates specifically to colon and stomach cancer. Pepperoni is considered a processed meat, while bacon is classified as both processed and red meat, which carries additional cancer risks.
Overall, the cancer risk is considered to be greater with bacon compared to pepperoni.
Heart Health
High intakes of saturated fat and sodium can negatively impact heart health. As we saw above, bacon is much higher than pepperoni in both of these areas.
The saturated fat in bacon raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to 5-6% of total daily calories.
Additionally, the high sodium content of both these processed meats may increase blood pressure. Moderation is key for heart health.
The Winner?
When all factors are considered, pepperoni emerges as the healthier option compared to bacon.
Pepperoni is lower in calories, fat, sodium and preservatives than bacon. It also carries a slightly lower risk of cancer. However, both should still be eaten in moderation.
For maximum health benefits, limit processed meat intake to no more than 3-4 times per week. When choosing pepperoni or bacon, opt for uncured, nitrite-free varieties.
Pepperoni may win out over bacon, but vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant proteins are always the healthiest pizza topping options. At the end of the day, moderation and variety are key for a balanced diet.
What If You Eat BACON Every Day For 30 Days?
FAQ
Is pepperoni good or bad for you?
What is the healthiest meat to eat?
Is bacon the healthiest meat?
What is healthier, ham or pepperoni?
Are Pepperoni & Bacon healthy?
They are both high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are both good sources of B vitamins, iron, and zinc. They are both relatively low in calories, with pepperoni having about 80 calories per ounce and bacon having about 55 calories per ounce.
Does Bacon have more calories than pepperoni?
Let’s start with the macros. In terms of calories, bacon actually has slightly more than pepperoni. Each 100g of bacon contains 556 calories, while pepperoni has 504 calories per 100g. However, when it comes to protein content, bacon comes out on top with 33.33 grams per 100 grams compared to pepperoni’s 19.25 grams.
Are pepperoni and Bacon the same?
Pepperoni and bacon are both cured meats that are often used as toppings on pizza or in other dishes. They are both salty and have a similar texture. They are both high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are both good sources of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
Should you eat pepperoni or bacon on a pizza?
Both pepperoni and bacon are high in fat and sodium, so they can add a lot of flavor to a pizza. However, they can also be high in calories, so it’s important to eat them in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using leaner proteins like chicken or turkey on your pizza. Pepperoni Vs Fefferoni: Which One Is Your Pick?