It has been around for a long time, but bacon has never had such a moment in the sun as it does now. Cured and smoked pork belly is one of the most popular foods in the world. It seems to be everywhere. But there are many other kinds of bacon, some made from plants, some from animals, and even one made from a fruit that might surprise you. Weve rounded up 11 types of bacon that are completely pig-free.
Up until not too long ago, bacon was just a bad breakfast meat that was usually served with a big Sunday breakfast. You might find it in a quiche, a club sandwich, or a Cobb salad, but even those are fairly new foods. Then one bad guy added a few slices to a cheeseburger, which was the official opening of Pandora’s box. Today, bacon is added to a lot of foods, like ice cream, pizza, donut burgers, and macaroni and cheese. It’s really gotten out of hand. Because bacon has become such a popular meme, people are tired of it. Also, putting bacon on top of something these days is not outrageous. Seitan.
In the chaos, though, the fact that cured and smoked protein is amazingly tasty is easily forgotten. This is true for more than just pork belly. If you have to follow a religious diet or are a vegetarian, you may choose to eat bacon that isn’t made from pork. But there are just as many reasons to say “why not?” There are many kinds of bacon out there, and we should enjoy all of them.
If you have been hesitant to try new kinds of bacon, ask yourself why. If you have never tried soy or tempeh-based “facon,” do it! Its healthier and still more or less hits all the right notes. Don’t think that bacon from other animals will taste the same as bacon from pork. Instead, think of it as a completely different food product. That way of thinking will help you understand that bacon makes almost any meat taste good. Read on to learn about 11 of them.
Is Bacon Really Made Out Of Dog Skin? Uncovering The Truth About This Controversial Ingredient
Bacon is a breakfast staple for many, with its irresistible salty, smoky and fatty flavors. However, there’s a longstanding myth that suggests that our beloved bacon contains an unsavory ingredient – dog skin. This claim understandably horrifies bacon lovers, leaving us wondering – is our crispy bacon really made out of man’s best friend?
As avid bacon consumers, I decided to get to the bottom of this allegation. I discovered that there are a few key facts we need to analyze before arriving at a conclusion. Let’s examine the evidence surrounding the debate over whether bacon contains dog skin.
The Origins of the Bacon Controversy
Rumors about questionable ingredients like dog skin in bacon have circulated for years. Some sources suggest the myth originated in the US during World War II, when meat was rationed and some manufacturers used fillers to compensate for pork shortages.
However, the more likely source is the long-held cultural taboo around consuming dog meat in Western cultures. The idea of eating dog is offensive to most Americans, so allegations of dog meat in food products casts them in a horrific light. In reality, there is no proof behind these claims, but the dog skin myth still persists.
How Real Bacon Is Produced
To get to the truth, we need to understand how real bacon is made. Bacon primarily comes from pork belly, the fatty underside of a pig. Pork bellies are heavily salted or brined, then smoked or boiled to preserve the meat.
The curing and smoking process gives bacon its signature flavor and aroma. Artificial flavorings are sometimes added as well. But pork is the sole animal ingredient; no other meat, including dog, is added in standard bacon production.
Government Oversight on Meat Products
The US government maintains strict regulations on meat sold for human consumption. The USDA and FDA require approval and inspection of meat processing facilities.
All commercially sold bacon must adhere to federal labeling laws, accurately listing ingredients and animal sources. Undeclared meats like dog would be illegal. While quality control failures can occur, overwhelmingly most bacon products contain only pork ingredients.
Prevalence of Dog Meat in Bacon
Investigations into meat contamination find that while it does occur, dog DNA is rarely detected in pork products. A 2020 study tested various meats for mislabeling or contaminants. Of 79 bacon samples, zero contained dog meat.
This matches prior research showing dog meat in bacon is essentially an urban legend. No evidence indicates it’s a common ingredient secretly added to bacon.
Cultural Taboos Against Eating Dogs
Even if dog meat in bacon did occur in trace amounts, it would likely be due to accidental cross-contamination. Purposefully adding dog meat goes against western cultural norms.
Americans overwhelming consider dogs to be pets and companions, not food. Dog meat is not available nor in demand in the US bacon industry. From an ethical and PR perspective, dog ingredients make no sense for bacon producers.
Bacon Alternatives and Ingredients
As consumer preferences evolve, baconalternatives have emerged using ingredients like turkey, beef, and vegetables. Some may contain fillers to mimic bacon’s texture.
However, these products are distinctly labeled and marketed as alternatives. Any meats besides pork must be disclosed. As these options gain popularity, it further reduces any motive to surreptitiously add dog to traditional pork bacon.
The Verdict on Dog Skin in Bacon
Based on the evidence, it seems clear that mainstream bacon products do not secretly contain dog meat or skin. While shocking myths can spread quickly, the facts do not support the idea that bacon is made from dogs. By understanding the curing process, regulations, cultural norms, and modern options, we can debunk this troubling rumor.
The next time you enjoy a hearty serving of bacon, you don’t have to worry about inadvertently devouring man’s best friend. Our sizzling strips of pork goodness can be guiltlessly savored, free from this unsettling notion. So rest assured that when you choose quality bacon from reputable producers, you’re biting into delicious pig-based meat, not anything unsavory. Let’s appreciate bacon for what it truly is – a treasured breakfast tradition loved by millions.
For Our Partners
It has been around for a long time, but bacon has never had such a moment in the sun as it does now. Cured and smoked pork belly is one of the most popular foods in the world. It seems to be everywhere. But there are many other kinds of bacon, some made from plants, some from animals, and even one made from a fruit that might surprise you. Weve rounded up 11 types of bacon that are completely pig-free.
Up until not too long ago, bacon was just a bad breakfast meat that was usually served with a big Sunday breakfast. You might find it in a quiche, a club sandwich, or a Cobb salad, but even those are fairly new foods. Then one bad guy added a few slices to a cheeseburger, which was the official opening of Pandora’s box. Today, bacon is added to a lot of foods, like ice cream, pizza, donut burgers, and macaroni and cheese. It’s really gotten out of hand. Because bacon has become such a popular meme, people are tired of it. Also, putting bacon on top of something these days is not outrageous. Seitan.
Seitan is mostly made up of wheat gluten. It has a mild flavor and a nice chewy texture, which makes it a popular meat substitute. People say that the bacon seitan from Upton’s Naturals is pretty good. It’s smoky, chewy, and gets nice and crunchy if you cook it for a little longer. You can also make your own fairly easily. If you’re in the market for a meat-free bacon product, seitan appears to be the way to go.
Really, you can use any meat to make bacon. Crescent Quality Meats in Wisconsin sells bacon made with ground and shaped elk. Hey, why not?Photo Credit: myessentia. com Venison.
Some people, especially hunters, really like venison bacon. In fact, Curley’s even sells a package that comes with curing salt, seasonings, and instructions on how to make it. Almost all of them call for a mix of ground deer, ground pork, and pork fat to make up for the lean deer. From what we’ve heard, the end result is pretty tasty. Certainly not kosher, though. Photo Credit: ©.
People are really liking lamb bacon right now. You can get it at the new Bar Bacon in New York and at The Meat Hook, a famous butcher shop in Brooklyn. Lamb bellies are quite small, so The Meat Hook rolls theirs up like pancetta, with tasty results. It also ships lamb bacon that has been rubbed with salt, brown sugar, and maple sugar and then hot smoked over applewood. The Smoking Goose is based in Indianapolis. This is rich, tastes a lot like lamb, and cooks up just as well as pork bacon. If you like lamb, you’ll probably really enjoy this. Heck, we’ll go so far as to predict that within a year lamb bacon really takes off. Photo Credit: ©.
Sayersbrook Bison Ranch and Yankee Farmer’s Market are two companies that make buffalo bacon. It’s hard to tell what part of the buffalo Yankee Farmer’s Market uses, but Sayersbrook Bison Ranch seems to use the brisket. It smells and tastes smoky and good, but we don’t think it’s anything like the real thing. That said, we’d certainly try it.
In the chaos, though, the fact that cured and smoked protein is amazingly tasty is easily forgotten. This is true for more than just pork belly. If you have to follow a religious diet or are a vegetarian, you may choose to eat bacon that isn’t made from pork. But there are just as many reasons to say “why not?” There are many kinds of bacon out there, and we should enjoy all of them.
If you have been hesitant to try new kinds of bacon, ask yourself why. If you have never tried soy or tempeh-based “facon,” do it! Its healthier and still more or less hits all the right notes. Don’t think that bacon from other animals will taste the same as bacon from pork. Instead, think of it as a completely different food product. That way of thinking will help you understand that bacon makes almost any meat taste good. Read on to learn about 11 of them.
— Dan Myers, The Daily Meal
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bacon made with dog meat/ skin
FAQ
What part of the animal is bacon?
Is bacon made of skin?
Is bacon a dog or pork?
How is bacon actually made?
Is Bacon made from dog meat?
Bacon is traditionally made from pork, specifically the belly, back, or sides of a pig. Other types of bacon, such as turkey bacon, may be made from different animals, but they are always clearly labeled as such. The idea that bacon is made from dog meat likely stems from a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation.
Can dogs eat bacon?
While it is true that some cultures do consume dog meat, it is not a common ingredient in any type of bacon. The history of bacon dates back thousands of years, with the Chinese being credited as the first to cure pork bellies with salt, creating an early form of bacon.
What is real bacon?
With the exception of specialty products like turkey bacon that seek to imitate traditional pork bacon, real bacon is made from pork. Unlike some other types of pork you might purchase from the butcher or supermarket, bacon isn’t defined by being from a specific cut of meat.
Can you make bacon from pork belly?
Bacon is a form of salt-cured pork, usually made from the belly (or side) of the hog. It’s possible to make bacon from the back or even the jowls, but the most popular version (at least in the US) is made of pork belly. Although you can have the butcher remove the skin for you (see below), pork belly is usually sold with the skin on.