This in-depth, most up-to-date, and complete list of Whole30 bacon brands and options will help you find where to buy it, and easily locate a Whole30 Approved bacon brand that not only tastes great, but is made without sugar and other additives that are off limits during your Whole30. Many of these Whole30 and Paleo compliant bacon options are now available in our local stores, such as Walmart, Target, Sprouts and Whole Foods, making your Whole30 easier than ever, but if you prefer to shop online, those options are all here too!
Finding Whole30 compliant or Approved bacon can be hard to find, but it really is getting much easier than it was a few years ago. Remember, you’ll need to check the ingredient labels for each bacon, and they can change periodically. The things you’ll want to avoid in your Whole30 bacon is sugar, carrageenan, sulfites or MSG. You can find a complete list of additives that are off limits on the Whole30 here.
Another important thing to note is that bacon shouldn’t be used as a primary protein source. It might be helpful to think of bacon as a condiment, more in the healthy fats category, and something that can be added to a meal, as opposed to being the main protein you base a meal around. Some Whole30 recipe ideas where bacon isn’t the main protein, but a tasty component to the meal: Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole, Country Potatoes, Eggs & Bacon Skillet, Stuffed Bacon Burgers, Instant Pot Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin.
Organic No Sugar Added Uncured Smoked Bacon – Ingredients: Organic Pork, Water, Vinegar (Made With Organic Ingredients), Salt, Celery Powder.
Uncured No Sugar Hickory Smoked Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Water, Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Vinegar, Citrus Extracts, Pomegranate Extract, Rosemary Extract.
No Sugar Added Uncured Smoked Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Water, Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Vinegar, Citrus Extracts, Pomegranate Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Where to buy: All of Pederson’s pork products are available to create your own bundle or in the Whole30 bundle online from The Simple Grocer. Also available online from Butcher Box. Individual packs of bacon can be found at select Super Targets, Fresh Thyme, Sprouts, and a variety of other major grocery retailers. Find one near you using their store locator.
Nature’s Rancher is a Peterson’s Farms company that is a Whole Foods exclusive. The Nature’s Rancher bacon is Pederson’s bacon, but sold only at Whole Foods under the Nature’s Rancher name.
No Sugar Added Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Water, Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Vinegar, Citrus Extracts, Pomegranate Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Where to buy: Naked Bacon is available at select Target stores, and online from their website to order in bundles of your choosing. Head to their website to order or check the store locator.
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon but is it truly Paleo? As with any food, the answer depends largely on how it is made and what goes into it. This article takes an in-depth look at turkey bacon its production methods, common ingredients, and whether it can be part of a Paleo lifestyle.
What is Turkey Bacon?
While regular pork bacon comes from the belly of pigs, turkey bacon is made from turkey thighs. Since turkeys do not have large fatty bellies like pigs, turkey bacon is formed by combining chopped and processed turkey parts.
The main turkey bacon ingredients are:
- Mechanically separated turkey meat
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar or maple sugar
- Phosphates
- Nitrites or nitrates
- Smoke flavor
- Spices
Turkey bacon undergoes a process of grinding, mixing molding smoking, and cooking to form the finished strips. Compared to pork belly slices, turkey bacon is much more processed.
Turkey Bacon versus Pork Bacon
The main advantages of turkey bacon are its lower fat and calories versus pork bacon. A 28g serving of turkey bacon contains about 1.5g fat and 40 calories, while 28g of pork bacon has 9g fat and 90 calories.
However, turkey bacon tends to be higher in sodium, with 160mg per 28g serving compared to around 80-90mg in pork bacon. Turkey bacon also has less protein than pork.
When it comes to ingredients, turkey bacon contains more additives to enhance flavor and texture since it lacks the fat content of pork bacon.
Common Turkey Bacon Ingredients
Turkey bacon contains a number of ingredients that make it less Paleo-friendly, including:
Sugars
Sugar or maple sugar is added to many turkey bacon brands. Sugars provide sweetness and promote browning during cooking.
Nitrites
Potassium nitrite or sodium nitrite are used to preserve color and prevent bacterial growth. Nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds.
Phosphates
Phosphates help retain moisture and prevent the turkey from drying out. Common phosphates used include sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate.
Smoke Flavors
Natural and artificial smoke flavors impart smoky taste to turkey bacon. Smoke flavors may contain MSG or hidden glutamates.
Thickeners
Carrageenan is sometimes added to turkey bacon as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Carrageenan is an inflammatory ingredient avoided on Paleo.
Best Turkey Bacon Brands for Paleo
Some turkey bacon brands have simpler ingredients and less processing:
-
Applegate Organics Turkey Bacon – Contains turkey, water, sea salt, and celery powder. Minimally processes with no phosphates, nitrites, or thickeners.
-
Wellshire Sugar Free Paleo Turkey Bacon – Made from turkey, water, sea salt, celery powder, and spices. No sugar or other additives.
-
Trader Joe’s Uncured Turkey Bacon – Ingredients are turkey, water, sea salt, raw sugar, celery powder, and spices. Short ingredient list.
Is Turkey Bacon Paleo-Friendly?
Most commercial turkey bacon is highly processed and includes additives that make it less Paleo-compliant. However, some cleaner turkey bacon options like Applegate Organics and Wellshire Farms contain minimal ingredients and processing.
While these higher quality turkey bacons are technically Paleo, they may be best used only in moderation as part of an occasional Paleo treat meal rather than everyday eating. In general, uncured pork bacon from pastured pigs is regarded as more Paleo-friendly than turkey bacon.
Health Concerns with Turkey Bacon
A few health and safety issues to consider with turkey bacon:
-
Nitrites – Nitrites can convert to cancer-causing nitrosamines when exposed to high heat. Nitrite-free bacons are recommended.
-
Heterocyclic amines – Cooking any meat at high temperatures can produce heterocyclic amines that may promote cancer. Avoid charring.
-
Mechanically separated meat – Mechanically separated turkey used in cheap turkey bacons may harbor more bacteria compared to whole cuts.
-
Sodium – Turkey bacon contains more sodium per serving than pork bacon, around 160mg versus 80-90mg.
Making Paleo Turkey Bacon at Home
To get completely additive-free turkey bacon, consider making it from scratch at home. You’ll need:
- Turkey thighs or breasts, preferably pastured
- Salt
- Spices like paprika, garlic powder, pepper
- Smoking equipment or liquid smoke (optional)
Simply season turkey thighs with salt and spices, then smoke or cook until done. Cool, slice, pan fry until crispy, and enjoy real turkey bacon without any harmful chemicals or additives.
While not 100% Paleo due to the processing involved, higher quality commercial turkey bacons can be an acceptable occasional treat for Paleo eaters. But as with any meat, turkey bacon is healthiest when not charred or burned, and consumed in moderation as part of an overall nutrient-dense diet. Making homemade turkey bacon can provide the healthiest choice when a craving strikes.
turkey bacon: 28
paleo: 14
pork bacon: 7
bacon: 6
ingredients: 4
nitrites: 3
water: 3
salt: 3
spices: 3
sugar: 3
celery powder: 3
phosphates: 2
smoke: 2
sea salt: 2
pigs: 1
turkey thighs: 1
pork belly: 1
processed: 1
chopped: 1
water: 1
salt: 1
sugars: 1
maple sugar: 1
nitrites: 1
nitrates: 1
smoke flavor: 1
thickeners: 1
carrageenan: 1
applegate organics turkey bacon: 1
wellshire sugar free paleo turkey bacon: 1
trader joe’s uncured turkey bacon: 1
fat: 1
calories: 1
sodium: 1
protein: 1
additives: 1
cancer: 1
heterocyclic amines: 1
bacteria: 1
homemade: 1
garlic powder: 1
liquid smoke: 1
smoking: 1
Wellshire Whole30 Approved Bacon
Paleo Sugar Free Dry Rubbed Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Mace, Allspice).
Paleo Sugar Free Uncured Turkey Bacon – Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Paprika, White Pepper, Onion Powder.
Where to buy: Wellshire is an exclusive brand to Whole Foods (store locator), but you can also order online on their website.
Garrett Valley Whole30 and Paleo Compliant Bacon
Sugar Free Dry Rubbed Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Mace, Allspice).
Sugar Free Turkey Bacon – Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Sea Salt, Cultured Powder, Paprika (For Flavor), White Pepper, Onion Powder.
Where to buy: Garrett Valley is available in a variety of retailers in the US (check the store locator for one near you), or order online.
No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Allspice, Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Mace, Nutmeg, White Pepper), Sunflower Oil
Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Water, Less Than 2%: Salt, Vinegar, Celery Powder.
Where to buy: Maverick Ranch bacon is available at Publix grocery store.
Pete’s Paleo Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Spices
Where to buy: This bacon is sold in slabs by the pound, only available online.
Smithfield Hickory Smoked Lower Sodium Bacon – Ingredients: Pork Cured With: Water, Salt, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite
Where to buy: This Whole30 compliant bacon is available at Walmart.
Turkey bacon: How healthy is it really?
FAQ
Can you eat turkey bacon on a Paleo diet?
Yes. Any cut of meat, including organ meats, from any animal is paleo. However, many ways of curing meat are not, particularly if they include artificial or refined ingredients.
What is Paleo friendly bacon?
DLM Bacon contains no MSG, lactose, nitrates, nitrites, or gluten. This bacon is Paleo friendly as it has no added sugar.
Is turkey bacon inflammatory?
Turkey bacon
“Regardless of whether you are a turkey or classic bacon lover, keep your bacon intake to a minimum when trying to combat inflammation.” Not only is saturated fat a concern, but turkey bacon is also commonly high in sodium, and too much sodium has been linked to increased inflammation as well.
Is uncured turkey bacon Paleo?
Details. Garrett Valley Uncured Paleo Turkey Bacon Is A Completely Gluten-Free Meat Product. This Paleo Bacon Comes In One 8 Oz. Package And Contains No Artificial Ingredients.
Is turkey bacon Paleo?
In the end, turkey bacon Applegate and Trader Joe’s is kind of acceptable, since it probably won’t cause any health problems, but certainly not fully Paleo. Both bacon and turkey bacon should both be considered Paleo treats, rather than everyday fare.
What kind of bacon is Paleo?
Paleo followers prefer natural brands of bacon, meaning those that make their products without nitrates or fillers. They are used in recipes like bacon cheeseburgers (bunless of course), bacon and eggs, and bacon-stuffed dates. Pork is often called “the other white meat” because compared to poultry some cuts (like pork loin) tend to be pretty lean.
What are the ingredients in Paleo Bacon?
Paleo Sugar Free Dry Rubbed Bacon – Ingredients: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Mace, Allspice). Paleo Sugar Free Uncured Turkey Bacon – Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Paprika, White Pepper, Onion Powder.
Is uncured bacon Paleo?
Choose uncured bacon to avoid additives like sodium nitrites which don’t align with Paleo diet principles. Uncured bacon usually contains celery powder as a natural source of nitrites. Cane sugar isn’t Paleo because it was made after the Caveman Era. Honey is a Paleo-friendly sweetener and is found in many types of “natural” bacon.
Can you eat bacon on a paleo diet?
This preserves the meat and enhances the texture and taste. It also helps kill bacteria which might be harmful; an added benefit of the high salt content. The bottom line is that you can enjoy your bacon while eating a Paleo diet.
Is turkey bacon healthy?
You can find natural uncured turkey bacon just like pork bacon as well. Turkey bacon is high in sodium similar to regular bacon. It tends to be lower in protein compared to regular bacon. Turkey bacon isn’t an overly-healthy food, but it does have the benefit of being lower in total fat & saturated fat for those limiting their fat intake.