Demystifying the Cholesterol Content in Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon, also known as back or peameal bacon, is a popular alternative to regular smoked bacon. But when it comes to nutrition, how does Canadian bacon compare to traditional bacon in terms of cholesterol content? Is it truly a healthier choice? Let’s find out.

What Exactly is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon refers to a form of back bacon made from the lean eye of the pork loin. It’s cured, smoked, and fully cooked. This gives it a similar flavor to regular bacon, but with less fat.

Canadian bacon comes in round slices around 1/8 inch thick It has a smooth texture and is light pink in color When fried it crisps up nicely,

Traditional Canadian bacon is made only from the pork loin. But some mass-produced varieties mix in cheaper cuts like the pork shoulder. This changes the nutrition profile slightly.

Key Differences From Regular Bacon

There are a few major differences between Canadian bacon and regular bacon:

• Fat content – Regular bacon is made from pork belly meat which has high fat content Canadian bacon contains less fat since it uses the loin.

• Processing – Traditional bacon is brined and smoked. Canadian bacon undergoes a curing process also called peamealing.

• Shape – Bacon is sold in long, wide, thin strips. Canadian bacon is round.

• Cooking method – Bacon is usually pan-fried. Canadian bacon can be fried but is also often grilled, baked, or microwaved.

Both types derive their signature bacon flavor from curing, smoking, and cooking methods. But the fattier pork belly cut used in regular bacon gives it a chewier, crisper texture.

Nutrition Profile and Cholesterol Numbers

Canadian bacon has nutritional advantages over regular bacon:

• Less fat and calories
• More protein
• Lower sodium
• Lower cholesterol

Let’s look specifically at cholesterol. Here are the stats based on a typical 1 slice serving:

• Regular bacon – 30 mg cholesterol
• Canadian bacon – 15 mg cholesterol

So Canadian bacon contains around half the cholesterol of regular bacon.

Both types are considered high cholesterol foods, though. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily cholesterol intake to 300 mg or less.

Just two slices of regular bacon provides 10% of the recommended daily limit. Canadian bacon contributes 5% per slice.

Controlling Cholesterol Intake

To put the cholesterol numbers into perspective, here are some recommendations from dieticians:

• Limit bacon of any kind to 1-2 servings weekly rather than daily.
• Look for Canadian bacon made only from pork loin rather than mixed meats.
• Opt for the leanest cuts of Canadian bacon possible.
• Avoid extra frying and opt for grilling, baking, or microwaving instead.
• Round out your breakfast plate with veggies, fruits, and whole grains.

Following a heart-healthy diet focused on produce, beans, fish, nuts, olive oil, etc. helps offset occasional indulgences.

Purchasing and Preparing Canadian Bacon

You can find Canadian bacon in most major grocery stores, usually near the regular bacon. Popular brands include Maple Leaf Farms, Butterball, and Plumrose.

Choose packs without added nitrates or nitrites to minimize sodium. Opt for loin-only versus mixed meat varieties.

Look for sliced Canadian bacon that’s vacuum sealed for maximum freshness. Or purchase a whole pork loin and slice it yourself.

Canadian bacon makes a quick and easy breakfast or addition to sandwiches and pizza. It also works nicely in pasta, scrambled eggs, baked beans, and more.

Try baking strips in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned and sizzling. Or brush lightly with oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Microwaving is one of the healthiest prep methods. Simply cover the slices with a paper towel and heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

While not exactly diet food, Canadian bacon can be enjoyed as an occasional treat when you’re craving a bacon flavor. Just stick to sensible portion sizes.

So for a lower cholesterol option with a similar smoky, savory taste, Canadian bacon can be a smarter choice compared to traditional bacon – in moderation.