What is Economy Bacon? A Guide to This Budget-Friendly Pork Product

As a bacon lover on a budget, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy this tasty cured pork product without breaking the bank. That’s why I was intrigued when I recently came across economy bacon in the grocery store meat case.

What is economy bacon exactly, and how does it compare to regular bacon in terms of taste, nutrition, and price? I decided to dig into this cured meat to find out everything I could about economy bacon.

What Is Economy Bacon?

Economy bacon is a less expensive alternative to traditional sliced bacon made from pork belly It comes from a different cut of meat – typically the pork shoulder or jowl rather than the belly

This cured pork product is leaner than regular bacon since it contains less fat Economy bacon is also sold in thinner slices, It has a more ham-like texture and appearance compared to streaky bacon slices

Some other names used for economy bacon include

• Shoulder bacon
• Jowl bacon
• Cottage bacon
• Scottish bacon

While economy bacon undergoes a similar curing and smoking process as regular bacon, the end result is a bit different in taste, texture, and fat content.

How Is Economy Bacon Made?

Economy bacon starts with a less prime cut of pork – usually the shoulder or jowl areas that are leaner than the belly. Here are the basic steps for making economy bacon:

• The pork is injected with a curing brine containing salt, sugars, and nitrates/nitrites.
• It cures for several days allowing the brine to penetrate the meat.
• The pork is then hot smoked to add flavor.
• Finally, it’s sliced into thin strips ready for cooking.

The curing and smoking helps add flavor and preserve the meat. But the end result is less fatty than belly bacon.

How Does the Taste Compare to Regular Bacon?

Since it comes from a leaner cut, economy bacon has a slightly different taste and texture:

• It has a meatier, ham-like flavor instead of the rich pork belly taste.

• The texture is a bit drier and chewier compared to the fatty crispiness of belly bacon.

• It tends to shrink and curl more than regular bacon when cooked.

• The smoky, salty, and sweet flavors typical of cured bacon are still there but more subdued.

• It can have a slightly tough, rubbery bite if overcooked.

So while it may not have quite the robust bacon flavor, economy bacon still delivers pleasant smoky, salty, and savory notes. It provides a nice cured pork taste at a more affordable price point.

Nutrition Comparison of Economy Bacon vs. Regular

Since it comes from a leaner cut, economy bacon is lower in fat and calories compared to regular pork belly bacon:

• 2 slices of economy bacon (28g) contains 45 calories, 1.5g fat, and 5g protein

• 2 slices of regular bacon (28g) has 60 calories, 5g fat, and 5g protein

So you’ll get nearly the same amount of protein for almost 25% less fat and calories with economy bacon.

Both types provide small amounts of minerals like zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. Overall, economy bacon has a slight nutritional advantage thanks to its lower fat content.

Is Economy Bacon Really Less Expensive?

The main appeal of economy bacon is its lower price tag compared to regular sliced bacon. You can expect to pay:

• Regular bacon – $6 to $10 per pound

• Economy bacon – $3 to $6 per pound

Since it comes from a less premium cut and has less fat, economy bacon costs about 25-50% less than bacon from pork belly. So the savings can really add up, especially for large families.

Some people complain that you get what you pay for with economy bacon. But if you manage expectations on taste and texture, it can be a smart swap to enjoy cured pork within a tight grocery budget.

Does Economy Bacon Shrink When Cooked?

One definite downside to economy bacon is that it tends to shrink and curl more than regular bacon when cooked.

With less fat to keep the meat stable, economy bacon slices can reduce by nearly 50% in size as the water cooks out. They also tend to curl up tightly.

This shrinkage needs to be accounted for if you’re measuring economy bacon for recipes or sandwiches. You’ll likely need about double the raw amount to end up with the same quantity of cooked bacon.

How Should You Cook Economy Bacon?

While you can cook economy bacon in all the usual ways, I’ve found the best results come from:

• Pan-frying – Cook over medium heat to crispy. Pour off any rendered fat during cooking.

• Oven baking – Place slices on a foil-lined pan and bake at 400°F for 12-18 minutes.

• Microwaving – Lay slices between paper towels and microwave in 1 minute increments, adjusting time as needed.

Be sure to use a bacon grill rack for even cooking. And prepare for the shrinkage and curling effect.

What Are the Best Uses for Economy Bacon?

Since it has a stronger cured flavor than regular bacon, economy bacon works well:

• Chopped up in salads, soups, chilis, beans, and pasta dishes

• Crumbled as a topper for baked potatoes, tacos, pizza and more

• Added to quiches, frittatas, and egg bakes

• Wrapped around chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, and other proteins

The thinner slices also make economy bacon a smart choice for sandwiches, burgers, BLTs, and breakfast tacos where you’ll want even proportions.

Buying and Storing Economy Bacon

When shopping for economy bacon, look for:

• Meat that is lean and firm with thin white fat lines

• Slices that lay flat rather than rolled or curled

• No signs of dryness, stickiness, or green/gray discoloration

For storage, keep economy bacon in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place inside a Ziploc bag removing as much air as possible.

Store economy bacon on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator for 1 week, or in your freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Is Economy Bacon Right for You?

Economy bacon can be a smart alternative if you’re looking to cut back on your food budget but still enjoy the salty, smoky flavor of cured pork.

Just keep in mind that it has a different taste and texture compared to traditional bacon. Allow for the shrinkage and curling when cooking.

For bacon on a budget, economy packs a tasty cured pork punch. But if you want those glorious strips of fatty belly bacon, you may have to splurge a bit more.

Either way, bacon brings joy. And the economy version gives you one more way to enjoy this breakfast darling!