What is Economy Sliced Bacon? A Guide to This Affordable Breakfast Staple

Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. The crispy, salty, smoky strips of cured pork just seem to make any meal better. However, bacon can also be expensive, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. That’s where economy sliced bacon comes in.

Economy sliced bacon provides all the bacon flavor you crave at a more affordable price point. But what exactly is economy sliced bacon? How does it compare to regular sliced bacon? And when should you use it? Let’s find out.

What is Economy Sliced Bacon?

Economy sliced bacon is made from pork belly that has been cured, smoked, and sliced, just like regular bacon. The difference lies in the cut and the slice.

Regular sliced bacon is cut from the pork belly in rectangular slices around 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick. Economy sliced bacon uses the same pork belly, but it is sliced much thinner, usually around 1/16 of an inch thick. The thin slices allow the pack to contain more bacon for less money.

Economy bacon may also contain more fat than regular sliced bacon. Since it comes from the pork belly it will have fat streaks throughout. However when sliced so thin, it can end up with a higher fat-to-meat ratio compared to thicker slices.

The thin slices cook up very crispy and crumble easily when bitten. So while you get more bacon for your buck with economy slices, you lose a bit of the hearty chewiness that comes with thicker slices.

How Does Economy Bacon Compare to Regular Sliced Bacon?

Here’s a quick comparison of economy sliced bacon versus regular sliced bacon:

• Slice thickness Economy is 1/16 inch thick or less, Regular is 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick,

• Amount per package Economy has more slices and ounces per package.

• Fat-to-meat ratio: Economy can have a slightly higher fat ratio since it’s so thin.

• Price per ounce: Economy is cheaper per ounce.

• Texture: Economy gets very crispy and crumbles easily when bitten. Regular has more chew.

• Flavor: Both have robust smoked pork flavor. Economy may taste slightly more fatty.

When Should You Use Economy Sliced Bacon?

Economy bacon is great for recipes where you want bacon flavor without large meaty chunks. Here are some of the best uses for economy sliced bacon:

• Crumbled on salads and soups: The small crispy bits provide salty, smoky crunch.

• Mixed into dips: Like bacon ranch dip or loaded potato skins.

• Stirred into casseroles and pasta: It flavors the whole dish.

• Wrapped around foods: Like bacon-wrapped shrimp or scallops.

• In baked goods: Like quiche, cornbread, or biscuits.

• As a seasoning: Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables.

• In sandwiches: The thin crispy slices won’t overwhelm other fillings.

• As a breakfast side: Serve up piles of it next to eggs.

Economy bacon also makes an excellent topping for burgers, pizzas, flatbreads, loaded fries, mac and cheese, appetizers, and more. Anywhere you’d normally want bacon flavor, economy slices can deliver.

Just avoid using economy bacon strips whole in sandwiches or on BLTs. The thin crispy slices won’t provide the hearty chew or sturdiness needed to stand up in those dishes.

Buying and Storing Economy Bacon

You can find economy sliced bacon in the refrigerated meat section at most large grocery stores and supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, etc. Popular brands include Farmland, Smithfield, Hormel, Oscar Mayer, and Wright.

When shopping, check the slice count and thickness listed on the package to ensure you’re getting true thin-sliced economy bacon. Also, check the expiration date and pick the package with the latest sell-by date.

Once purchased, store economy bacon in the fridge just like regular bacon. Keep it in the original packaging and place it on a plate or tray to catch any drips. It should keep for at least a week past the sell-by date, possibly longer if well sealed.

For maximum freshness and food safety, try to use economy bacon within 1-2 weeks of opening the package. It can be frozen for longer storage; just wrap it well in plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Get the Most of Your Economy Bacon

To make the most of economy bacon’s thin slices, follow these cooking tips:

• Use medium to medium-low heat to cook slowly. High heat causes burning.

• Cook it in batches to avoid steaming. Steaming prevents crisping.

• Blot grease during cooking to reduce curling.

• Bake it in the oven for crispy all-over crunchy bacon.

• Add it at the end to hot dishes to keep the crispy texture.

• Crumble by hand after cooking for bacon bits; don’t chop uncooked.

With proper cooking and storage, economy sliced bacon provides all the salty, smoky, crispy bacon goodness you desire on a budget. It’s the perfect choice for feeding crowds, seasoning dishes, or anytime you crave bacon flavor for less.

Economy sliced bacon gives you more thin and crispy bacon for your money by cutting pork belly slices very thin. While you lose some chew, you gain crunchy crumbles and robust bacon flavor at a budget-friendly price point. Use economy bacon anywhere you want salty, smoky flavor without large meaty chunks. Just adjust your cooking method for the thin slices, store properly, and enjoy juicy pork goodness on a budget.

So next time you need lots of bacon flavor for sandwiches, salads, bakes, or seasonings, buy economy sliced. Your wallet will thank you, even if your stomach misses a little hearty chew. With proper use, economy bacon satisfies any bacon craving.