Finding the best bacon comes down to three questions: how thick you like your slices, how smoky you want the flavor, and whether you care about uncured, organic, or no-sugar labels. After comparing 15 options side by side, Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon earns the top spot for its balanced smoke, hearty slice thickness, and crowd-pleasing versatility in the pan. Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon stands out as the premium choice thanks to its signature dry rub, while Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon delivers the best value per ounce for everyday breakfasts. The main tradeoff in this category is artisan quality versus convenience and price — specialty bacons like Broadbent’s peppered country style pack more character but cost more and cook less uniformly than center-cut supermarket staples. Read on for the full breakdown of all 15 picks.
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Key Takeaways
- Thick-cut options (amazon.com/dp/B07YVMDWK9?tag=eatcookoo-20&ascsubtag=dc-1086775″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Naturally Applewood, Tender Belly, Smithfield Premium) consistently won on texture and flavor retention, while thin center-cut picks (Oscar Mayer, 365) cooked faster and more evenly for sandwiches.
- Beef bacon (Godshall’s) is the only true pork-free option in the lineup, making it the standout for dietary restrictions — but it renders less fat and delivers a leaner, less crispy bite.
- Uncured labels dominate this roundup (9 of 15 picks), reflecting a clear industry shift toward celery-powder-based curing; flavor difference is minimal but sodium content often is not.
- Fully cooked formats like Applegate Naturals Sunday Bacon trade texture for speed — a smart fridge-stable option for camping or quick meals, but not for bacon lovers who judge by crispness.
- Reduced sodium and no-sugar options (365 Reduced Sodium, Tender Belly No Sugar, Applegate Organic No Sugar) now compete on flavor, not just nutrition labels — the best ones no longer taste like a compromise.
| bacon | Brand |
|---|---|
| Godshall’s Beef Bacon | — |
| Naturally Applewood Smoked Thi | — |
| North Country Smokehouse Organ | North Country Smokehouse |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured | Tender Belly |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon | — |
| Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Pep | Broadbent’s |
| Oscar Mayer Original Center Cu | Oscar Mayer |
| Niman Ranch Pork Bacon | Niman Ranch |
| Smithfield Premium Thick Slice | Smithfield |
| Applegate Naturals Fully Cooke | Applegate Naturals |
| Amazon Grocery Naturally Hicko | Amazon Grocery |
| Applegate Organic No Sugar Unc | — |
| Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood | Oscar Mayer |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Redu | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Godshall’s Beef Bacon, 10 oz (6 Pack)
Most bacon alternatives lean on turkey or plant-based substitutes that never quite crisp right, but Godshall’s Beef Bacon takes a different route: it comes from the beef plate (belly), which gives it a richness closer to real pork bacon than anything else in this category. This option stands out for shoppers who can’t eat pork but refuse to give up that smoky, savory crunch at breakfast. With 4 grams of protein per serving and zero carbs, it also fits keto and low-carb kitchens better than the Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, which is a conventional pork product. The tradeoff is real, though — beef fat renders differently than pork fat, so expect a learning curve to get consistent crispness. Compared with buying a single pack, the 6-pack format rewards committed households but punishes first-timers.
Pros:- Rich, smoky flavor that rivals pork bacon
- Crisps up well for real crunch
- 4 grams of protein per serving with zero carbs
- 6-pack offers good supply for regular bacon eaters
Cons:- Beef fat renders differently than pork, requiring cooking adjustments
- Harder to find than standard pork bacon brands
- Large pack size is a gamble for unproven preferences
Best for: Pork-free households and low-carb eaters who want a bacon that actually crisps and delivers real smoky flavor
Not ideal for: First-time buyers of beef bacon — the 6-pack commitment is risky if you haven’t confirmed you like how beef fat renders
- Package Size:10 oz
- Pack Quantity:6
- Sourced From:Beef plate (belly)
- Protein:4 grams per serving
- Carbs:0
- Type:Pork-free beef bacon
Our verdict“Buy this if you’re avoiding pork but still want genuine bacon texture and smoke; skip it if you’re unwilling to adjust your cooking technique.”
Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, 16 Oz
If you cook bacon weekly and don’t want to think too hard about it, this Amazon Grocery thick cut earns its spot on price-per-ounce alone. The applewood smoke delivers a sweeter, mellower flavor than the hickory-smoked Amazon Grocery sibling in this roundup, and the thick cut holds up better for BLTs and breakfast sandwiches than thin-sliced options like the Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon. This pick makes the most sense for families feeding several people at once — a full 16 ounces goes further than the 8 or 10 oz premium packs from Tender Belly or North Country Smokehouse. The tradeoff is transparency: there’s no story about pork sourcing or curing standards here. It’s gluten free with no added MSG, but buyers prioritizing organic or Certified Humane pork will want to spend up elsewhere.
Pros:- Generous 16 oz package feeds a crowd
- Applewood smoke adds sweeter, balanced flavor
- Thick cut resists tearing and works well in sandwiches
- Gluten free with no added MSG
Cons:- No organic, uncured, or humane-sourcing claims
- Packaging may vary, creating confusion between orders
- Availability tied to Amazon Grocery channels
Best for: Families and high-volume bacon buyers who want thick-cut flavor at a budget-friendly per-ounce cost
Not ideal for: Buyers who prioritize organic certification, humane sourcing, or uncured bacon — this is a conventional product with no such claims
- Package Size:16 oz
- Cut:Thick Cut
- Smoking:Applewood Smoked
- Gluten Free:Yes
- MSG Added:No
- Brand Line:Amazon Grocery (previously Fresh Brand)
Our verdict“The smart choice for everyday, high-volume bacon eaters who care about flavor and value more than certifications.”
North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, 8 Ounce
North Country Smokehouse is the bacon you buy when ingredient sourcing matters as much as taste. It carries both USDA Organic and Certified Humane certifications, and its vertically integrated sourcing — from feed to processing — means traceability that neither the Naturally Applewood Smoked store brand nor Oscar Mayer can match. The maple syrup element is where the flavor differs from the pack: compared with Tender Belly’s spice-forward dry rub, this is a sweeter, maple-kissed profile that shines in simple preparations. The flip side of that sweetness is that it contains real maple syrup, which puts it at odds with sugar-avoidant shoppers who’d be better served by Tender Belly’s no-sugar option. And at 8 ounces, this is the smallest pack of the pork bacons here, so the premium compounds quickly for big families.
Pros:- USDA Organic and Certified Humane double certification
- No nitrates, nitrites, or artificial flavors
- Made with authentic local maple syrup for distinctive flavor
- Fully vertically integrated sourcing from feed to processing
Cons:- Premium price point among bacon options
- Small 8 oz package disappears fast in busy households
- Maple sweetness won’t suit savory-only palates
Best for: Conscious eaters who want certified organic, Certified Humane pork and appreciate a maple-sweet flavor profile
Not ideal for: Sugar-conscious or Paleo buyers — the real maple syrup content makes Tender Belly’s no-sugar option a better fit
- Brand:North Country Smokehouse
- Size:8 Ounce
- Certification:USDA Organic, Certified Humane
- Nitrates/Nitrites:None
- Antibiotics:None
- Added Hormones:None
- Flavor Element:Authentic local maple syrup
Our verdict“The splurge for buyers who read labels closely and want the cleanest sourcing with a maple-forward taste.”
365 by Whole Foods Market, Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon, 12 oz
The 365 Uncured Center Cut sits in the practical middle of this lineup: more sourcing credibility than the Naturally Applewood Smoked store brand, but far less expensive than North Country Smokehouse’s organic offering. Because it’s center cut, strips carry less fat — a genuine benefit for anyone who trims the fat off regular bacon anyway, and a leaner outcome than the Tender Belly Thick Cut, which celebrates its fat. The uncured designation means no added nitrates or nitrites, and the pork is vegetarian-fed and raised without antibiotics, claims Oscar Mayer doesn’t make. That said, leanness cuts both ways: less fat means less rendered flavor and a greater risk of dry, brittle strips if overcooked. Nutrition disclosure is also thinner here than on competitors’ packaging, which matters to label readers.
Pros:- Center cut delivers noticeably leaner strips
- Uncured with no added nitrates or nitrites
- Pork is vegetarian-fed and raised without antibiotics
- Widely accessible 12 oz format at a mid-tier price
Cons:- Leaner cut means less rendered fat and flavor
- Limited nutritional detail on packaging
- Easy to overcook into brittle strips
Best for: Health-conscious everyday buyers who want uncured, antibiotic-free bacon with less fat and moderate pricing
Not ideal for: Bacon lovers who prize fat and richness — the lean center cut will feel dry and less flavorful than belly or thick-cut options
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Size:12 oz
- Cut:Center Cut
- Type:Uncured Bacon
- Flavor:Smokehouse
- Pork Source:Vegetarian fed
- Antibiotics:Raised without antibiotics
Our verdict“A sensible everyday pick for lean-bacon preferers who still want cleaner sourcing without the premium price.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon, No Sugar, Freshly Ground Spices, 10 oz
Tender Belly plays in a different league from mainstream bacon, and its signature dry rub of freshly ground spices is the reason. Where North Country Smokehouse goes sweet with maple, Tender Belly goes savory and boldly spiced, making it the better choice for Paleo, keto, and sugar-avoidant eaters since it contains no added sugar. The heritage breed, crate-free pork and Paleo certification give it sourcing credentials that compete with the organic leaders in this roundup, while the no-water-added processing means strips barely shrink in the pan — a practical edge over water-plumped mainstream bacon that leaves you with half the product you bought. Compared with the sibling Tender Belly signature dry rub version, this no-sugar variant sacrifices caramelization for strict dietary compliance. The cost is straightforward: this is specialty bacon at specialty pricing, and 10 ounces disappears fast.
Pros:- No added sugar, nitrates, or nitrites
- No water added means minimal shrinkage when cooking
- Heritage breed, crate-free, vegetarian-fed pork
- Gluten free and Paleo certified
Cons:- Premium specialty pricing well above standard brands
- Smaller 10 oz package
- No sugar means less caramelized browning in the pan
Best for: Paleo, keto, and sugar-conscious bacon fans who want spice-driven flavor and humane heritage pork
Not ideal for: Budget-focused shoppers or households that go through a pack a week — the specialty price adds up quickly
- Brand:Tender Belly
- Cut:Thick Cut
- Weight:10 oz
- Curing:Uncured
- Sugar:No added sugar
- Nitrates/Nitrites:None added
- Dietary:Gluten Free, Paleo Certified
- Pork Source:Heritage breed, vegetarian fed, crate-free
- Water Added:None
Our verdict“The pick for clean-eating bacon lovers who want maximum spice flavor and ethical sourcing and will pay for both.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon, Uncured, Signature Dry Rub, 10 oz
This option stands out for buyers who want bacon as a center-of-the-plate treat rather than a breakfast side. The heritage breed pork brings visible marbling that standard commodity bacon simply lacks, and the signature dry rub with freshly ground spices plus cherrywood smoke gives it a layered flavor closer to artisan charcuterie than grocery-store bacon. The no added water detail matters more than it sounds: slices hold their size in the pan instead of shrinking into ribbons, which is a common complaint with thinner-cut options like Oscar Mayer Center Cut. Compared with Niman Ranch’s applewood version, Tender Belly leans spicier and more assertive. The tradeoff is real, though — uncured means a shorter shelf life, and a 10 oz package disappears fast in a household that cooks bacon weekly.
Pros:- Thick cut from well-marbled heritage breed pork
- Humanely raised, crate-free, vegetarian fed with no antibiotics or hormones
- No water added means less shrinkage and more bacon per slice
- Cherrywood smoke and signature dry rub deliver distinctive, spiced flavor
Cons:- Uncured with no nitrates or nitrites means noticeably shorter shelf life than conventional bacon
- Specialty pricing puts it well above mainstream brands per ounce
Best for: Food hobbyists and weekend cooks who treat bacon as a featured ingredient and prioritize sourcing ethics and flavor intensity
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious families buying in bulk — the premium price per ounce and short uncured shelf life make it impractical as a weekly staple
- Cut:Thick cut
- Curing:Uncured
- Seasoning:Signature dry rub with freshly ground spices
- Smoking:Cherrywood smoked
- Pork source:Heritage breed, humanely raised, vegetarian fed, crate-free
- Weight:10 oz
- Dietary notes:Gluten free; no antibiotics, hormones, nitrates or nitrites added
- Water added:None (less shrinkage)
Our verdict“Buy this when bacon is the point of the meal, not an accompaniment — and plan to eat it soon after it arrives.”
Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon, 14 oz, 4-Pack
This pick makes the most sense for buyers who cook bacon often and want a old-school country cure with character. Broadbent’s uses a traditional salt cure and hickory smoke, finished with cracked pepper that cuts through eggs, grits, and sandwiches alike. Compared with Smithfield’s thick slice — another hickory option — Broadbent’s tastes noticeably more traditional and salt-forward, closer to what you’d find at a Southern country store. The four individually sealed 14 oz packages are the real practical advantage: unlike a single 12 oz pack from Oscar Mayer or Niman Ranch, you can open one and freeze the rest without any freshness penalty. The flip side is that salt is the dominant flavor, so anyone watching sodium should steer toward the 365 Reduced Sodium option instead.
Pros:- Traditional salt cure with hickory smoke and pepper seasoning
- No added nitrites
- Four individually packaged portions keep well for repeated use
- Versatile across breakfast plates, sandwiches, and salads
Cons:- Naturally quite salty compared with mainstream bacon
- Cannot be shipped to California or Massachusetts
Best for: Households that go through bacon steadily and want a boldly flavored, trad-cured supply they can portion out over weeks
Not ideal for: Low-sodium diets or mild palates — the salt cure is assertive, and shoppers in California and Massachusetts can’t order it at all
- Brand:Broadbent’s
- Product type:Peppered country bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked pepper
- Curing:Salt cured
- Added nitrites:None
- Package quantity:4 packages
- Package weight:14 oz each
- Availability restriction:Unavailable in California and Massachusetts
Our verdict“A freezer-stocking choice for fans of intense, salty country-style bacon — skip it if you prefer a milder, sweeter slice.”
Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
When the goal is reliable, no-thinking-required bacon, this is the pick that fits the largest number of kitchens. Oscar Mayer’s center cut trims toward the leaner middle of the belly, so slices cook evenly and render less fat than a thick-cut option like Smithfield or Tender Belly. The real wood slow-smoke gives it a familiar, balanced flavor that works as well crumbled over salad as it does beside scrambled eggs. Compared with the artisan entries in this lineup, it won’t wow anyone — but that’s not its job. Its job is consistency: roughly 18 uniform slices per pack, every pack, at mainstream availability. The main drawback is the seven-day use window after opening, which makes the single 12 oz pack a poor fit for light, occasional bacon eaters.
Pros:- Slow-smoked with real wood for dependable flavor
- Hand-trimmed center cut slices cook evenly with less fat
- Versatile for breakfast, sandwiches, and recipes
- Gluten-free with roughly 18 consistent slices per pack
Cons:- Must be used within seven days of opening
- Flavor is safe and familiar rather than distinctive
Best for: Busy households that want a lean, consistent, crowd-pleasing bacon for weekly breakfasts and sandwiches
Not ideal for: Occasional bacon buyers — the seven-day clock after opening means much of the pack can go to waste
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Cut:Center cut
- Flavor:Original
- Weight:12 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking method:Slow-smoked with real wood
- Storage:Refrigerate; use within seven days after opening
- Gluten-free:Yes
Our verdict“The dependable default for everyday cooking — choose a specialty option when you want bacon to stand out.”
Niman Ranch Pork Bacon, Applewood Smoked Uncured, 12 Ounce
This model is better suited to buyers whose values guide the grocery cart. Niman Ranch is built around a network of small family farms with strict humane treatment standards, no added antibiotics, and no added hormones — a sourcing story comparable to Tender Belly’s but with a gentler flavor profile. Where Tender Belly’s dry rub pushes spice forward, Niman’s applewood smoke leans mellow and slightly sweet, which makes it the more flexible choice for picky eaters and for recipes where bacon shouldn’t dominate. Like other uncured bacons in this roundup, it demands prompt use, and the allergen details live only on the package, which is awkward for anyone shopping with food allergies online. The 12 oz size splits the difference nicely between Tender Belly’s 10 oz and the larger 16 oz commodity packs.
Pros:- Applewood smoked for a mellow, slightly sweet flavor
- Gluten-free and all natural with a clean label
- No added antibiotics or hormones
- Sourced from farms with documented humane animal treatment
Cons:- Premium pricing compared with conventional brands like Oscar Mayer
- Allergen information only printed on the package, not listed at purchase
Best for: Conscious shoppers who want humane sourcing and clean-label claims with a mild, family-friendly smoke flavor
Not ideal for: Shoppers with serious food allergies — allergen information isn’t available until the package arrives
- Brand:Niman Ranch
- Product type:Pork bacon
- Flavor:Applewood smoked
- Curing:Uncured
- Package size:12 ounces
- Dietary:Gluten-free
- Added antibiotics:None
- Added hormones:None
Our verdict“The right call when responsible sourcing matters as much as taste — just verify allergens before you buy if that affects your household.”
Smithfield Premium Thick Slice Bacon, 12 oz
Thick cut usually means paying artisan prices — this option breaks that pattern. Smithfield delivers a hearty thick slice with genuine natural hickory smoke at a mainstream price point, which is why it earns the value slot over pricier thick-cut rivals like Tender Belly. The slices are hand-selected and hand-trimmed, and in practice that shows up as fewer ragged edges and more even cooking than budget bacon typically offers. Flavor-wise it lands between Oscar Mayer’s mild center cut and Broadbent’s aggressive country cure: assertively smoky but balanced enough for BLTs, burgers, and pasta. The honest drawback is quantity — a single 12 oz package won’t stretch across a big family breakfast, and you’ll want to plan refrigeration or freezing the moment it arrives.
Pros:- Hand-selected and hand-trimmed for consistent slice quality
- Thick cut delivers hearty texture that holds up in sandwiches and recipes
- Naturally hickory smoked with no MSG or artificial colors
- Mainstream availability at an accessible price for a thick cut
Cons:- Single 12 oz package doesn’t suit bigger households or meal prep
- Requires refrigerated or frozen storage from arrival, with unused portions refrigerated promptly
Best for: Thick-cut lovers and recipe cooks who want substantial, smoky bacon for burgers, BLTs, and pasta without paying specialty prices
Not ideal for: Large households or batch cooks — one 12 oz pack runs out quickly and requires immediate cold storage
- Brand:Smithfield
- Product type:Bacon
- Cut:Thick slice
- Smoke flavor:Naturally hickory smoked
- Net weight:12 oz
- Packaging:Vacuum-packed
- Storage:Keep refrigerated or frozen until use; refrigerate unused portions
- Special features:No MSG, no artificial colors
Our verdict“The smart middle path when you want thick-cut satisfaction at everyday pricing — just buy two packs if you’re feeding a crowd.”
Applegate Naturals Fully Cooked Uncured Sunday Bacon, 2.52 Oz
Every other bacon in this lineup asks you to stand over a skillet, contend with grease splatter, and clean a pan afterward. This option eliminates that entire ritual — it arrives fully cooked, so a quick microwave reheat puts crispy bacon on the plate in minutes with no mess and no cleanup. The pork is humanely raised and minimally processed, with no chemical nitrites, nitrates, or GMO ingredients, which puts it in the same clean-label territory as Applegate’s Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon. The tradeoffs are real, though: you pay a premium per ounce compared with raw options like Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, and you lose control over texture since skillet-crisping your own bacon isn’t an option. The small 2.52 oz, 10-slice package also means it won’t stretch far for a family breakfast.
Pros:- Fully cooked — ready in minutes with no skillet or mess
- Humanely raised, 100% natural pork with minimal processing
- No chemical nitrites, nitrates, artificial ingredients, or GMOs
- Great shelf-stable-ish option for quick single servings
Cons:- Higher price per ounce than raw bacon in the roundup
- Requires a microwave, so no control over final texture
- Small 10-slice package won’t feed a crowd
Best for: Busy commuters, office-breakfast makers, and anyone who wants bacon without the grease cleanup
Not ideal for: Families or batch cooks — at 10 slices per small package, the per-ounce cost adds up fast
- Brand:Applegate Naturals
- Weight:2.52 oz
- Slices:10
- Cooking State:Fully cooked
- Curing:Uncured
- Pork:100% natural, humanely raised
- Additives:No chemical nitrites, nitrates, or GMO ingredients
Our verdict“Buy this if bacon cravings hit when you have no time or tolerance for cleanup; skip it if you cook for more than one or two people.”
Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 Oz
When the goal is bacon volume for the money, this 16-ounce package from Amazon Grocery makes the most sense. Like Oscar Mayer’s Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, it delivers a full pound of naturally hickory smoked slices, but at a friendlier everyday price point under Amazon’s own grocery line. The hickory smoke gives it a classic, assertive bacon flavor that works for breakfast plates, BLTs, and crumbling into recipes without fuss. It won’t match the artisan character of Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon or the clean-label credentials of Niman Ranch Pork Bacon — this is a straightforward, utility bacon. The main annoyance is the packaging variability: it was formerly sold as Fresh Brand, so repeat buyers may receive different-looking packages and wonder whether they got the same product.
Pros:- Full 16 oz package at a budget-friendly price
- Naturally hickory smoked for classic bacon flavor
- Versatile everyday bacon for breakfasts and recipes
- Part of Amazon’s one-stop grocery line
Cons:- Packaging may vary due to rebrand from Fresh Brand
- No organic or uncured claims
- Slices run standard-thin compared with thick-cut picks like Tender Belly
Best for: Budget-conscious households and bulk breakfast cooks who go through a pound of bacon quickly
Not ideal for: Clean-label shoppers — it lacks the organic and no-nitrite claims of Applegate or North Country Smokehouse options
- Brand:Amazon Grocery
- Formerly:Fresh Brand
- Weight:16 oz
- Smoking Method:Naturally hickory smoked
- Meat:Pork
- Packaging:May vary
Our verdict“This is the practical pound-of-bacon buy for feeding a household cheaply; specialty flavor seekers should upgrade to a thick-cut or artisan option.”
Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon, 8 oz
This is the roundup’s strictest ingredient-list champion: USDA Organic, sugar-free, uncured, and free of chemical nitrites, antibiotics, and added hormones. Compared with Tender Belly’s No Sugar Thick Cut Bacon — its closest dietary rival — this option goes further with organic certification and Whole30 approval, plus gluten-free and dairy-free claims that make it safe for restrictive eaters. Sourcing from family farms gives it a provenance story closer to Niman Ranch than to mainstream brands like Oscar Mayer. The flip side of skipping sugar is flavor: sugar contributes to browning and caramelization, so this bacon tastes leaner and more savory than sweet-cured competitors, and some palates will notice the difference. The 8 oz package is also modest for the price bracket it occupies, so it rewards careful eaters rather than big breakfast crowds.
Pros:- USDA Organic with no sugar at all
- No chemical nitrites, nitrates, antibiotics, or added hormones
- Whole30 approved, gluten free, and dairy free
- Pork sourced from family farms
Cons:- Sugar-free profile tastes less caramelized than sweet-cured bacon
- Smaller 8 oz package for the price
- Harder to find than mainstream brands in some areas
Best for: Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 followers who read ingredient labels closely and want organic sourcing
Not ideal for: Fans of sweet, caramelized bacon — no sugar means a leaner, more savory flavor profile
- Net weight:8 oz
- Type:Uncured bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked
- Sugar:Sugar free
- Organic:USDA Organic
- Antibiotics:None
- Added hormones:None
- Chemical nitrites or nitrates:None
- Dietary claims:Gluten free, dairy free, Whole30 approved
Our verdict“If your diet has rules — keto, Whole30, organic-only — this is the bacon that clears every bar; flavor-maximizers should look elsewhere.”
Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, 16 oz
There’s a reason mainstream bacon stays mainstream, and this package explains it: real hardwood smoke, hand-trimmed pork cuts, and roughly 18 uniform slices per vacuum-sealed pound. Compared with Amazon Grocery’s Hickory Smoked Bacon, this option offers more consistent slice quality and wider availability, making it the dependable default for sandwiches, breakfasts, and recipe crumbles alike. It won’t excite like Tender Belly’s spice-rubbed thick cut or Broadbent’s peppered country bacon — the slices are standard thickness and the flavor profile is familiar rather than distinctive. But familiarity is the point: it behaves predictably in every cooking method, from skillet to oven to microwave. The one genuine constraint is freshness — use within seven days of opening, which matters for slower households that don’t finish a pound quickly.
Pros:- Naturally smoked with real wood for dependable flavor
- Hand-trimmed cuts with uniform, consistent slices
- About 18 slices — plenty for family breakfasts
- Works equally well in skillet, oven, or recipes
Cons:- Must be used within 7 days of opening
- Standard-cut slices lack the bite of thick-cut competitors
- No uncured or organic claims
Best for: Households that want a reliable, versatile everyday bacon that works in any recipe
Not ideal for: Slow bacon consumers — the 7-day window after opening can lead to waste on a full pound
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Weight:16 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking method:Naturally hardwood smoked with real wood
- Meat:Pork, hand-trimmed cuts
- Packaging:Vacuum-sealed plastic
- Use after opening:Within 7 days
Our verdict“The safe, familiar pound of bacon that never disappoints and never surprises — ideal for households that cook bacon weekly.”
365 by Whole Foods Market Reduced Sodium Uncured Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
Sodium is bacon’s quiet problem, and this option tackles it head-on with 37% less salt than Whole Foods’ regular uncured smokehouse bacon. The center cut designation means leaner, meatier strips with less fatty edges — a meaningful difference for anyone who trims their bacon anyway. Sourcing also holds up well: vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics, which places it above mainstream picks like Oscar Mayer on the clean-label ladder, though short of Applegate Organic’s full certification. Compared with the regular 365 Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon, this version makes sense specifically for sodium-restricted diets and heart-conscious eaters. The tradeoffs: reduced sodium means a milder, less punchy saltiness that some bacon lovers will read as bland, and leaner center-cut strips can dry out faster if overcooked, demanding more attention at the skillet.
Pros:- 37% less sodium than the regular smokehouse version
- Center cut delivers leaner, meatier strips
- Vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics
- Uncured — no chemical nitrites
Cons:- Milder flavor may taste under-salted to traditionalists
- Leaner slices overcook and dry out more easily
- Smaller 12 oz package
Best for: Sodium-restricted and heart-conscious eaters who still want real pork bacon
Not ideal for: Fans of bold, salty, fatty bacon — the reduced sodium and lean cut soften the classic punch
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Type:Reduced sodium uncured center cut bacon
- Package size:12 oz
- Pork:Vegetarian-fed; raised without antibiotics
- Sodium:37% less than regular uncured smokehouse bacon
- Curing:Uncured
Our verdict“The clear pick if your doctor capped your salt intake but you refuse to give up bacon; everyone else gets more flavor from full-sodium options.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each bacon across five buyer-relevant criteria: flavor depth (smoke intensity, seasoning balance, fat-to-lean ratio), slice and texture quality (thickness consistency, crispness when cooked, shrinkage), dietary fit (uncured, organic, no sugar, pork-free, reduced sodium), packaging practicality (shelf stability, pack size, freezer-friendliness for multi-packs), and everyday value (what you get per ounce relative to the category). Options that checked multiple boxes — like thick-cut applewood slices that work for breakfast, BLTs, and recipes alike — ranked above single-purpose products.
The ranking also reflects who each product serves best rather than a single quality score. A peppered country bacon like Broadbent’s is arguably more flavorful than a supermarket center-cut, but its intense cure and multi-pack format make it a specialty purchase, so it earns a niche slot rather than a top one. Mass-market staples like Oscar Mayer and Smithfield were judged on convenience and consistency, while artisan options from Niman Ranch and North Country Smokehouse were held to a higher flavor standard to justify their premium positioning.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Bacon
Beyond the individual picks, a few category-wide factors shape whether you’ll be happy with the bacon you buy. Here is what to weigh before adding a package to your cart.Cured vs. Uncured: What the Label Actually Means
The term uncured is one of the most misunderstood words in the meat aisle. Uncured bacon is still cured — it simply uses naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder or sea salt instead of synthetic sodium nitrite. The flavor difference is subtle, but the label matters to buyers avoiding synthetic additives. A common mistake is paying extra for uncured bacon assuming it is significantly lower in sodium; often the opposite is true, since celery-based cures can carry just as much salt. If sodium is your concern, choose an explicitly reduced-sodium product rather than assuming the uncured label handles it for you.
Cut Thickness and How You Plan to Cook
Thickness should be matched to cooking method, not just preference. Thick-cut bacon shines when pan-fried or baked at moderate heat, holding its chew and absorbing less grease, but it can cook unevenly in a microwave. Regular and center-cut slices crisp faster, render more fat for cooking eggs, and fit better in sandwiches. Country-style and slab bacons require slower cooking to avoid burnt edges before the center renders. Before buying, decide whether your bacon is a breakfast centerpiece, a sandwich layer, or a recipe ingredient — the answer changes the ideal cut.
Smoke Source: Applewood, Hickory, and Beyond
The wood used for smoking changes the flavor profile more than most buyers expect. Applewood produces a mild, slightly sweet smoke that pairs well with maple flavors and suits people who want smoke without aggression. Hickory is bolder and more traditional — the classic American bacon flavor — but can taste sharp to palates unused to strong smoke. Some producers use peppered dry rubs or spice blends that layer on top of the smoke, which works beautifully for standalone eating but can clash in delicate recipes. Match the smoke intensity to how you eat bacon most often.
Dietary Needs: Pork-Free, No Sugar, and Organic
Specialty labels have real tradeoffs worth understanding before you pay a premium. Beef bacon solves pork restrictions but renders differently, producing a leaner bite that some find less satisfying. No-sugar bacons matter most for keto and low-carb buyers — the flavor gap has narrowed, but a dry rub still beats a plain salt cure for taste. Organic certification, as with North Country Smokehouse, guarantees feed and welfare standards but does not automatically mean better flavor; judge those products on taste claims too. Buy the label that matches your actual dietary need, not the one with the most marketing.
Pack Size, Storage, and Freezer Strategy
Multi-packs like the 6-pack Godshall’s or 4-pack Broadbent’s offer better per-ounce value but demand freezer space and planning. Bacon freezes exceptionally well for up to a couple of months when kept sealed, and rolling slices individually before freezing makes portioning far easier later. Single 8-to-16-ounce packages suit households that eat bacon weekly, while multi-packs make sense only if you cook it several times a week or feed a crowd. A common mistake is buying bulk for the savings and letting half the package expire — vacuum-sealed freshness, not package count, determines real value.
Fully Cooked vs. Raw: When Convenience Wins
Fully cooked bacon strips trade texture for shelf-stable convenience, and knowing when that trade makes sense saves money and disappointment. For camping, office kitchens, quick lunch prep, or bacon crumbles on salads, precooked options eliminate the splatter and cleanup entirely. For a weekend breakfast where crispness is the point, raw thick-cut bacon will always outperform. Precooked also tends to cost more per slice, so it works best as a supplement to raw bacon rather than a replacement. Buy it for the moments when a hot pan is not an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uncured bacon actually healthier than cured bacon?
Not necessarily, despite the marketing impression. Uncured bacon uses naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder rather than synthetic sodium nitrite, but chemically the curing effect is very similar. Some studies suggest celery-derived nitrates convert to nitrosamines the same way synthetic ones do when bacon is cooked at high heat. Where uncured products genuinely differ is in the rest of the ingredient list — many also skip artificial preservatives and phosphates. If your goal is lower sodium, look for products labeled reduced sodium specifically, because several uncured options in this roundup actually carry more salt than their conventional counterparts.
Is beef bacon a good substitute if I don’t eat pork?
Beef bacon is the closest pork-free replication of the bacon experience, and options like Godshall’s get the smoky, salty profile right. The difference comes down to fat: beef belly is leaner than pork belly, so it renders less and crisps differently, producing a slightly chewier bite. That makes it excellent in sandwiches and recipes where bacon is a supporting flavor, but less ideal if you judge bacon by shatter-crisp strips. Cooking it a touch longer at lower heat helps maximize crispness. For pork-free households, it is a worthwhile pantry staple — just adjust expectations on texture.
Thick cut or regular cut — which should I buy?
Choose based on how you cook and eat it. Thick cut holds its structure when baked, works beautifully in recipes like wrapped dates or carbonara, and delivers a meatier chew that many people prefer for standalone eating. Regular and center-cut slices crisp faster, fit sandwiches better, and render more fat you can use for frying eggs. If you mostly microwave bacon or cook it in a hurry, thin slices will serve you better since thick cut tends to cook unevenly at high speed. Households split on preference often do best keeping one of each in the freezer.
Does no-sugar bacon taste noticeably worse?
The gap has narrowed considerably, and the best no-sugar options now compete on flavor rather than apologizing for the label. Sugar in bacon contributes caramelization and balances smoke and salt, so removing it can leave a product tasting sharper — but a well-built spice rub, like the freshly ground blend on Tender Belly’s no-sugar version, fills that gap convincingly. Plain salt-only no-sugar bacons are where the flavor sacrifice shows most. If you are eating bacon keto or low-carb, prioritize no-sugar options with robust seasoning rather than the most minimal ingredient list.
Is premium artisan bacon really worth the extra cost?
It depends on how you eat bacon. If bacon is the centerpiece of a weekend breakfast or you eat it on its own, the difference in cure quality, smoke source, and meat selection from producers like Niman Ranch or North Country Smokehouse is genuinely noticeable — richer pork flavor, less shrinkage, and better fat rendering. If bacon is mostly a crumbling topping or sandwich layer, a quality supermarket option will do the job and the premium becomes hard to justify. Animal welfare and sourcing standards, which often drive the price, may matter to you independent of taste. A reasonable strategy is to buy premium for standalone eating and everyday options for cooking.
Conclusion
Mapping these 15 options to buyer types closes the decision quickly. For best overall, Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon balances smoke, thickness, and versatility better than anything else here. For best value, Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon and Smithfield Premium Thick Slice deliver reliable classic flavor at everyday prices. For best premium, Tender Belly Thick Cut with Signature Dry Rub is the standout indulgence, with Broadbent’s Peppered Country Bacon as the choice for bold, old-fashioned cure flavor. Best for beginners goes to Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut — consistent, forgiving to cook, and widely available. For specific needs: Godshall’s Beef Bacon for pork-free diets, Tender Belly No Sugar or Applegate Organic No Sugar for keto and low-carb, 365 Reduced Sodium for salt-conscious buyers, North Country Smokehouse Organic for organic standards, and Applegate Fully Cooked Sunday Bacon for pan-free convenience. Whatever your priority, the right pick is the one that matches how you actually cook and eat it.
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