How Many Carbs Are in No Sugar Bacon?

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Most types of traditional bacon are naturally very low in carbohydrates, but some curing processes can add trace amounts of sugar. No sugar bacon, by contrast, is specifically processed without added sweeteners, and as a result, contains zero carbohydrates per serving, making it an excellent choice for low-carb diets.

Quick Summary

No sugar bacon typically contains zero carbohydrates per serving, confirming its place as a suitable option for ketogenic and low-carb diets. While it lacks added sweeteners, it maintains the savory, high-fat profile characteristic of conventional bacon. Checking labels is crucial to confirm no additives have been used.

Key Points

Zero Carbohydrates: No sugar bacon contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it an ideal choice for low-carb and keto diets.
Check the Label: Always look for "no sugar added" or "sugar free" on the packaging, as some brands use minimal amounts of sweeteners in their cure.
Uncured for Natural Preservation: Many no sugar bacons are also uncured, meaning they use natural nitrates from sources like celery powder rather than synthetic ones.
High in Fat and Protein: Like conventional bacon, no sugar bacon is a rich source of protein and fat, which is beneficial for sustaining ketosis.
Supports Weight Management: The high fat content in bacon promotes satiety, which can help with appetite control and weight loss efforts.
Nutrient-Rich Option: Beyond macronutrients, high-quality no sugar bacon can provide essential nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus.

The Zero-Carb Profile of No Sugar Bacon

For those following a ketogenic, paleo, or other low-carb diet, finding foods that are both delicious and compliant is key. No sugar bacon is a popular choice, primarily because its carbohydrate content is reliably zero. The reason behind this is straightforward: bacon itself is cured pork belly, a meat product that is naturally high in fat and protein and devoid of carbohydrates. Where conventional bacon might use a small amount of sugar during the curing process for flavor and preservation, no sugar added varieties skip this step entirely. This ensures the final product remains carb-free.

Deciphering the "Uncured" and "No Sugar Added" Labels

Understanding bacon labels is critical for carb-conscious consumers. The terms "uncured" and "no sugar added" are the most important to look for. Uncured bacon does not mean the meat hasn't been preserved; it simply means it was cured using natural nitrates found in celery powder or sea salt, rather than synthetic sodium nitrite. Combining "uncured" with "no sugar added" is the best guarantee of a carb-free product. For example, brands like Applegate Naturals and Pederson's Farms offer uncured, no sugar options that consistently report 0g of carbohydrates per serving.

The Keto and Paleo Connection

Both the ketogenic and paleo diets emphasize the consumption of protein and healthy fats while severely restricting carbohydrates. The zero-carb nature of no sugar bacon aligns perfectly with these dietary philosophies. On a keto diet, it provides the high-fat content necessary to help the body enter and maintain ketosis, a metabolic state where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. For paleo dieters, no sugar bacon provides a minimally processed meat option, especially when sourced from high-quality, humanely raised pork, which is also a core tenet of the paleo lifestyle.

Nutritional Comparison: No Sugar vs. Regular Bacon

To put the difference into perspective, consider the nutritional profile of no sugar bacon versus regular, sugar-cured varieties. While the total carb count may seem negligible in regular bacon, even trace amounts can add up for those with strict dietary requirements. The table below highlights the primary differences to help consumers make an informed choice.


Feature	No Sugar Bacon	Regular Bacon (Cured)
Total Carbohydrates	0g per serving	Trace amounts to 1g per serving
Added Sugars	0g	Present in the cure, often brown or maple sugar
Curing Method	Typically relies on sea salt or celery powder	May use synthetic nitrates and added sugar
Dietary Suitability	Optimal for Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets	Not suitable for strict no-sugar diets or Whole30
Nutrient Profile	High in protein and fat	High in protein and fat

Finding the Best No Sugar Bacon Brands

As the demand for low-carb and keto-friendly products has grown, so has the availability of no sugar bacon. Reputable brands are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. When shopping, look for packages that explicitly state "No Sugar Added" or "Sugar Free" on the label.

Applegate Naturals: A widely available brand known for its commitment to natural ingredients. Their No Sugar Bacon is uncured and hickory smoked.
Pederson's Natural Farms: This brand specializes in no-sugar-added products that are Whole30 approved and keto-friendly.
Naked Bacon: As the name suggests, this brand offers a clean, straightforward bacon with no sugar, nitrates, or artificial ingredients.
Hempler's Foods: Offers an Uncured No Sugar Bacon option with a clear nutritional profile.

Why Ingredient Lists Matter

For the strictest dietary plans, simply reading the "nutrition facts" panel isn't enough. It's crucial to check the ingredient list for hidden sources of carbohydrates. Some manufacturers might use ingredients like maple syrup or honey in the curing process, which would negate the "no sugar" claim for some diets. Always check that the ingredient list contains only pork, salt, and spices, and potentially celery powder for curing.

Conclusion

For anyone monitoring their carbohydrate intake, the question of "How many carbs are in no sugar bacon?" has a clear answer: zero. By avoiding added sugars during the curing process, these products remain a reliable and flavorful option for ketogenic, paleo, and other low-carb lifestyles. The key is to be a diligent shopper, reading both the nutritional information and ingredient lists to ensure the product meets your specific dietary needs. With many high-quality options now available, enjoying crispy, savory bacon without the carbs has never been easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both types of bacon are high in fat and sodium, no sugar bacon is a better choice for those on low-carb or keto diets because it completely eliminates added sugars. Its overall healthiness depends on the quality of the pork and the rest of your diet.

Yes, no sugar bacon is highly recommended for the keto diet. It provides zero carbohydrates and a high fat content, which helps support ketosis, the metabolic state crucial for fat burning.

No, uncured does not automatically mean sugar free. While many no sugar bacons are also uncured, the uncured label refers to the use of natural preservatives. You must look for both "uncured" and "no sugar added" to be sure.

No sugar bacon is made from cured pork belly, typically with a simple blend of sea salt, water, and spices. The key is the absence of any added sugars like maple or brown sugar in the curing mixture.

No, not all bacon brands carry a no sugar added option. It's a specialty product found among health-conscious and dedicated natural food brands. You can find these options from brands like Applegate, Pederson's Farms, and Naked Bacon.

The flavor profile of no sugar bacon is less sweet than its conventionally cured counterpart. It features a more pronounced salty, smoky, and pork-forward taste, which many people prefer.

You can find no sugar bacon at most major grocery stores, often in the natural foods or specialty meats section. Retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and even large stores like Walmart carry several options, as do online retailers.