Yes, Applegate's Turkey Bacon is Whole30 Approved
Yes, certain varieties of Applegate's turkey bacon are officially Whole30 compliant and bear the Whole30 Approved® logo. The two primary compliant products are the Applegate Naturals® Turkey Bacon and Applegate Organics® Turkey Bacon. This status is confirmed by the official Applegate website, which features a specific landing page listing their Whole30 Approved products. This is great news for anyone following the strict 30-day program, as it takes the guesswork out of reading confusing ingredient labels.
Understanding the Whole30 Rules for Bacon
To understand why Applegate’s products are approved while many others are not, it is essential to know the specific rules for bacon under the Whole30 program. The core guidelines require all ingredients to be unprocessed and free from a list of forbidden additives.
Non-Compliant Bacon Ingredients
- Added Sugar: Many conventional bacon brands, both pork and turkey, add sugar for flavor. This is a primary reason many bacons are not compliant.
- MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): A flavor enhancer that is strictly prohibited.
- Carrageenan: A common food additive used for thickening and emulsifying, which is banned from the program.
- Sulfites (Sulfur Dioxide): Another class of preservatives that are not allowed.
Compliant Bacon Ingredients
- Celery Powder: While processed meats typically use chemical nitrates for curing, Whole30 compliant options, including Applegate's, use celery powder, a natural source of nitrites, for preservation. The Whole30 program explicitly allows this natural curing method.
- Spices: Natural spices like onion powder are acceptable.
- Sea Salt and Water: Standard ingredients for curing that are perfectly fine for the program.
A Comparison of Compliant and Non-Compliant Bacon
This table highlights the difference between compliant and non-compliant bacon, making it easy to see why label reading is so important.
| Feature | Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon | Applegate Organics Turkey Bacon | Generic Non-Compliant Bacon (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole30 Status | Officially Whole30 Approved | Officially Whole30 Approved | Not compliant |
| Key Compliant Ingredients | Turkey, Water, Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Onion Powder, Spices | Organic Turkey, Water, Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Organic Onion Powder | N/A |
| Key Non-Compliant Ingredients | None | None | Sugar (often listed as brown sugar or dextrose), MSG, Sodium Nitrite, Sulfites |
| Curing Method | Uncured, using natural celery powder | Uncured, using natural celery powder | Cured, using synthetic nitrites/nitrates |
| Raised With | No antibiotics ever | No antibiotics ever | Often includes antibiotics |
| Key Takeaway | A safe, compliant option with simple ingredients. | An organic, compliant option with simple ingredients. | Must be avoided due to added sugar and preservatives. |
How to Incorporate Whole30 Compliant Bacon
As a flavorful and convenient protein source, compliant bacon can be an excellent addition to your Whole30 meals. However, the program encourages a balanced approach and advises against relying on bacon as your primary protein source. Instead, use it as a flavorful condiment to enhance your dishes.
Meal Ideas with Applegate Turkey Bacon
- Bacon and Eggs: Pair your turkey bacon with scrambled or fried eggs and a side of avocado for a classic, compliant breakfast.
- Bacon-Wrapped Vegetables: Use strips of bacon to wrap asparagus spears or Brussels sprouts before roasting for a savory side dish.
- Salad Topping: Crumble cooked turkey bacon over a large salad for a salty, crunchy element.
- Stuffing for Chicken: Use finely chopped bacon as a savory stuffing for chicken breasts or other proteins.
Other Whole30 Compliant Bacon Brands
While Applegate is a readily available and reliable choice, several other brands offer compliant bacon options. If Applegate isn't available, keep an eye out for these brands and remember to always read the ingredients list to verify compliance.
- Pederson's Farms: Offers several no-sugar-added, Whole30 compliant bacon products.
- Naked Bacon: An officially Whole30 Approved brand specializing in sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon.
- Wellshire Farms: Has a line of sugar-free bacon often found at Whole Foods Market.
- Garrett Valley: Offers a sugar-free turkey bacon option.
Conclusion: Confidently Choose Applegate Turkey Bacon
For those following a Whole30 diet, confirming the compliance of a product can be a challenge. Thankfully, Applegate has simplified this process by partnering with the program to create officially approved products, including their turkey bacon. With its simple, clean ingredient list free of added sugars and artificial preservatives, you can confidently purchase Applegate turkey bacon for your 30-day reset. As with any packaged food on the program, it's always wise to do a quick scan of the label, but the presence of the Whole30 Approved® seal is a strong indicator you've made the right choice. For more information, you can always visit the official Whole30 website to consult their partner list.
