What are the ingredients in great value hickory smoked bacon?: A Nutritional Look

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization's cancer agency, processed meat is classified as a carcinogen to humans, making it important to know exactly what are the ingredients in Great Value Hickory Smoked Bacon. This analysis offers a detailed breakdown of its components and nutritional content.

Quick Summary

Great Value Hickory Smoked Bacon contains pork cured with water, salt, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. It is a high-sodium, high-saturated-fat food, and while providing protein, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to its processed nature.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Great Value Hickory Smoked Bacon is made from pork, water, salt, sugar, and is cured with preservatives.
Key Preservatives: Sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate are added to inhibit bacteria and prevent nitrosamine formation during high-heat cooking.
Sodium and Fat Content: The bacon is high in sodium and saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain cardiovascular health.
Processed Meat Classification: The World Health Organization classifies processed meats like bacon as carcinogenic to humans, linking them to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like turkey bacon or lower-sodium pork bacon exist, offering different nutritional profiles for those monitoring calorie, fat, or salt intake.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying bacon occasionally as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods is the best approach for long-term health.

The Curing Process and Primary Ingredients

At its core, bacon is a cured and smoked meat product, and the ingredients of Great Value's hickory smoked bacon reflect this process. The foundation is pork, which is then preserved and flavored using a brine or curing solution. The ingredients list for this product typically includes:

Pork: The primary protein source for the bacon.
Water: Added to the brine solution to aid in the curing process and improve the texture of the meat.
Salt: A key preservative that inhibits bacterial growth and enhances flavor.
Sugar/Brown Sugar: Used to balance the salty flavor and assist in the browning process during cooking.
Sodium Phosphates: Multi-functional food additives that help retain moisture, improve texture, and maintain the meat's color and freshness.
Hickory Smoke Flavor: This distinct, savory flavor is achieved through a smoking process using hickory chips.

A Closer Look at the Additives

The preservatives used in processed meats like bacon, specifically sodium nitrite, are often a subject of nutritional scrutiny. The ingredients list includes:

Sodium Nitrite: A curing agent that prevents the growth of bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum, and is responsible for the characteristic pink color and cured flavor. A key concern is that when bacon is cooked at high temperatures, nitrites can react with amino acids to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds. To mitigate this, manufacturers are required to add antioxidants like sodium erythorbate.
Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant that is a key component in reducing the formation of harmful nitrosamines during cooking.

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Considerations

While Great Value bacon provides protein and some micronutrients, its nutritional profile highlights the importance of moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat and sodium. Here is a typical nutritional profile for a serving (2 cooked slices):

Calories: Approximately 80
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Protein: 7g

Health Impact of Processed Meat

The high sodium and saturated fat content can have significant health implications when consumed regularly or in large quantities. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats like bacon as Group 1 carcinogens, citing evidence that they increase the risk of colorectal cancer. For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension, limiting bacon is particularly important.

Incorporating Bacon into a Healthy Diet

For those who enjoy bacon, it can still be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here are some strategies:

Portion Control: Keep serving sizes small, perhaps limiting intake to just a few slices per month.
Alternative Preparation: Consider baking bacon on a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip off, rather than pan-frying it in its own fat.
Balanced Meals: Combine small amounts of bacon with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to round out your meal.

Comparing Great Value Bacon to Alternatives

To make informed dietary choices, it's helpful to compare Great Value's hickory smoked pork bacon with other options, such as turkey bacon or lower-sodium versions.


Feature	Great Value Hickory Smoked Pork Bacon (Approx. 2 slices)	Turkey Bacon (Approx. 2 slices)	Lower Sodium Pork Bacon (Approx. 2 slices)
Calories	80 kcal	~64 kcal	~80 kcal
Saturated Fat	2g	~1.3g	Lower than standard
Sodium	300mg	~303mg (can vary)	At least 25% lower than standard
Protein	7g	~4.5g	6g
Processing	Cured pork, contains sodium nitrite	Cured turkey, often more processed	Cured pork, lower sodium content
Taste Profile	Classic smoky, salty pork flavor	Milder, less crispy texture	Similar to original, less salty

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Great Value Hickory Smoked Bacon provides important nutritional context for a healthy diet. While it offers protein and a satisfying flavor, its nutritional profile, particularly the high sodium and saturated fat content, along with the presence of sodium nitrite, necessitates mindful consumption. By reading labels, practicing moderation, and considering leaner or lower-sodium alternatives, you can make informed choices that align with your overall health goals. For most people, a few slices of bacon can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a varied, nutrient-dense diet without causing significant issues.

For more in-depth nutritional guidance, resources like the National Health Service (NHS) offer comprehensive information on integrating different foods into a balanced eating plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredients are pork cured with water, salt, and sugar, along with preservatives like sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.

Yes, Great Value Hickory Smoked Bacon is labeled as a gluten-free product.

Sodium nitrite is added as a curing agent and preservative to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum, and to give the bacon its signature pink color and cured flavor.

While nitrites themselves aren't the issue, they can form carcinogenic nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures. Manufacturers add antioxidants like sodium erythorbate to minimize this reaction.

Turkey bacon generally has fewer calories and saturated fat than pork bacon but can have similar or even higher sodium levels. Pork bacon typically has fewer carbohydrates and cholesterol.

You can reduce risks by eating bacon in moderation, choosing lower-sodium varieties, and cooking it on a wire rack to allow excess fat to render and drain away. Combining it with other nutrient-dense foods also helps.

Processed meat like bacon is not generally considered a healthy food for regular consumption due to its high saturated fat, sodium, and potential for forming harmful compounds during cooking. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.