What is America's Leanest Bacon?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, traditional pork bacon contains nearly 13 times more fat and 4 times more calories than Canadian bacon. This stark difference highlights that America's leanest bacon is not a single product but a category encompassing several types and cuts, from Canadian bacon to specific center-cut varieties, that offer significantly less fat and fewer calories than standard streaky bacon.

Quick Summary

This article explores the leanest bacon options in America, comparing different cuts and types such as Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, and center-cut pork. Nutritional details for each type are provided, alongside tips for selection and cooking to reduce fat content.

Key Points

Canadian bacon is the leanest: Sourced from the pork loin, Canadian bacon has significantly less fat and fewer calories than traditional streaky bacon.
Center-cut is a leaner pork option: Center-cut pork bacon is made from the leaner middle section of the pork belly, often containing 25–30% less fat than regular bacon.
Turkey and chicken bacon are low-fat alternatives: For even lower fat content, poultry-based bacons offer a flavorful, though chewier, substitute.
Check labels carefully: Because "center-cut" is not a regulated term, examine packaging for consistently meaty slices and compare fat and sodium content between brands.
Choose the right cooking method: Baking on a wire rack or blotting cooked strips with paper towels can help reduce excess fat.

Understanding the different types of bacon

When seeking out America's leanest bacon, it's essential to understand the different cuts and sources available. While traditional streaky bacon comes from the fatty pork belly, several other varieties offer significantly lower fat content.

Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon, a popular lean option, comes from the back loin of the pig and resembles a lean, smoked ham steak rather than traditional bacon. Its origin in the loin results in much less fat compared to streaky bacon.

Back Bacon

Also from the back of the pig, back bacon differs from Canadian bacon by including more of the surrounding pork belly fat. This gives it a taste and texture intermediate between Canadian and streaky bacon. Medallions are a very lean form of back bacon.

Center-Cut Pork Bacon

For a leaner version of streaky pork bacon, center-cut bacon is an option. It's made from the middle, leaner part of the pork belly, with the fatty ends trimmed. Many brands state center-cut bacon has 25–30% less fat than standard bacon, although this can mean fewer slices per package.

Turkey Bacon and Other Alternatives

Turkey bacon, made from cured, smoked turkey, is a common choice for its low fat and calorie content, though its texture is chewier than pork. Chicken bacon is another low-fat poultry option, while soy- or tempeh-based alternatives provide zero cholesterol and a smoky, salty flavor.

Comparison of the leanest bacon types

To help you decide which is the best option for your diet, here is a comparison of common bacon types based on nutritional information per serving (approx. 2 slices cooked). Note that serving sizes and values vary by brand.


Feature	Canadian Bacon	Center-Cut Pork	Turkey Bacon	Traditional Pork Bacon
Source	Pork loin	Center of pork belly	Cured turkey	Pork belly
Calories	60–80	60–90	60–80	100–150
Total Fat	1.5–3g	4.5–5g	1.5–3g	8–14g
Protein	10–12g	5–9g	5–7g	6–9g
Saturated Fat	0.5–1g	1.5–2g	0.5–1g	3–4g+
Taste Profile	Ham-like, smoky	Classic smoky, savory	Milder, salty, smoky	Rich, fatty, smoky
Texture	Chewy, moist	Meaty, crisp	Chewier than pork	Crispy, often greasy

How to choose and prepare the leanest options

To make the healthiest choice when buying and cooking lean bacon:

Check nutrition labels: Compare fat and sodium content per serving and note serving sizes.
Examine the bacon: As 'center-cut' isn't regulated, look for packages with consistently meaty slices and less visible fat.
Cook on a rack: Baking on a wire rack lets fat drip away.
Blot grease: Use paper towels to absorb excess grease after cooking.
Cook at lower heat: This prevents leaner bacons from drying out and allows fat to render slowly.

Popular brands and types for the leanest bacon

Several brands are recognized for producing quality, leaner bacon options:

Best Pork Option: Hempler's Original Center Cut Bacon and Farmland's 30% Less Fat Center Cut Bacon are popular choices for leaner pork bacon.

Best Pork Alternative: Canadian bacon from brands like Jones Dairy Farm and Hormel offers a flavorful, very lean option.

Best Poultry Option: Applegate Naturals and Oscar Mayer are often recommended for tasty turkey bacon, with Applegate's No Sugar Bacon being an option for those watching sugar intake.

Conclusion: Finding your perfect lean bacon

Determining America's leanest bacon depends on your preferences and diet. Canadian bacon is the leanest regarding fat and calories, with turkey bacon close behind. For a taste similar to traditional pork bacon but with less fat, center-cut varieties are ideal. By understanding these options and using better cooking methods, you can enjoy bacon flavor with fewer downsides, fitting it into a balanced diet. Remember, moderation is key. Consult authoritative sources for more on processed meats and health.

For an in-depth analysis of processed meat consumption and health, consider reviewing research from the World Health Organization (WHO), available on their website at https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-the-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the cut of pork used. Regular bacon is cut from the fatty pork belly, while Canadian bacon is a much leaner cut taken from the back loin, making it more similar to a round, smoked ham.

Turkey bacon is generally lower in calories and fat than traditional pork bacon, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. However, it is still a processed meat with varying sodium levels, so moderation is key.

'Center-cut' refers to bacon sliced from the leaner middle section of the pork belly, with the fattier, irregular ends trimmed off. This results in slices with a higher meat-to-fat ratio.

Since 'center-cut' is not a standardized term, visually inspect the package for consistent slices with minimal white fat at the ends. Reading the nutritional information on the label for fat content per serving is the most reliable method.

Yes. Cooking methods like baking on a wire rack allow rendered fat to drip away, while blotting strips with paper towels after frying can also reduce the overall fat in each piece.

Some uncured bacons use natural sources like celery powder, which still forms nitrates during curing. The health benefits are debatable, and the final sodium and fat content remain the most important health considerations.

Brands like Hempler's and Farmland are known for their center-cut options, which offer a significantly leaner pork bacon. Hempler's Original Center Cut Bacon, for example, lists 5g of fat per two slices.