Which Bacon is the Least Salty? A Guide to Lower-Sodium Options

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from Action on Salt, the sodium content in bacon products can vary by as much as four times between the saltiest and least salty options. For those watching their salt intake, navigating the bacon aisle can be tricky, but knowing which bacon is the least salty and how to identify it is key to making a healthier choice. This guide will explore the factors influencing saltiness and highlight the best lower-sodium alternatives available today.

Quick Summary

This article explores the different types of bacon, curing methods, and brands to help identify the least salty options. It offers a comparison of sodium levels in various bacons and provides cooking tips to further reduce saltiness while enjoying great flavor.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always look for 'Lower Sodium' or 'Reduced Salt' labels.
Dry-Cured Tends to be Less Salty: Dry-cured bacon often has a less briny flavor than typical wet-cured commercial bacon.
Choose Leaner Cuts: Back bacon and medallions are leaner and can also have lower sodium levels.
Consider Turkey Bacon: Brands like Butterball offer low-sodium turkey bacon as a less salty alternative.
Soaking Helps: Rinsing or briefly soaking bacon in water before cooking can remove some surface salt.
Concentration Increases with Cooking: As bacon cooks and crisps, salt becomes more concentrated.
'Uncured' is Not Low-Salt: Uncured bacon uses natural nitrates but doesn't guarantee low sodium; always check the label.

Understanding the Factors That Influence Bacon's Saltiness

Bacon's characteristic salty taste comes from the curing process. However, the final sodium level is influenced by several factors, including the curing method and the cut of meat.

Curing Methods: Wet-Cured vs. Dry-Cured

Wet-Cured: This common method involves injecting or soaking pork belly in a brine. While faster, it can result in a higher water content that concentrates salt as the bacon cooks, making it taste saltier.
Dry-Cured: A more traditional method where a salt mixture is rubbed onto the pork belly. This process draws out moisture over time, yielding a less salty and more intensely flavored bacon.

The Cut of Meat

Back Bacon and Medallions: These leaner cuts from the loin (like Canadian bacon) contain very little fat. Some brands offer lower-salt versions of these cuts, making them potentially less salty.
Center-Cut Bacon: Taken from the leaner middle section of the pork belly, center-cut bacon has less fat. Look for specific low-sodium versions of this cut.

'Uncured' vs. Cured

The term 'uncured' indicates the use of natural nitrates (like from celery powder) rather than synthetic ones. It does not mean the bacon is low in sodium, and uncured bacon can be just as salty as cured varieties. Always check the nutrition label.

The Best Low-Sodium Bacon Brands and Types

To find a less salty bacon, consider these types and brand examples.

Low-Sodium Pork Bacon

Aldi Never Any! Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon: This option is seasoned with spices, not just salt, and contains no added sugar, making it suitable for those watching sodium and sugar.
Hormel Black Label Lower Sodium Bacon: Known for maintaining a classic smoky flavor while reducing sodium.
Smithfield Lower Sodium Bacon: Offers a well-regarded hickory-smoked flavor with reduced sodium.

Low-Sodium Alternatives: Turkey Bacon

Butterball Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon: Often chosen as a lower-fat option, this version is also among the least salty, with significantly less sodium than many pork bacons.
Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon: Provides a natural option with lower sodium compared to many other brands.

Comparison Table: How Bacon Types Stack Up


Feature	Standard Pork Bacon	Low-Sodium Pork Bacon	Dry-Cured Back Bacon	Turkey Bacon (Low Sodium)
Sodium per Serving (approx.)	300-470mg	70-160mg	Varies, but often lower	~80-150mg
Curing Method	Wet-cured	Wet-cured	Dry-cured	Processed
Fat Content	High	Medium-High	Low	Low
Flavor Profile	Intense, salty, smoky	Smoky, less salty	Meaty, less briny	Lighter, less rich
Best For	Traditional breakfast	Balanced flavor, low-salt diets	Rich, meaty sandwiches	Low-fat, low-sodium diets

How to Reduce the Saltiness of Any Bacon at Home

Even with regular bacon, you can reduce its saltiness.

Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinsing under cold water can remove surface salt. Pat dry before cooking.
Soak Briefly: Soaking in cold water for about 30 minutes can significantly reduce saltiness, but avoid soaking too long.
Baking Over Frying: Baking on a wire rack allows fat (and some salt) to drip away.
Pair with Unsalted Foods: Combine bacon with low-sodium sides like eggs or vegetables.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice for Less Salty Bacon

Identifying which bacon is the least salty involves considering curing methods, cuts, and specific brands. Opting for 'Lower Sodium' labeled products from brands like Smithfield or Hormel is a straightforward approach. Leaner cuts like back bacon and medallions are also good options, provided you check their sodium levels. Low-sodium turkey bacon offers a less salty alternative. Dry-cured bacon naturally provides a less briny flavor. By understanding these choices and using simple cooking techniques, you can enjoy bacon while managing your sodium intake.

For more in-depth information on sodium content in various foods, including bacon, consider consulting a reliable source like Action on Salt: https://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/

How to Pick Your Least Salty Bacon

Consider Dry Cured: This traditional method often results in a less salty product. Look for 'Lower Sodium' Labels: Brands like Smithfield, Hormel, and Aldi offer specific reduced-salt options. Explore Turkey Bacon: Low-sodium turkey bacon, such as Butterball's, is a less salty alternative. Choose Leaner Cuts: Back bacon and medallions are leaner and can have lower sodium. Rinse Before Cooking: Rinsing under cold water removes some surface salt. Bake, Don't Fry: Baking on a wire rack can reduce fat and potentially salt. Read the Label Closely: Compare sodium content per serving or ounce across different products.

FAQs

question: What is the least salty type of pork bacon? answer: Look for low-sodium versions from brands like Smithfield or Hormel. Dry-cured back bacon also tends to be less salty than standard wet-cured commercial bacon.

question: Does uncured bacon mean it has less salt? answer: No, 'uncured' indicates the use of natural nitrates but doesn't guarantee low sodium. Always check the nutrition facts label.

question: Can you reduce the saltiness of bacon at home? answer: Yes, rinse or soak bacon in cold water before cooking for about 30 minutes, then pat dry.

question: Is turkey bacon always less salty than pork bacon? answer: Not always; it depends on the brand. Compare nutrition labels, as some turkey bacon can have similar sodium levels to regular pork bacon.

question: Why does bacon taste saltier as it cooks? answer: As water evaporates during cooking, the salt becomes more concentrated in the remaining meat and fat.

question: Are all low-sodium bacons flavorless? answer: No, many brands formulate lower-sodium options to retain good smoky flavor, with some taste-testers noting little difference from regular versions.

question: What brands should I look for when seeking less salty bacon? answer: Brands with dedicated low-sodium products like Smithfield, Hormel Black Label, and Aldi Never Any! are good choices.

question: How can I best read a nutrition label for low-salt bacon? answer: Find the sodium content in milligrams (mg) per serving. For accurate comparison, compare the mg of sodium per slice or per ounce.

Frequently Asked Questions

The least salty type of pork bacon is typically a low-sodium version from a reputable brand like Smithfield or Hormel. Additionally, dry-cured back bacon often has a less intense saltiness compared to standard wet-cured bacon.

No, the term 'uncured' means the bacon is cured with natural nitrates (like celery powder) rather than synthetic ones. The sodium level can still be very high, so it's vital to check the nutrition facts label, as it doesn't guarantee a low-salt product.

Yes, a simple method is to rinse the bacon strips under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. For more significant salt reduction, you can soak the bacon in a bowl of fresh, cold water for about 30 minutes before patting it dry.

It depends on the specific brand. While some turkey bacon options, particularly low-sodium versions, are less salty, others can have a similar sodium content to regular pork bacon. Always check the nutrition label for an accurate comparison.

Look for the sodium content, which is listed in milligrams (mg) per serving. Compare this value across different brands and types. Be mindful of serving sizes, as they can vary, and use the mg of sodium per ounce for the most accurate comparison.

As bacon cooks, the water inside evaporates. The salt does not, causing it to become more concentrated in the remaining meat and fat. This concentration of salt makes the finished, crispy product taste saltier.

For low-sodium pork bacon, brands like Aldi Never Any!, Smithfield Lower Sodium, and Hormel Black Label Lower Sodium are good options. For turkey bacon, Butterball's low-sodium variety is a reliable choice.

Yes. Baking bacon on a wire rack allows the rendered fat to drip away, which can carry some of the salt with it. This can result in a less greasy and potentially less salty final product compared to pan-frying.