Who Makes the Healthiest Turkey Bacon? A Nutritional Comparison

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

While often viewed as a healthier alternative, turkey bacon is a processed meat, and the nutritional values vary significantly between brands, especially regarding sodium and curing methods. Determining who makes the healthiest turkey bacon requires a closer look beyond just the 'turkey' label to find the best option for your health needs.

Quick Summary

This guide ranks and compares leading turkey bacon brands, analyzing nutrition metrics like sodium, fat, and curing ingredients to reveal the healthiest options.

Key Points

Never Any! (Aldi): Stands out as a top-ranked option for its lack of nitrates, nitrites, antibiotics, and hormones.
Low Sodium is Essential: Despite being leaner, turkey bacon's sodium content can be high; check the nutrition label and opt for low-sodium varieties.
Uncured Still Has Nitrates: 'Uncured' bacon uses natural sources like celery powder, which still contain nitrites, so it is not truly 'nitrate-free'.
Read the Ingredients: The healthiest options have simple, transparent ingredient lists and are minimally processed.
Applegate Naturals: A great choice for its low sodium and use of humanely raised, uncured turkey leg meat.
Wellshire Organic: An organic, uncured option that is also free of gluten, soy, and casein.

Decoding the 'Healthy' Label: What to Look For

Before diving into specific brands, it's essential to understand what makes one turkey bacon healthier than another. The primary factors to consider are processing methods, sodium content, and the use of nitrates or nitrites.

Processed vs. Minimally Processed

Turkey bacon is made by chopping and forming seasoned turkey meat into strips. This processing is inherent to the product. However, some brands use more fillers and additives than others. The healthiest versions are often described as 'minimally processed' or 'all-natural,' with shorter, more transparent ingredient lists.

The Sodium Factor

Even though turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than pork bacon, it can still contain a surprisingly high amount of sodium. A high-sodium diet is linked to health concerns like high blood pressure, so it's critical to check the nutrition facts. Opting for a low-sodium variety is a key step toward a healthier choice.

Uncured and Nitrate-Free

'Cured' bacon uses synthetic sodium nitrite to preserve the meat and enhance flavor. 'Uncured' or 'no nitrates or nitrites added' products, however, use natural sources like celery powder or sea salt, which still generate nitrites. The healthiest choice is to limit processed meats entirely, but if you're consuming them, 'uncured' can be a better option for those avoiding synthetic additives, but it's important to recognize that natural nitrates are still present.

Comparison Table: Healthiest Turkey Bacon Brands


Brand	Notable Features	Calories (per slice)	Fat (per slice)	Sodium (per slice)	Curing Method
Never Any! (Aldi)	No nitrates/nitrites, antibiotics, or hormones; rich flavor.	~30	Varies	Varies	Uncured/Natural
Applegate Naturals	No nitrates/nitrites; humanely raised turkey leg meat; gluten-free.	30	1.5g	150mg	Uncured/Natural
Wellshire Organic	USDA organic; no nitrates/nitrites; humanely raised; gluten/soy/casein-free.	~45	Varies	Varies	Organic/Natural
Trader Joe's Uncured	94% fat-free; no artificial ingredients; uses turkey thighs for flavor.	30	Varies	Varies	Uncured/Natural
Butterball Lower Sodium	Lower sodium content; American Heart Association approved.	~25	Varies	Varies	Cured (check label)

Note: Nutritional information can vary, always check the product packaging for the most accurate details.

Brand Spotlight: The Top Healthiest Contenders

Never Any! (Aldi)

Aldi's 'Never Any!' uncured turkey bacon is a standout for those prioritizing minimal processing and few additives. It's praised for being free from nitrates, nitrites, antibiotics, and added hormones. This commitment to cleaner ingredients, coupled with a well-balanced flavor, makes it a top-tier choice for the health-conscious consumer.

Applegate Naturals Turkey Bacon

Another widely-recommended brand is Applegate Naturals. Their turkey bacon is made from humanely raised turkey leg meat without added nitrates or nitrites. It is also gluten- and casein-free, appealing to those with specific dietary sensitivities. At just 150mg of sodium per slice, it's a solid low-sodium option.

Wellshire Organic Classic Turkey Bacon

For those seeking an organic option, Wellshire Organic Classic Turkey Bacon is an excellent pick. It uses turkey thighs, is USDA certified organic, and avoids added nitrates or nitrites. The turkeys are vegetarian-fed and humanely raised. While the flavor is excellent, some reviewers have found it slightly drier than other brands.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

Selecting the healthiest turkey bacon depends on your individual priorities. Consider the following steps during your next grocery trip:

Prioritize Low Sodium: Always check the nutrition label for the lowest sodium content, especially if you're managing blood pressure.
Consider Curing: If you prefer to avoid synthetic preservatives, look for uncured options, but remember that natural nitrates are still present.
Read the Ingredient List: A shorter, simpler list is usually a sign of less processing. Choose brands that use recognizable ingredients and avoid unnecessary fillers.
Check for Certifications: Labels like 'organic,' 'humanely raised,' and 'no antibiotics ever' can signal higher animal welfare standards and cleaner products.

Conclusion: Making the Healthiest Choice

While turkey bacon is generally a leaner alternative to pork, its overall health profile is dependent on how it's processed. For those asking who makes the healthiest turkey bacon, brands like Never Any!, Applegate Naturals, and Wellshire Organic consistently rank high due to their lower fat content, lack of synthetic nitrates, and minimal additives. Your best approach is to compare the nutrition facts of brands available at your local store, focusing on low sodium and minimal processing to make the best decision for your diet.

For more information on the processing of cured and uncured meats, see this article on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. 'Uncured' means synthetic nitrates were not used. However, natural nitrates from sources like celery powder are still present. The overall healthiness depends on sodium and processing, not just the 'uncured' label.

Brands like Applegate Naturals and Butterball Lower Sodium offer explicitly reduced-sodium options. Always check the nutrition label, as sodium content can vary significantly even within the same brand's product lines.

Yes, unless specifically labeled 'no nitrates or nitrites added,' which then means it uses natural sources like celery powder to generate nitrites during curing. True nitrate-free options are rare in processed meats.

Yes, turkey bacon is a processed meat. It is made by chopping and forming turkey meat, adding seasonings, and curing it. Like all processed meats, it should be consumed in moderation.

Choose a minimally processed, low-sodium brand. Cook it healthily, like in an air fryer or baked in the oven to avoid excess oil, and enjoy it in moderation.

Sam's Choice Uncured Turkey Bacon from Walmart is recommended for its affordability and taste that resembles pork bacon, making it a great entry-level option.

Organic turkey bacon, like Wellshire's, ensures the turkey was fed organic feed and raised humanely. For those prioritizing ethical animal treatment and avoiding potential pesticide residues in the animal's diet, the cost may be justified.