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Good News for Bacon Lovers!
Good News for Bacon Lovers!
Although bacon's nearly carb-free status gained it 15 minutes of fame back when the Atkins diet was hot, no one with a health conscience can look at it today and see anything more than strips of saturated fat and salt. But that doesn't mean we don't crave it! To assuage our longing for crispy, smoky bacon, we gave a lot of alternatives a taste test. Five made the cut with our die-hard bacon lovers. BLTs, anyone?!
THE REAL THING 2 strips = 80 calories, 8 g fat (3.5 g sat. fat), 300 mg sodium, 4 g protein If you're going to indulge in gen-u-ine bacon, it's not so much the calories you'll regret. It's the hit of skin-aging, heart-threatening, well-salted, grease-dripping saturated fat.
THE WINNERS! Morning Star Bacon Strips 2 strips = 60 calories, 4.5 g fat (.5 g sat. fat), 220 mg sodium, 2 g protein Of all the veggie bacons we tried, this was the only one that made the grade with our testers. Not only do these soy-based strips smell like bacon as you fry them up, they taste surprisingly close to the real thing. And they cook up much crispier than you would expect, despite having almost no bad fat. Find them in your freezer section.
Trader Joe's Applewood-Smoked Turkey Bacon 2 strips = 60 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g sat. fat), 250 mg sodium, 7 g protein Surprisingly, turkey bacons don't fry up to nearly the same crispiness as the Morning Star strips. The texture is softer and chewier -- more like Canadian bacon -- but the taste is rich and smoky, and it nicely flavors an egg sandwich.
Wellshire Farms Uncured All Natural Turkey Bacon 2 strips = 40 calories, 1 g fat (0 g sat. fat), 360 mg sodium, 6 g protein This all-natural brand tastes so hearty, it's hard to believe each strip -- and they're big -- contains only 20 calories and just a trace of fat. If you can live without the crunch of pork bacon, this one tastes the most indulgent while doing the least diet damage. Plus, there are no preservatives, antibiotics, or nitrates, though it's high on the sodium side.
THE RUNNERS-UP Jennie-O Extra Lean Turkey Bacon 2 strips = 40 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat. fat), 280 mg sodium, 6 g protein Like the other turkey bacons, this extra-lean variety isn't a clone of the real thing, but if you think "chewy" rather than "crispy," the rich, smoked flavor will liven up a sandwich or spinach salad. And it's hard to knock 0 fat grams.
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon 2 strips = 70 calories, 6 g fat (1 g sat. fat), 380 mg sodium, 4 g protein This one comes closest to matching the true aroma and flavor of pork bacon (maybe it's all that salt). Tip: It cooks up super fast in the microwave, so if you're not careful, you’ll have bacon chips instead of strips. But don't toss them if that happens -- crumbled up, the bacon bits make a tasty topping for a salad or baked potato.
At RealAge, there's a reason we call saturated fat -- the artery-clogging kind that, appropriately, saturates meat and whole-milk dairy foods -- an aging fat: Avoiding it can make your RealAge more than 4 years younger!
Go here for more good-for-you food brands.
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: Comments (85)
Comments
mmm - bacon ... what's not to love ?
well - apparently there's plenty of room for argument - see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/376177
my theory is that eating traditional low additive food you genuinely enjoy (in moderation) releases more health-inducing hormones than stressing out over which low-fat low-nitrate food-like tasting substance you should stuff in your face.
don't eat anything that lists more than six ingredients on the pack. If you don't know what the ingredient is - don't eat it ... ! Posted by: David | September 05, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I have high BP and have no problem eating turkey bacon. We have for years and enjoy it.
However, my great grandma ate 2 eggs, 3 bacon slices, hashbrowns, 2 pieces of toast, and 2 cups of coffee every day of her life since childhood. She lived to be 99.
She attributed it to clean living, working her farm (her garden later in life when she sold off her land), eating good homemade southern food, and going to church every week.
She never owned anything technological accept a phone and a radio. Always had somebody drive her. No road rage.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all live like that. Posted by: Shannon Bissett | May 17, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Hey. Anyone know where I can get Jeff Gordon 24 Energy Drinks? They used to carry them at the Stater Bros. but don't have them anymore since the Stater Bros 300 Nascar race ended. I'm a huge fan of nascar, and the energy drink. Hey Pepsi!!! No fair!! Put it back in the stores!!! :(:(:(
Ant comments, just e-mail me at izzattar2@gmail.com Posted by: Adrienne | March 18, 2008 at 09:02 PM
I 've noted all the pro & cons and sympathize with those addicted to the taste; however, as a metaphysician there is one scientific fact unknown to the populace. PORK is left-spin, HU-MANS are right-spin ELECTROLYTES. THIS MEANS... ANTI-ENLIGHTMENT -against higher consciousness.
We are spirtual beings and need to live as such--- respect ALL life.
Posted by: ANA | March 17, 2008 at 04:53 PM
butterball turkey bacon is the
best. I bake it on a cookie
sheet in the oven, the whole
pkg. then freeze and take out what I need. It makes a great
BLT sandwich. Jeno bacon smells really bad when you cook it. Posted by: gail alexander | March 11, 2008 at 04:27 AM
why all the cynicism about the food thing?Commoon sense tells us live food is good. Processed??????But some of the comments about religion?
God created and knows what's good for us.He also sent His Son to die so that we could live eternally if we repent and accept Him. This is not radicalism. Be assured God's word will be the Final Word.Love is the key---His Love!!!!!!! Posted by: Helen | March 09, 2008 at 06:39 PM
recently bought some turkey bacon and some, well! I actually had to cancel my planned day. The dizziness and the ill feeling was too much to handle. Guess even turkey bacon isnt for all. I take medication for blood pressure, perhaps that was the problem. Posted by: Nydia James | March 06, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Hey! The best one out there is BUTERBALL brand Turkey Bacon! It's crispy and it smells like real bacon. Stores in Southern California don't seem to stock it regularly. It was easy to find when I lived on the East Coast. Posted by: TheresaMD | March 06, 2008 at 04:43 AM
At a young eighty, I've eaten the ready cooked bacon since it first came out. It's delicious and so easy. Just microwave ten seconds or so to crisp it up.I can have a BLT anytime in seconds and no MESSY cleanup !
Posted by: caroline watts | March 05, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Hmm. Sesame seeds are great, but they don't taste like bacon to me! I eat both turkey bacon and soy bacon (occasionally) and they're a good substitute, but they aren't like the real thing. Which I also indulge in (VERY occasionally!) Posted by: Kara Lennox | March 04, 2008 at 08:18 PM
It isn't only the nitrites that are bad for you. Did you ever think of what the pig eats? Yuck! I eat Neiman Ranch All Vegetarian Feed No Nitrites Bacon. They sell it at Trader Joe's. It is the real thing and it's great. Posted by: Kristi | March 04, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Just what are the drawbacks to soy products, especially milk? Posted by: Iris | March 04, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Why wasn't beef bacon tested? I used to eat it all the time in South Carolina - great stuff! Tasted like the real thing, fried up like the real thing, and considerably less fat. Posted by: Zipora | March 04, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Those of you worried about your health and the effects of saturated fat should read the following website:
http://www.mercola.com/2002/aug/17/saturated_fat1.htm
Then look into the TNT diet from Men's Health.
It's not the fat, it's the processed carbs that are going to kill you. Posted by: AJ | March 04, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Morningstar??!?!? U gotta be kidding! Wife & I tried it, it is BARELY edible. Tastes like bacon flavored cardboard. I watch what I eat, but if I want bacon, I'll eat bacon, 2 or 3 strips once or twice a month won't take even a few minutes off my life, thanks. Posted by: J. Anderson | March 04, 2008 at 12:54 PM
dudes and dudettes
I live in the woods and stick or shoot everything I eat, If i see a wild pig come runnin under my tree, that bitch is breakfast:) Posted by: Larry | March 04, 2008 at 11:21 AM
OMG-some of you people are absurd, I think you can have regular bacon as long as you eat it in moderation, i mean you shouldn't be eating it everyday anyway... Sure good though. Posted by: Tammie | March 04, 2008 at 10:33 AM
For those of you who are watching fat, sodium and cholesterol and just want to add the flavor of bacon. Try the Hormel Real Crumbled Bacon bits. You find it in the salad dressing section of the store, thats right on the shelf not in the refrigerated section. Real bacon, only 1.5 grams of fat, per tablespoon serving, it is more than you think if you are making an eggbeaters sandwich. Makes it taste a whole lot better. It has only 0.5 grams saturated fat 10mg cholesterol and 190mg sodium. I only use not even a teaspoon with the egg product for a sandwich and it gives plenty of flavor. On the whole you cant beat it. I also add it to green beans, fresh of course or frozen. A little goes a long way. Enjoy! Posted by: Kathy | March 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Good morning !
I recently found RealAge -- absolutely love the information on the site and have been reading the comments about turkey bacon. I haven't eaten pork for some years now and can tell when I do (I feel "yucky"). I discovered that if you pan fry the turkey bacon in a little butter it does crisp nicely. So enjoy people !! Posted by: Paddy | March 04, 2008 at 05:37 AM
How can you even begin to suggest that veggie bacon is even remotely healthy. Textured vegetable or soy protein!!! Come on people, that stuff is seriously bad for you - it's a great source of free glutamic acid, the bad stuff in MSG. SOY BACON IS NOT A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE. I'll take my chances with the saturated fat and sodium thanks. Posted by: Sarah Luck | March 03, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I am a member of realage.com and really enjoy the site, some great info. How can I read The China Study, from Joe Howard on 3/2/08, I hope it's readable on the computer.
Thanks Char Posted by: Charlotte | March 03, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I haven't eaten bacon since I read Stephen King's "Dreamcatcher". There's just something about someone eating it raw and then puking that is very off-putting. But it still smells good when it is cooking. Posted by: Linda Fredrickson | March 03, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I buy whatever turkey bacon is the cheapest, usually Kroger store brand. I cook it on paper towels in the microwave, 1 minute for each slice plus 15 seconds. We haven't had any else for years. It is usually very crisp. It will stick to the paper towels if you don't remove it right away. Posted by: Marcia S. | March 03, 2008 at 05:40 PM
What about Bob Evans Bacon and/or sausage? I usually go out on weekends and have either the sausage or bacon with eggs and potatoes. Damn that sounds good. Dr. OZ may snatch the fork from my mouth but damn that is good with a little hot sauce on it! Posted by: Bill | March 03, 2008 at 03:33 PM
After surgery from being shot down in Viet Nam, my surgeon told me that the difference between a healthy diet and bad diet may be about six months of life. So eat what you like and enjoy life, within reason. Posted by: RICK | March 03, 2008 at 03:26 PM
At 71, I had a medium stroke. After smoking since I was 13, I quit 10 years ago. Cold Turkey.
My favorite sandwich was a bacon and mayonnaise sandwich. Now I can't wait to try Morning Star bacon, or something without fat or sodium, once a year of course. I've been using Olivio trans fat and cholesterol free butter.
It's quite good.
Lynn Posted by: Lynn Hooper | March 03, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Yeah Erica chill, the guy is right know what you are saying before you say it. Radicalism is not cool. What bout all the aboriginal and indigenious peoples of Africa, South America and Austrailia that have no choice? I mean, in Europe all over Europe pork is VERY popular... often with Muslims and Jews it is not. I love religion, but not fanatiscism, I was vegan for 5 years so I can say that you need to realize that closing yourself off and judging everyone and everything will get you a place you will regret. Posted by: April | March 03, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Bacon...4 years.
hmmm....I'll take the bacon and you can have the 4 years. It's just not that important to me!!
As for pigs not sweating??? WHO REALLY CARES!!! Posted by: Mad Max | March 03, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Erica is just a misguided old testament christian that takes the bible EXTREMELY literal. It's a Cole's Notes for life people, grow up. Posted by: Liz | March 03, 2008 at 02:05 PM
WoW!!! Erika, Are you vegan?. Maybe you should be. Chickens and fish do not have sweat glands either :-) BTW Chickens dont even urinate.
Please know what you are saying before you say it :-)
Posted by: Scott Whiting | March 03, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Just don't eat pork!!! UGH-these animals were "not created to be consumed" by humans.They are "scavengers" to clean the Earth. Pigs have no sweat glands-thus all the s___t they eat.... you eat! Posted by: Erika | March 03, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I eat bacon once a week (Saturday mornings when I have time to cook breakfast). My bacon of choice is Oscar Meyer Low Sodium, and I cook it in the microwave in a special microwave safe bacon 'holder' until it is so crispy, it snaps apart when you bend it (I would guess 95% of the fat drips down and away from the bacon). Combined with egg beaters, skim milk, 1/2 a grapefruit, and whole wheat toast, this makes for a very healthful, low calorie breakfast. Everything in moderation! Posted by: Linda | March 03, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Interesting and worth the reading.
Mom Posted by: jeanelle | March 03, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Processed meats like bacon should still be limited because the increased risk for cancer because of the preservatives. Even with reduced fat it is not a healthy food.
The American Institute for Cancer Research website has more information. Posted by: Deon Corkins | March 03, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Processed meats like bacon should still be limited because the increased risk for cancer because of the preservatives. Even with reduced fat it is not a healthy food.
The American Institute for Cancer Research website has more information. Posted by: Deon Corkins | March 03, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I can not believe anyone that was hungry for bacon would eat something made from turkey. That is not bacon! I like mine very crispy. I cook mine under the broiler so all the fat drips away. It is great. Posted by: Cindy | March 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
This discussion is already 5 mos long and a real hodgepodge of beliefs and health needs. Some are very good like the 1:8 ratio of feed to animal product and "eat in moderation".
As a public health nutritionist, I never understood the "need" for bacon in the first place: it is just fat and salt with flavor. Our ancestors probably needed the fat and didn't waste any part of the animal. Look at the protein content. Yet some mothers feed it to their toddlers as a MEAT. If you want a high salt, high fat breakfast meat, eat sausage instead. If you want the bacon flavor in a recipe, buy bacon bits. Bacon is "much todo about nothing" when it comes to nutrition. I know the pig had a better diet. Posted by: Mary Ellen | March 03, 2008 at 09:24 AM
WellshireThick Sliced Dry Rubbed
Pork Bacon Beats all of the on the
List . 2 Slices 60 calories, Fat 3g
Sat.Fat 1.5g, Sodium 220mg,
Protein 4g.
Ingredients. Pork, Sea Salt,
Raw Sugar and Spices.
Simply the Best! Posted by: Georganne Green | March 03, 2008 at 09:08 AM
How can it be called bacon if it's made from turkey?!
Only bacon from a pig can be called bacon.
Call that turkey bacon stuff more like turkey strips NOT bacon! Posted by: Laura | March 03, 2008 at 09:03 AM
For those concerned about soy, the concern is real - very real. Soy can have a devastating effect on your thyroid gland (and, hence, your metabolism)
so I would say if you MUST have bacon, go with the real deal but try to make it low sodium.
Posted by: Linda | March 03, 2008 at 09:00 AM
To get crispy turkey bacon, cook it in a counter top gril. It is delicious. Posted by: Mai | March 03, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Hmm, I have never figured out why my parents and my in-law parents all lived to be OVER!!! 90 years of age and never worried about that bacon they ate that was actually stored in fat and never refrigerated....
Oh yeah now I remember why, they didn't eat all that processed crap you buy in the store and they weren’t fat lazy Americans.
Oh yeah the rub of the story. We like our conveniences and the ability to be lazy rather than toil for our food and comforts. So we get to pay for it by polluting our genetic pool with WEAKNESS and each generation suffers more and more...
I will eat what my body asks for and I will work it off the proper way with good honest labor and sweat...
Eat Natural, work hard , be honest and stay healthy.
From a midwesterner
Posted by: Scott Whiting | March 03, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Is anyone concerned about sodium content? Posted by: terry | March 03, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Is anyone concerned abuot sodium content? Posted by: terry | March 03, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I didn't see any mention of beef bacon. That's what we eat and it's very tasty. It fries up crispy like pork bacon, but is a little bit chewier. The brand available here is Gwalatney. Posted by: Pam Robinson | March 03, 2008 at 07:42 AM
if you take kelation herbs and hydrate it will all flush out anyways Posted by: agry dulock | March 03, 2008 at 07:08 AM
The Butterball turkey bacon is pretty good, but the Butterball turkey sausages are great!! Posted by: Bernadette | March 03, 2008 at 07:04 AM
The Butterball turkey bacon is pretty good, but the Butterball turkey sausages are great!! Posted by: Bernadette | March 03, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Jane Garwood,March 03.03.08
You are so right. I did reply but I think in the wrong place.
Nothing will replace the real "Mc Coy so out with the Soy" A car will probably do it in far less time, so we gamble a year and enjoy. My Father and Mother both hit the 90's.
Brian Hewson. South Africa. Posted by: Brian Hewson | March 03, 2008 at 07:01 AM
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