Brian Nagele
If you enjoy bacon, you may have heard that Canadian bacon is a better option than conventional bacon in terms of health. But is this actually the case? We will examine the nutritional content of Canadian bacon in this post and determine whether it is a healthier alternative to ordinary bacon.
The lean meat of the swine loin is used to make Canadian bacon, commonly referred to as back bacon.
It usually tastes slightly sweet and is smoked or brined. Around 30 calories and less than 1 gram of fat are included in an ounce of Canadian bacon.
On the other hand, ordinary bacon has about 10–12 grams of fat per ounce.
It’s crucial to remember that Canadian bacon is still a processed meat, therefore it should only be eaten occasionally.
What Is Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon, commonly referred to as back bacon, is a variety of bacon made from the pig’s loin.
Compared to typical pork bacon, it is a thinner cut of flesh and is frequently regarded as a healthier option.
Salt, sugar, and spices are frequently used to cure Canadian bacon. It can either be smoked or left unsmoked, depending on the manufacturer’s taste.
Canadian bacon is a low-fat and low-calorie food because it only has 30 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per ounce.
In contrast, conventional pork bacon has about 10–12 grams of fat per ounce. Additionally, with 12 grams per serving, Canadian bacon has more protein than regular pork bacon.
Canadian bacon is a well-liked breakfast meat that is frequently added to pizza or utilized in recipes like eggs benedict. Additionally, it is a typical component in salads and sandwiches.
Despite being a healthier alternative to typical swine bacon, Canadian bacon is still rich in sodium and should only be eaten occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
It’s critical to study nutrition labels and select brands with lower salt content and no additional preservatives.
Nutritional Profile of Canadian Bacon
Knowing Canadian bacon’s nutritional profile will help you make a wise choice if you’re unsure whether it’s a healthy option for breakfast.
Back bacon is another name for Canadian bacon, which is a variety of bacon created from the lean meat of the hog loin. The nutritional profile of it is broken down below.
Calories
Compared to other forms of bacon, Canadian bacon has fewer calories. Less than half as many calories are found in one slice of cooked Canadian bacon as there are in a slice of bacon made from pork.
Protein
Protein, which is necessary for rebuilding and maintaining muscles, skin, and other tissues, is included in good amounts in Canadian bacon.
The amount of protein in one cooked slice of Canadian bacon is roughly 5.4 grams, or about the same as one small egg.
Fat
Compared to other forms of bacon, Canadian bacon has a relatively low fat content.
Around 1.9 grams of fat, or less than half as much as a slice of pork bacon, are present in one cooked slice of Canadian bacon.
Sodium
In comparison to other forms of bacon, Canadian bacon has a relatively low salt content.
Less than half as much sodium (356) as found in one slice of cooked pork bacon can be found in one slice of cooked Canadian bacon. Even so, you should still watch your intake if you follow a low-sodium diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium are just a few of the vitamins and minerals that can be found in Canadian bacon.
These nutrients are necessary for many biological processes, including the upkeep of healthy blood cells, immune system support, and promotion of healthy skin and hair.
Overall, if eaten in moderation, Canadian bacon can be a healthy option for breakfast. It is a healthier alternative because it contains fewer calories, fat, and sodium than other forms of bacon.
It should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, though, as it is still processed meat.
Health Benefits of Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon might be a terrific alternative for you if you’re seeking for a tasty and healthy breakfast food.
Some of the health advantages of Canadian bacon include:
1. High in Protein
Protein, which is necessary for your body’s tissue growth and repair, is abundant in Canadian bacon.
The approximately 12 grams of protein in a 2-ounce serving of Canadian bacon make it a fantastic option for breakfast or as a snack.
2. Low in Fat
Canadian bacon contains less fat than other varieties of bacon. The amount of fat in a 2-ounce serving of Canadian bacon is only about 2 grams, compared to the 10 grams in a comparable dish of pork bacon.
Because of this, Canadian bacon is a better choice if you’re trying to reduce your intake of fat.
3. Low in Sodium
Additionally, Canadian bacon has less salt than other varieties of bacon. There are around 400 milligrams of sodium in a 2-ounce portion of Canadian bacon as opposed to 700 milligrams in a comparable dish of swine bacon.
As a result, Canadian bacon is a better option if you’re attempting to cut back on sodium.
4. Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
The synthesis of red blood cells and healthy neurological function both depend on vitamin B12, which can be found in significant amounts in Canadian bacon.
Selenium, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, is also present.
5. Versatile and Delicious
In addition to its nutritional advantages, Canadian bacon is a tasty ingredient that works well in a wide range of recipes.
It is a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys cooking and experimenting in the kitchen because it can be added to omelets, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Overall, adding Canadian bacon to your diet can be a delicious and nutritious choice.
As long as it’s consumed in moderation and is a part of a healthy diet that also includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, it should be fine.
Comparing Canadian Bacon to Other Meats
Canadian bacon is frequently seen as a superior option than standard pork bacon when it comes to selecting a healthier meat option for breakfast.
Here are some comparisons between Canadian bacon and other common breakfast meats:
Canadian Bacon vs. Pork Bacon
A common breakfast meat that is high in fat and calories is pork bacon.
Pork bacon has about 138 calories and 12 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving. In contrast, Canadian bacon is leaner and has lower fat and calorie content. Canadian bacon has 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving.
Canadian Bacon vs. Sausage
Another common breakfast meat that is heavy in calories and fat is sausage. Pork sausage has about 92 calories and 8 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving.
Canadian bacon is a significantly slimmer alternative in comparison. Canadian bacon has 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving.
Canadian Bacon vs. Turkey Bacon
Popular substitutes for regular pork bacon include turkey bacon. Because it contains less fat and calories, it is frequently promoted as a healthy choice.
However, turkey bacon still has more calories and fat than Canadian bacon. In comparison to Canadian bacon, which has 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per ounce, turkey bacon has about 60 calories and 4 grams of fat per ounce.
Canadian Bacon vs. Ham
Another breakfast meat frequently compared to Canadian bacon is ham. Canadian bacon is still the healthier option even though both meats are thinner than swine bacon and sausage.
In comparison to Canadian bacon, which has 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving, ham has about 46 calories and 2 grams of fat.
Overall, Canadian bacon is a leaner and healthier alternative to other well-liked breakfast meats.
Compared to typical pork bacon, sausage, turkey bacon, and ham, it has fewer calories and less fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canadian bacon healthier than regular bacon?
Canadian bacon is often considered a healthier alternative to regular bacon because it has less fat and calories. It is made from lean pork loin meat, while traditional bacon is made from pork belly. However, it is still a processed meat and should be consumed in moderation.
How many calories are in Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon is a low-fat meat option that is relatively low in calories. A 2-ounce serving of Canadian bacon contains around 60-70 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the brand and cooking method.
Is Canadian bacon a good source of protein?
Yes, Canadian bacon is a good source of protein. A 2-ounce serving of Canadian bacon contains around 12 grams of protein. However, it is important to note that it is a processed meat and should not be relied on as the sole source of protein in your diet.
Can Canadian bacon be part of a healthy diet?
Yes, Canadian bacon can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. It is a low-fat meat option that is relatively low in calories and high in protein. However, it is important to balance your diet with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Are there any health concerns associated with consuming Canadian bacon?
Like all processed meats, Canadian bacon should be consumed in moderation. Frequent consumption of processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. It is important to balance your diet with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods and limit your intake of processed meats.
Conclusion
As long as it is eaten in moderation, Canadian bacon can be a healthy meat option.
It is a fantastic alternative for anyone trying to maintain a balanced diet because it has less fat and more protein than regular bacon.
It’s crucial to remember that Canadian bacon is still a processed meat and shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities.
Overeating processed meat has been associated with an increased risk of developing various diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
It’s crucial to consider the serving amount and pick a high-quality, low-sodium kind when ingesting Canadian bacon.
Furthermore, serving Canadian bacon alongside other healthful dishes like fruits and vegetables can assist to balance the meal and offer a balanced diet.
