Consider it proof that bacon, in all its fatty, salty glory, does indeed make everything better, whether you're crisping it in a skillet, baking it in the oven or even blanching it for a Julia Child-style quiche. But what about differences among brands? With an array of nearly identical-looking shrink-wrapped options stocked in retail refrigerator cases—some marketed with confusing buzzwords and terms—it’s hard to know which bacon varieties are really worth your precious grocery dollars.
After sampling my way through dozens of sizzling slices, I ranked the contenders from worst to best, with a detailed breakdown of why each brand landed where it did. Before you make your next bacon run, give this list a look.
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What To Look for When Shopping for Bacon
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In a quick conversation with the butcher working at my local Whole Foods, I learned that a 50:50 ratio of fat to meat tends to result in the sort of crispy-chewy slices that have the broadest appeal. But both fattier and leaner options—say, 65 percent meat and 35 percent fat—are available to suit other preferences.
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Admittedly, the terminology around some ingredients can be a little confusing. For example, while some brands bill their bacon as "uncured," this just means the meat doesn't contain added nitrites and nitrates—and that the bacon is cured with regular salt instead. Before you buy, it may help to do a little research online to figure out which bacon ingredients are meaningful to you.
Not all brands of bacon are smoked, but it's fair to say most are. To fans, including myself, a smoky quality is key to that special "bacon" flavor. Many brands are smoked over wood—applewood, cherrywood and hickory being some of the most common. Applewood and cherrywood tend to produce a milder, sweeter smoky flavor, while hickory's impact is bolder. Brands that use the general term "hardwood smoked" on their packaging are usually referring to hickory.
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How I Tested These Popular Bacon Brands
In keeping with my butcher's recommendation, I awarded points for an equal meat-to-fat ratio, consistent crispiness around the edges with a slightly chewy center, and robust flavor. I should note that I'm personally inclined toward sweeter bacon with a slightly higher proportion of fat. As objective as I tried to be in the name of food journalism, my preferences do come through in these rankings.
Courtesy Olivia Bria
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10 Popular Bacon Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best
10. Oscar Mayer Original Bacon
With apologies to this major player in the baconverse, sometimes household names just don’t impress. If robust flavor is what you're seeking, you can skip Oscar Mayer's weirdly bland entry. Sure, the slices turned out crispy enough in my skillet, but they didn't deliver much taste despite being billed as naturally hardwood smoked. They were also pretty greasy, truth be told. The thickness was fine, but not noteworthy enough to overcome the other drawbacks.
9. Farmer John Premium Classic Bacon
On the flavor front, this brand lacked depth and left me hungry for a richer "bacon" taste. I could see this being an OK add-in for dishes where you want a subtle salty-savory note that won't compete with other ingredients.
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8. Great Value Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon
Flavor, as with the other brands so far, was lacking, falling short of the boldness I expected from a brand touted as hickory smoked. Overall, Great Value tasted more to me like a Good Enough Value. It would make an adequate addition to your breakfast sandwich.
7. Devanco Foods Hickory Smoked Beef Bacon
I wouldn't exactly call this a substitute for a good, classic pork bacon, but I could see myself reaching for it when I'm in the mood for something different. It's also a good option to keep in mind if you or the people you're cooking for don't eat pork.
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6. Applegate Naturals Hickory Smoked Fully Cooked Uncured Sunday Bacon
As for the taste and texture, this bacon delivered nice crunchiness and a subtle, earthy flavor I found appealing—if a little more muted than I prefer. And because the medium-thick strips are precooked and only need to be heated up a bit, grease runoff was minimal. This bacon is a solid option—tasty enough to serve on a brunch platter—and super convenient if you’re pressed for time.
5. 365 Whole Foods Market Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon
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As the slices sizzled, however, I was unpleasantly surprised by the quantity of grease they produced. The slices also shrank pretty dramatically when they hit the heat—not great for standalone presentation. This brand did OK on flavor factors, delivering more salty punch than smoky depth while still being tasty. Slices were on the thinner, crispier side; they'd be good crumbled on top of something, like a bowl of loaded potato soup.
4. Trader Joe’s Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
Courtesy Olivia Bria
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3. Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
The smoky flavor was front and center in these slices, along with a satisfyingly salty hit. While this is a thicker bacon with a higher proportion of fat, it crisped up beautifully on the edges and developed a nice chewiness in the center. Every bite was packed with savory flavor. A strong contender!
2. Appleton Farms Premium Sliced Bacon
Courtesy Olivia Bria
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1. Smithfield Premium Maple Thick Cut Bacon
What really moved Smithfield to the top of my list was the sweet–savory duality I loved, and the deliciously meaty texture thanks to the thicker cut. Every bite was somehow crunchy, chewy, sweet, smoky and salty all at once. My Sunday brunch game just got a serious upgrade.
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