The best bacon for most people is Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, which delivers the classic smoky, salty flavor and consistent slices that most shoppers expect at a mainstream price. If you want a step up in quality, Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon offers noticeably better pork flavor and cleaner ingredients, while Tender Belly Thick Cut Signature Dry Rub Bacon is the indulgent pick for anyone who craves steakhouse-style, thick-cut strips. The main tradeoffs in this category come down to slice thickness versus convenience, uncured versus traditional curing, and whether you are willing to pay specialty prices for heritage pork or dietary-specific options like beef bacon and fully cooked strips. Budget options like Amazon Grocery and Smithfield keep weeknight breakfasts affordable, while premium cuts like Broadbent’s country bacon demand more cooking skill but reward you with deeper smoke flavor. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 15 options.
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Key Takeaways
- Thick-cut options from amazon.com/dp/B09ZNH4DPM?tag=madtasting-20&ascsubtag=dc-1086200″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Tender Belly and North Country Smokehouse held their texture far better in the pan than standard supermarket slices, which curled and crisped unevenly.
- Uncured bacon (Niman Ranch, Applegate, Tender Belly) consistently delivered cleaner ingredient lists but required slightly lower heat to avoid over-browning since it lacks nitrite preservatives.
- Center cut options (Oscar Mayer Center Cut, both 365 by Whole Foods picks) traded some richness for leaner strips — better for sandwiches and diets, worse for drippings you’d want for cooking.
- Specialty options filled real niches: Godshall’s beef bacon for beef-fat flavor and no-pork diets, Applegate Fully Cooked for zero-effort meals, and Broadbent’s peppered country bacon for Southern-style seasoning.
- The budget tier (Amazon Grocery, Smithfield, Oscar Mayer 16 oz) was thinner-sliced and more watery out of the package, meaning more shrinkage in the pan despite the lower cost per ounce.
| bacon | Brand |
|---|---|
| Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood | Oscar Mayer |
| Oscar Mayer Original Center Cu | Oscar Mayer |
| Niman Ranch Pork Bacon | Niman Ranch |
| Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Pep | Broadbent’s |
| Godshall’s Beef Bacon | Godshall’s |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Redu | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| North Country Smokehouse Organ | North Country Smokehouse |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon | — |
| Amazon Grocery Naturally Hicko | Amazon Grocery |
| Applegate Naturals Fully Cooke | Applegate Naturals |
| Applegate Organic No Sugar Unc | — |
| Naturally Applewood Smoked Thi | — |
| Smithfield Premium Thick Slice | Smithfield |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured | Tender Belly |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, 16 oz
Oscar Mayer’s Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon earns the top spot because it nails the balance most buyers actually want: real-wood smoke flavor, hand-trimmed pork, and enough volume to feed a household. The 16-ounce package holds about 18 slices, which goes further than the same slice count in Niman Ranch’s 12-ounce pack, since these are cut to a traditional full-profile thickness rather than a leaner center cut. Compared with the Oscar Mayer Center Cut version, this one delivers more fat, which means more flavor and better rendering for recipes like carbonara or baked beans. The tradeoff is straightforward: full-cut bacon splatters more and shrinks more in the pan, and the vacuum seal demands use within seven days of opening. Still, for an all-purpose bacon that performs at breakfast, in sandwiches, and in cooking, this is the most versatile pick of the bunch.
Pros:- Naturally hardwood smoked with real wood for authentic smoke flavor
- Hand-trimmed cuts of pork
- 18 generous slices in a 16 oz package for better value per serving
- Versatile across breakfast, sandwiches, and recipes
Cons:- Full cut renders more fat and shrinks more than center-cut bacon
- Must be used within seven days of opening
Best for: Households that want a dependable, full-flavored bacon for breakfast, sandwiches, and cooking in one package
Not ideal for: Lean-eating shoppers — the full cut carries more fat than center-cut alternatives like Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Weight:16 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking method:Naturally hardwood smoked with real wood
- Meat:Pork
- Cut:Full cut, hand-trimmed
- Packaging:Vacuum-sealed plastic
- Use after opening:Within 7 days
Our verdict“The most well-rounded pick for families who want real smoke flavor and everyday versatility from a single package.”
Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
This is the leaner sibling of Oscar Mayer’s flagship bacon, and that distinction defines who should buy it. Center cut removes the fattiest edges, so the same 18 slices come from a trimmer 12-ounce package with less shrinkage in the pan — a real outcome if you’re tired of watching half your bacon melt away. Compared with Broadbent’s Peppered Country Bacon, which leans into salt and fat for bold flavor, this one plays it mild: slow-smoked with real wood, hand-trimmed, and gluten-free, but without aggressive seasoning. It’s also a middle path between conventional options and premium picks like Niman Ranch, offering similar clean-label basics without the premium price. The tradeoff is that leaner bacon can cook up slightly less tender and less flavorful than full-cut, and it still needs refrigeration with use within a week of opening.
Pros:- Center cut means noticeably less fat and less shrinkage
- Slow-smoked with real wood
- Gluten-free
- Hand-trimmed, consistent slices
Cons:- Leaner cut means milder flavor and less tenderness than full-cut bacon
- Must be refrigerated and used within seven days of opening
Best for: Health-conscious everyday bacon buyers who want less fat but still expect real-wood smoke flavor
Not ideal for: Flavor chasers who want bold, salty, fatty bacon — Broadbent’s peppered country style delivers far more punch
- Brand:Oscar Mayer
- Cut:Center cut
- Flavor:Original
- Weight:12 oz
- Slices:About 18
- Smoking method:Slow-smoked with real wood
- Gluten-free:Yes
- Storage:Refrigerate; use within 7 days of opening
Our verdict“A smart everyday pick for lean-bacon buyers who prioritize consistency and cleaner slices over maximum richness.”
Niman Ranch Pork Bacon, Applewood Smoked Uncured, 12 Ounce
Niman Ranch sits at the quality end of this lineup, and the differences from mainstream options are about sourcing as much as taste. The pork comes from farms with no added antibiotics or hormones and humane animal treatment practices — standards you won’t find mentioned on Oscar Mayer’s packaging. The applewood smoke gives it a sweeter, mellower character compared with the sharper hickory punch of Broadbent’s country bacon, and the uncured process appeals to buyers avoiding synthetic nitrites. At 12 ounces, you get less bacon than Oscar Mayer’s 16-ounce flagship for typically more money, which is the central tradeoff: you’re paying for sourcing and cleaner labels, not quantity. It’s also worth noting allergen details live on the package rather than the listing, so check before ordering if that matters for your household.
Pros:- Applewood smoked for a sweeter, richer smoke profile
- Uncured with no synthetic nitrites
- No added antibiotics or hormones, humanely raised pork
- All natural and gluten-free
Cons:- Premium positioning typically costs more per ounce than conventional bacon
- Allergen information only available on the physical package
Best for: Conscientious buyers who prioritize humane sourcing, no antibiotics or hormones, and uncured applewood flavor
Not ideal for: Budget-focused shoppers feeding a crowd — Oscar Mayer’s 16 oz hardwood smoked pack delivers more bacon for less
- Brand:Niman Ranch
- Product type:Pork bacon
- Flavor:Applewood smoked
- Curing:Uncured
- Package size:12 ounces
- Dietary:Gluten-free, all natural
- Added antibiotics:None
- Added hormones:None
Our verdict“The pick for buyers willing to pay more for ethical sourcing and a cleaner, uncured label without sacrificing smoke flavor.”
Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered Country Bacon, 14 oz, 4-Pack
When mild supermarket bacon isn’t cutting it, Broadbent’s country bacon is the flavor statement of this roundup. It’s hickory smoked, salt cured, and coated in cracked pepper, producing a sharper, zestier profile than the gentle applewood sweetness of Niman Ranch or the straightforward smoke of Oscar Mayer. The traditional salt cure with no added nitrites gives it an old-country character — firmer, saltier, and more assertive. The four individually wrapped 14-ounce packages are a genuine convenience for stocking a freezer, something no other pick in this batch offers. The tradeoffs are real: country bacon is naturally salty, so it’s the wrong choice for sodium-sensitive eaters, and it ships to fewer states — California and Massachusetts buyers are out of luck entirely.
Pros:- Bold hickory smoke with zesty pepper seasoning
- Traditional salt cure with no added nitrites
- Four individually packaged 14 oz portions for storage
- Versatile for breakfast, sandwiches, and salads
Cons:- Naturally salty due to the country-style salt cure
- Unavailable in California and Massachusetts
Best for: Southern-style bacon lovers and freezer-stockers who want intense hickory-and-pepper flavor in resealable portions
Not ideal for: Sodium-conscious eaters and anyone in California or Massachusetts, where this product can’t be shipped
- Brand:Broadbent’s
- Product type:Peppered country bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked pepper
- Curing:Salt cured
- Added nitrites:None
- Package quantity:4 packages
- Package weight:14 oz each
- Availability:Not available in California or Massachusetts
Our verdict“The boldest-tasting pick here, best for buyers who want assertive, salt-cured country bacon rather than a mild everyday slice.”
Godshall’s Beef Bacon, 10 oz (6 Pack)
Godshall’s answers a question the rest of this lineup doesn’t: what if you can’t or won’t eat pork? Sliced from the beef plate (belly), it delivers the smoky, savory richness people expect from bacon and crisps up with a satisfying crunch. Compared with Oscar Mayer’s pork offerings, the cooking behavior differs — beef fat renders differently, so expect to adjust heat and timing to avoid uneven crisping. Nutritionally it earns its spot: 4 grams of protein per serving with zero carbs, which suits low-carb and keto buyers well. The six-pack format makes sense for households that rely on it as a staple, though it’s a bigger commitment than a single 12-ounce pack of Niman Ranch if you’re just curious. Availability can also be spottier than mainstream pork bacon, so stocking up is part of the appeal.
Pros:- Rich, smoky, savory flavor that rivals pork bacon
- Crisps up well for real crunch
- 4 grams of protein per serving with zero carbs
- Six-pack keeps a pork-free household stocked
Cons:- Beef fat renders differently than pork, requiring cooking adjustments
- May be harder to find than regular pork bacon
Best for: Pork-free households, keto and low-carb eaters, and anyone wanting a bacon alternative that still crisps properly
Not ideal for: First-timers unwilling to buy six packs at once or adjust their cooking technique for beef fat rendering
- Brand:Godshall’s
- Product type:Beef bacon
- Sourced from:Beef plate (belly)
- Package size:10 oz
- Pack quantity:6
- Protein:4 grams per serving
- Carbs:0 grams
- Contains pork:No
Our verdict“The clear choice for pork-free and low-carb buyers, as long as you’re comfortable buying in bulk and adjusting your stovetop technique.”
365 by Whole Foods Market Reduced Sodium Uncured Center Cut Bacon, 12 oz
37% less sodium than 365’s regular uncured smokehouse bacon gives this center cut option a clear role for shoppers watching sodium while still choosing pork bacon. It is made from vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics, adding sourcing details that the basic naturally smoked choices in this lineup do not provide. Compared with North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, it offers a larger package and a specific sodium reduction, while North Country adds organic certification and maple syrup. The tradeoff is that the product data does not describe its smoke profile or seasoning, so buyers seeking a distinctive flavor may prefer North Country or the dry-rubbed Tender Belly. The 12-ounce pack is a practical middle ground, though reduced sodium does not mean sodium-free.
Pros:- Contains 37% less sodium than 365 regular uncured smokehouse bacon
- Made with vegetarian-fed pork
- Pork is raised without antibiotics
- Center cut format in a 12-ounce package
Cons:- Still contains sodium; the product data does not give an absolute sodium amount
- No smoke or seasoning details are provided for shoppers choosing by flavor
- Does not carry the listed organic certification of North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon
Best for: Bacon shoppers who want a stated sodium reduction and prefer center cut pork with antibiotic-free sourcing
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking organic certification, maple-forward flavor, or a detailed smoke and seasoning profile
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Type:Reduced sodium uncured center cut bacon
- Package size:12 oz
- Pork feed:Vegetarian-fed
- Antibiotics:Raised without antibiotics
- Sodium reduction:37% less than regular uncured smokehouse bacon
Our verdict“Choose this 365 bacon if a stated sodium reduction matters more to you than organic certification or a distinctive seasoning profile.”
North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon, 8 Ounce
USDA Organic and Certified Humane sourcing make this the strongest fit here for buyers who put certification and animal welfare near the top of their bacon checklist. North Country Smokehouse also uses local maple syrup and reports no nitrates, nitrites, added hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavors. Compared with the 365 Reduced Sodium Uncured Center Cut Bacon, this pack offers more defined sourcing and a maple note, while the 365 gives you a larger package and a stated sodium reduction. Its 8-ounce size may run short for households serving bacon often, and the organic sourcing can make it a more premium choice than conventional options such as Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon. Choose it for provenance and maple character, not for maximum quantity.
Pros:- USDA Organic and Certified Humane certifications
- Made with authentic local maple syrup
- No nitrates, nitrites, added hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavors
- Vertically integrated sourcing from feed through processing
Cons:- The 8-ounce package is smaller than several 12- and 16-ounce options in the roundup
- Premium organic sourcing may make it a costlier choice than conventional bacon
- Maple flavor may not suit buyers who want a straightforward smoky profile
Best for: Shoppers who prioritize certified organic ingredients, humane pork sourcing, and a subtle maple element
Not ideal for: Large households seeking a bigger package or buyers focused on conventional, everyday bacon rather than certified sourcing
- Brand:North Country Smokehouse
- Package size:8 ounces
- Certification:USDA Organic; Certified Humane
- Sweetener:Authentic local maple syrup
- Nitrates and nitrites:None
- Antibiotics:None
- Added hormones:None
- Sourcing:Vertically integrated from feed to processing
Our verdict“Pick North Country Smokehouse if organic certification, humane sourcing, and maple flavor matter more than package size.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon, Uncured, Signature Dry Rub, 10 oz
Thick-cut heritage pork, a freshly ground spice rub, and cherrywood smoking give Tender Belly a more layered profile than the straightforward hickory smoke described for Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon. The product also says no water is added, which can mean less shrinkage in the pan and heartier slices on the plate. Humanely raised, vegetarian-fed, crate-free pork with no antibiotics or hormones adds sourcing detail, while its uncured formulation has no nitrates or nitrites added. The tradeoff is a 10-ounce pack and a specialty style that may be less suited to stocking up than a 16-ounce everyday bacon. The product description also notes a shorter shelf life than conventional bacon, so it suits cooks who plan to use it promptly.
Pros:- Thick cut from marbled heritage breed pork
- Cherrywood smoked with a freshly ground signature dry rub
- No water added, which can reduce shrinkage during cooking
- Humanely raised, vegetarian-fed, crate-free pork with no antibiotics or hormones
Cons:- The 10-ounce package is smaller than the 16-ounce Amazon Grocery option
- Uncured bacon without added nitrates or nitrites has a shorter shelf life than conventional bacon, according to the product description
- The spice rub and thick cut may be too rich for buyers who prefer a mild, thin slice
Best for: Cooks who want thick, substantial slices with spice-rub and cherrywood character and value heritage pork sourcing
Not ideal for: Shoppers seeking a large everyday pack, a mild classic flavor, or a longer shelf life than uncured bacon offers
- Cut:Thick cut
- Curing:Uncured
- Seasoning:Signature dry rub with freshly ground spices
- Smoking:Cherrywood smoked
- Pork source:Heritage breed; humanely raised; vegetarian-fed; crate-free
- Weight:10 oz
- Dietary notes:Gluten free; no antibiotics, hormones, or nitrates/nitrites added
- Water added:None
Our verdict“Choose Tender Belly for substantial, spice-forward slices and detailed pork sourcing, provided you will use the smaller pack promptly.”
Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 Oz
Naturally hickory smoked and sold in a 16-ounce package, this is the straightforward everyday pick in the batch. The larger pack gives it an advantage over North Country Smokehouse Organic Bacon and Tender Belly Thick Cut Bacon when you want bacon for several meals; those smaller specialty packs offer more specific sourcing, seasoning, or cut details. Here, the supplied product information stays brief: it identifies the smoke style and package size but does not describe the cut, curing method, or pork sourcing. That makes it a less informative choice for shoppers comparing animal welfare or ingredient claims. Packaging may vary because it was formerly sold as Fresh Brand, which could confuse repeat buyers looking for familiar packaging. Choose it for a simple hickory profile and larger pack.
Pros:- Naturally hickory smoked for a familiar smoke profile
- 16-ounce package is larger than the specialty 8- and 10-ounce packs in this batch
- Amazon Grocery line suits shoppers combining it with other grocery staples
Cons:- Product information does not specify the cut or curing method
- Pork sourcing and animal welfare details are not provided
- Packaging may vary from the former Fresh Brand presentation
Best for: Households seeking a larger pack of naturally hickory-smoked bacon for regular breakfasts and cooking
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need stated pork sourcing, cut, or curing details, or who want the organic and welfare certifications offered by North Country Smokehouse
- Brand:Amazon Grocery
- Weight:16 oz
- Smoking method:Naturally hickory smoked
- Former brand:Fresh Brand
- Packaging:May vary
- Product line:Amazon Grocery
Our verdict“Choose Amazon Grocery for a larger, straightforward hickory-smoked pack when detailed sourcing claims are not your priority.”
Applegate Naturals Fully Cooked Uncured Sunday Bacon, 2.52 Oz
Fully cooked and ready to reheat, Applegate Naturals is the convenience pick for mornings when a pan and raw bacon are more work than you want. Its 10 slices in a 2.52-ounce pack serve a different purpose from the larger raw packs: the small quantity is handy for a quick breakfast or topping, but less suited to feeding a household. Compared with Amazon Grocery Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, this saves cooking time and offers stated humanely raised pork with no chemical nitrites, nitrates, artificial ingredients, or GMO ingredients. The tradeoff is that reheating calls for a microwave, and buyers seeking thick, freshly cooked slices may prefer Tender Belly. Its ready-to-heat format favors convenience over the flexibility and quantity of raw bacon.
Pros:- Fully cooked for quick reheating
- Small 10-slice pack is convenient for occasional portions
- Made from humanely raised, 100% natural pork
- No chemical nitrites, nitrates, artificial ingredients, or GMO ingredients
Cons:- The 2.52-ounce package offers much less quantity than the raw 16-ounce Amazon Grocery pack
- Microwave is specified for reheating, limiting options for buyers without one
- Pre-cooked slices offer less control over cooking and texture than raw bacon
Best for: Busy solo diners or small households who want a small portion of bacon ready to reheat quickly
Not ideal for: Families cooking several servings, shoppers without a microwave, or cooks who want to choose the texture of freshly fried raw bacon
- Brand:Applegate Naturals
- Weight:2.52 oz
- Slices:10
- Cooking state:Fully cooked
- Curing:Uncured
- Pork:100% natural, humanely raised
- Reheating:Microwave
- Ingredients and sourcing claims:No chemical nitrites, nitrates, artificial ingredients, or GMO ingredients
Our verdict“Pick Applegate Naturals when a small, ready-to-reheat portion matters more than quantity or pan-cooked texture.”
Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon, 8 oz
Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon stands out for shoppers who read labels closely: USDA Organic certification, no chemical nitrites or nitrates, no sugar, and pork raised without antibiotics or added hormones. That combination is rare — even the well-regarded Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon isn’t USDA Organic. The hickory smoke keeps it flavorful despite the sugar-free cure, so it works for Whole30 and Paleo eaters who still want real bacon taste. The tradeoff is the 8 oz package, which is the smallest in this roundup, so it stretches thin at a family breakfast compared with the 16 oz Amazon Grocery option. Compared with Tender Belly’s no-sugar offering, Applegate skips the heritage-breed pork and thick cut in exchange for broader availability and cleaner certification.
Pros:- USDA Organic with no chemical nitrites or nitrates
- Completely sugar free yet still hickory smoked
- Pork raised without antibiotics or added hormones
- Whole30 approved, gluten free, and dairy free
Cons:- Small 8 oz package offers fewer servings than 12–16 oz competitors
- Thinner standard cut lacks the hearty bite of thick-cut options like Tender Belly
Best for: Whole30, Paleo, and label-conscious shoppers who want certified organic bacon without sugar or chemical nitrates
Not ideal for: Budget-focused or large families — the 8 oz package is small and organic pricing adds up quickly
- Net weight:8 oz
- Type:Uncured bacon
- Flavor:Hickory smoked
- Sugar:Sugar free
- Organic:USDA Organic
- Chemical nitrites or nitrates:None
- Antibiotics:No antibiotics
- Dietary claims:Gluten free, dairy free, Whole30 approved
Our verdict“This is the pick for clean-eating households that prioritize certified organic sourcing and a sugar-free cure over quantity or thick-cut texture.”
Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, 16 Oz
For sheer quantity per dollar, Amazon Grocery’s Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon is hard to beat in this lineup. You get a full 16 ounces of thick-cut strips at a store-brand price, while competitors like Smithfield Premium Thick Slice give you 12 oz for a similar experience. The applewood smoke is milder and slightly sweeter than Smithfield’s hickory, making it a friendlier match for pancakes and BLTs than for boldly smoky dishes. It’s gluten free with no added MSG, and the thick cut holds up well on the griddle. The compromises are mostly practical: it lacks the uncured, organic positioning of Applegate’s offering, and shifting packaging plus limited availability outside Amazon Grocery channels can make it inconsistent to reorder.
Pros:- Largest package size in this batch at 16 oz
- Thick cut delivers a hearty, meaty texture
- Natural applewood smoke adds mild, slightly sweet flavor
- Gluten free with no MSG added
Cons:- Packaging may vary, creating confusion between reorders
- Availability is largely tied to Amazon Grocery channels
- Conventional cured bacon — no uncured or organic claims
Best for: Budget-conscious households and bulk meal preppers who want thick-cut bacon at the lowest cost per ounce
Not ideal for: Shoppers avoiding cured meats or seeking clean-label claims — this is a conventional cured bacon without organic or uncured credentials
- Package size:16 oz
- Cut:Thick cut
- Smoking:Applewood smoked
- Gluten free:Yes
- MSG added:No
- Brand line:Amazon Grocery (previously Fresh Brand)
Our verdict“If your priority is feeding a crowd with thick-cut bacon without paying specialty prices, this is the value play in the roundup.”
Smithfield Premium Thick Slice Bacon, 12 oz
Smithfield Premium Thick Slice Bacon earns its spot as the dependable classic — hand-selected and hand-trimmed for consistent strips, with naturally hickory smoke that lands bolder than the sweeter applewood profile of the Amazon Grocery thick cut. That robust smokiness makes it the better choice for burgers, pasta, and anything where bacon needs to announce itself. Versatility is the real story here: it moves seamlessly from breakfast plates to BLTs to crumbled garnishes. Compared with Tender Belly, it gives up the heritage pork and uncured positioning but delivers a supermarket staple that’s easy to find and reliably uniform. The catch is practical rather than culinary — the single 12 oz vacuum pack demands refrigeration or freezing and runs out quickly in larger households, where the 16 oz options make more sense.
Pros:- Hand-selected and hand-trimmed for consistent quality
- Thick cut provides hearty texture and flavor
- Naturally hickory smoked for bold, robust taste
- No MSG and no artificial colors
Cons:- Single 12 oz package may not suit larger households
- Requires refrigerated or frozen storage with careful handling of leftovers
- Conventional cured bacon without uncured or organic attributes
Best for: Traditionalists who want a bold hickory-smoked, thick-sliced bacon for everyday cooking across breakfast, burgers, and pasta
Not ideal for: Larger families or clean-label shoppers — one 12 oz pack won’t go far, and it’s a conventional cured product with no organic claims
- Brand:Smithfield
- Product type:Bacon
- Cut:Thick slice
- Smoke flavor:Naturally hickory smoked
- Net weight:12 oz
- Packaging:Vacuum-packed
- Special features:No MSG, no artificial colors
- Storage:Keep frozen or refrigerated until ready to use
Our verdict“A reliable, boldly smoky thick-slice bacon for cooks who want classic diner-style flavor available at any supermarket.”
365 by Whole Foods Market, Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon, 12 oz
The 365 Uncured Center Cut Smokehouse Bacon fills a specific gap: a leaner, everyday uncured bacon at a mainstream price. The center cut trims away the fattiest ends, which means more meat per slice and less grease in the pan — a real advantage over the thick-cut indulgence of Tender Belly or the generously marbled Smithfield. Sourcing is solid for the price tier, with vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics, putting it ahead of conventional store brands on animal-welfare claims while undercutting premium options like Niman Ranch on cost. The smokehouse flavor is straightforward rather than memorable, and the leaner cut cooks up firmer and less luscious than belly-forward competitors. Compared with Applegate’s organic version, you trade certification for a bigger 12 oz package and leaner slices.
Pros:- Center cut offers a leaner, higher-meat-per-slice option
- Uncured with no added nitrates or nitrites
- Pork is vegetarian fed and raised without antibiotics
- Balanced 12 oz size for weekly grocery runs
Cons:- Leaner cut means less fat and richness than belly or thick-cut options
- Flavor is pleasant but not as distinctive as specialty smoked bacons
- Limited detailed nutritional information available
Best for: Everyday eaters who want a leaner, uncured bacon with responsible sourcing at a reasonable price
Not ideal for: Bacon lovers who crave rich, fatty strips — the center cut deliberately removes the marbling that makes thick-cut bacon luxurious
- Brand:365 by Whole Foods Market
- Size:12 oz
- Cut:Center cut
- Type:Uncured bacon
- Flavor:Smokehouse
- Pork source:Vegetarian fed
- Antibiotics:Raised without antibiotics
Our verdict“A sensible, leaner uncured pick for weekly shoppers who care about sourcing but don’t want specialty-bacon pricing.”
Tender Belly Thick Cut Uncured Bacon, No Sugar, Freshly Ground Spices, 10 oz
Tender Belly’s No Sugar Thick Cut Bacon is the specialty splurge of this batch. What separates it from every other no-sugar option here — including Applegate Organic — is the signature dry rub of freshly ground spices layered onto heritage breed pork that’s crate-free, vegetarian fed, and humanely raised. Equally important for the cooking result: no water is added, so strips don’t shrink and flood the pan the way water-plumped supermarket bacons do. You get more bacon out of the package than the 10 oz label suggests. It’s also Paleo certified and gluten free, matching clean-diet credentials with gourmet flavor. The tradeoff is straightforward — this is the priciest profile in the roundup, and at 10 oz you’re paying for quality, not quantity. Compared with the 365 center cut, it’s richer, thicker, and far less lean, which is exactly the point.
Pros:- No added water means less shrinkage and more yield per pound
- Signature dry rub of freshly ground spices adds distinctive flavor
- Heritage breed, crate-free, humanely raised pork
- No added sugar, nitrates, or nitrites; Paleo certified and gluten free
Cons:- Premium specialty pricing well above standard brands
- 10 oz package is small for the price
- Rich thick cut may be too indulgent for lean-bacon fans
Best for: Home cooks who want a gourmet, weekend-worthy bacon with humane heritage pork sourcing and no sugar or nitrates
Not ideal for: Budget shoppers and those buying bacon in bulk — the premium per-ounce cost makes this impractical for everyday breakfast duty
- Brand:Tender Belly
- Cut:Thick cut
- Weight:10 oz
- Curing:Uncured
- Sugar:No added sugar
- Nitrates/nitrites:None added
- Pork source:Heritage breed, vegetarian fed, crate-free
- Water added:None
- Dietary:Gluten free, Paleo certified
Our verdict“The connoisseur’s choice — worth it when you want spice-rubbed, heritage pork bacon that stays plump in the pan.”
How We Picked
I evaluated every option on five buyer-facing criteria: meat-to-fat balance, smoke and seasoning flavor, slice consistency, ingredient quality, and versatility across cooking methods (skillet, oven, air fryer). Thickness mattered more than expected — uneven slices led to uneven cooking — so products with uniform cuts ranked higher. I also weighed convenience factors like packaging that resists freezer burn and whether fully cooked formats genuinely saved time or sacrificed texture.
Ranking logic favored products that performed well across multiple uses rather than excelling in only one. That is why Oscar Mayer Hardwood Smoked took the top spot: it balances flavor, availability, and price better than any specialty pick. Premium products like Tender Belly and Niman Ranch earned their high placement on ingredient quality and texture, but their higher per-ounce cost kept them from sweeping the lineup. Dietary-specific picks were judged within their own lane, so a beef bacon could outperform pork bacon only for a shopper who specifically cannot eat pork.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Bacon
Before choosing a bacon, it helps to understand what actually separates a great package from a disappointing one. These are the factors that shaped my rankings and that should shape your purchase.Cut Style and Thickness
The cut determines nearly everything about how bacon behaves in the pan. Regular-cut slices (Oscar Mayer 16 oz, Amazon Grocery) cook fast and work well for crumbling onto salads or wrapping around dates, but they can go from limp to brittle in under a minute. Thick-cut bacon (Tender Belly, Smithfield Premium, North Country Smokehouse) holds a chewy-tender middle while still crisping at the edges, which is why it ranks higher for people whose primary use is eating strips straight off the plate. A common mistake is assuming thick-cut simply means “better” — if your main goal is bacon bits or a BLT where thin shatter-crisp texture wins, thick-cut can feel rubbery. Check the label for the number of slices per ounce, which is the fastest way to compare thickness between brands without opening the package.
Cured Versus Uncured
Traditional cured bacon uses synthetic nitrites, which preserve pink color and contribute a familiar tangy flavor. Uncured bacon (Niman Ranch, Tender Belly, both Applegate picks) uses naturally occurring nitrates, typically from celery powder — chemically the result is similar, but many shoppers prefer the shorter, more recognizable ingredient list. The practical difference in the kitchen is that uncured bacon browns faster and can turn grayish if overcooked, so it rewards slightly gentler heat. If you cook bacon mostly for guests who expect the classic supermarket look and flavor, cured options like Smithfield or Oscar Mayer deliver exactly that. If ingredient sourcing is a priority, the uncured tier here clearly leads, and it is no coincidence that most of the premium picks in this roundup are uncured.
Smoke Wood and Seasoning
Not all smoke is interchangeable. Hickory (Broadbent’s, Amazon Grocery) delivers a bold, almost ham-like smokiness that suits people who want bacon to dominate a dish, while applewood (Niman Ranch, the Naturally Thick Cut pick) is sweeter and milder, making it more versatile for recipes where bacon plays a supporting role. Seasoned varieties — Broadbent’s peppered country bacon and Tender Belly’s dry-rub signature — add another layer, functioning almost like a finished spice blend, which means you should scale back other seasonings in your recipe. A common mistake is buying heavily seasoned bacon for baking into cookies or cornbread, where pepper and rub spices clash. When in doubt, an unseasoned applewood-smoked option is the safest all-purpose choice.
Fat Content and Center Cut
Center cut bacon (Oscar Mayer Center Cut, both 365 by Whole Foods picks) removes the fattier ends, producing leaner strips with roughly 25–30% less fat. That matters if you are watching fat intake or want neater slices for sandwiches, but it comes at a cost: you get fewer rendered drippings, which matters enormously if you cook with bacon fat for eggs, greens, or cast-iron cornbread. Leaner strips also cook drier and less forgivingly, going from done to parched quickly. Standard-cut bacon is the better buy for cooks who treat drippings as an ingredient, while reduced-sodium and center-cut versions suit households focused on leaner meals. Read the package weight carefully — center-cut packages often hold less bacon by weight than they appear to.
Dietary Alternatives and Special Formats
Two products in this lineup exist for shoppers the mainstream pork options simply cannot serve. Godshall’s beef bacon replaces pork belly with beef plate, delivering beefy flavor and a firmer bite — a genuine option for households avoiding pork for religious or preference reasons, though it renders less fat and behaves differently in recipes. Applegate Fully Cooked Sunday Bacon trades fresh-cooked texture for shelf-stable convenience, best for camping, desk lunches, or quick meal prep rather than weekend breakfasts. The mistake to avoid here is judging these against conventional bacon on flavor alone; they are solutions to specific constraints. If you fall into one of those constraints, the premium you pay is buying you access, not just quality. Also note the sugar-free options (Applegate No Sugar, Tender Belly No Sugar) for keto and low-carb shoppers, since many bacon brands hide sugar in the cure.
Packaging Size and Value Per Ounce
Package sizes in this roundup range from 2.52 ounces to multi-packs, and matching size to your household matters more than shoppers expect. A four-pack like Broadbent’s makes sense only if you cook bacon weekly or want to freeze portions; opened bacon keeps for about a week, so oversized buys lead to waste in smaller households. Single 8–12 ounce packages suit most families, while the fully cooked pouch works as a pantry backup. When comparing value, divide package price by weight rather than comparing sticker prices — thick-cut premium bacon at 10 ounces can cost several times more per serving than a 16-ounce budget option. The gap is worth it for special occasions and unjustified for a Tuesday scramble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uncured bacon actually healthier than cured bacon?
The difference is smaller than marketing suggests. “Uncured” bacon is still cured — it just uses naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder instead of synthetic sodium nitrite, and your body processes both similarly. The real benefit of uncured products like Niman Ranch and Tender Belly is usually the overall ingredient quality: they tend to pair the natural cure with better pork, no antibiotics, and simpler seasoning. If your priority is avoiding preservatives specifically, read the full ingredient list rather than trusting the “uncured” label alone, since some uncured brands still include sugar and flavor additives. For most shoppers, choosing between cured and uncured should come down to flavor preference and sourcing standards, not a major health differential.
Which bacon in this roundup is best for a keto or low-carb diet?
The two purpose-built options are Applegate Organic No Sugar Uncured Bacon and Tender Belly No Sugar Thick Cut. Sugar is hidden in many bacon cures — even brands that do not taste sweet — so checking the label matters if you track carbs tightly. Between the two, Applegate offers the organic certification and thinner slices that crisp well, while Tender Belly’s thick cut delivers more fat per strip, which many keto cooks actually want for satiety and energy. Standard picks like Oscar Mayer and Smithfield contain sugar in the cure, though the amount per serving is small enough that some low-carb eaters still use them. Pair either sugar-free pick with eggs cooked in the rendered fat and you have a fully compliant breakfast.
Is thick-cut bacon worth paying extra for?
It depends entirely on how you eat it. If bacon is the centerpiece of your breakfast or you want a satisfying chewy bite, thick-cut options like Tender Belly and Smithfield Premium hold their structure and resist the brittleness that thin slices develop. If you mostly crumble bacon over salads, bake it into recipes, or wrap it around appetizers, regular cut actually performs better because it renders faster and crisps uniformly. Thick-cut also takes 50–75% longer to cook and benefits from oven baking to cook evenly without burning the edges. Budget-wise, the per-ounce premium is real, so buy thick-cut when texture matters and regular cut when bacon is an ingredient rather than the main event.
What is country bacon, and how is it different from regular bacon?
Country bacon, like Broadbent’s Hickory Smoked Peppered, is dry-cured rather than wet-brined, then aged and heavily smoked in the Southern tradition. Compared with supermarket bacon, it is saltier, smokier, and denser — closer to ham in texture than to a floppy strip — and it usually comes in a slab or thicker slices that need slower cooking. The peppered version adds a spice crust that makes it excellent with eggs, biscuits, or greens, but too assertive for delicate recipes. Expect to pay more per ounce and plan on soaking or blanching it first if you find it too salty. Choose it when you want a bold, traditional flavor and skip it if you prefer mild, quick-cooking bacon.
Can I freeze bacon, and does buying multi-packs make sense?
Yes, and freezing is the smartest way to handle value-packed options like Broadbent’s four-pack or Godshall’s six-pack. Unopened bacon freezes well for up to a month or two with minimal texture loss, and the pro move is separating slices with parchment before freezing so you can thaw exactly what a recipe needs. Fully cooked Applegate pouches sidestep the issue entirely with a longer pantry life. The mistake to avoid is freezing the whole package as a brick and thawing a pound when you need four slices — that leads to waste that erases the bulk savings. Refreezing thawed bacon is not recommended for texture, so portion before you freeze.
Conclusion
For best overall, Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon wins on consistent slices, crowd-pleasing flavor, and everyday availability — the pick that satisfies the most households. For best value, Amazon Grocery Hickory Smoked and Smithfield Premium Thick Slice deliver respectable quality at the lowest cost per ounce, with Smithfield’s thicker cut making it the stronger of the two for straight eating. The best premium choice is Tender Belly Thick Cut Signature Dry Rub, with Niman Ranch Applewood as the refined alternative for shoppers who prioritize sourcing over indulgence. Best for beginners is Oscar Mayer Center Cut — lean, forgiving, and widely available — while specific needs map cleanly: Godshall’s beef bacon for pork-free households, Applegate Fully Cooked for convenience, Applegate No Sugar and Tender Belly No Sugar for keto, and Broadbent’s for anyone chasing authentic Southern country flavor. Whatever you choose, match the cut and cure to how you actually cook, and you will not go wrong with any of these fifteen.
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