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Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast meats, adding a smoky, salty, crispy flavor to everything from eggs to pancakes and more. While most people buy bacon in packages of individual slices, you can also purchase a full side of bacon from some butchers and specialty food stores. But how much does a side of bacon cost compared to regular sliced bacon? Let’s take a look at bacon pricing.
What is a Side of Bacon?
A side of bacon refers to an entire 5-6 pound pork belly slab that has been cured and smoked but not yet sliced. It’s essentially an unsliced pack of bacon.
Once purchased, the slab can then be portioned and sliced at home into rashers or strips to your desired thickness. Having a side of bacon allows you to customize your bacon thickness.
A side is usually about 12 inches by 6 inches and includes both lean meat and fat portions giving you the classic bacon look when sliced. A whole side of bacon will typically supply 35-40 individual bacon slices or rashers.
Pricing per Pound for Slab Bacon
Prices can vary between brands, stores, and geographical areas. But on average, expect to pay:
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Supermarket slab bacon – $3 to $6 per pound
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Specialty butcher slab bacon – $6 to $12 per pound
For example, at Café Madelaine in New Jersey, a full side of bacon costs $4 per strip. With approximately 35 strips in a side, that equals around $5.70 per pound.
The Bagel Rack in Brooklyn, NY sells slab bacon for $4 per strip as well. So also about $5.70 per pound.
Of course, artisanal bacon from high-end butchers or specialty producers can cost significantly more, upwards of $15 per pound or more depending on the quality and source.
Comparing Sliced vs Slab Bacon Prices
When comparing pound-for-pound pricing, slab bacon is often cheaper than buying pre-packaged sliced bacon.
For example, a 1 pound pack of high quality, artisan sliced bacon might cost $8 to $12. But a whole side of the same bacon may only cost $6 to $9 per pound.
This savings adds up, especially for large families or those who eat a lot of bacon. Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper.
However, slab bacon does involve some additional work. You have to portion it into individual slices and freeze any excess that won’t be used right away. So it’s a more labor intensive option.
Here is a price comparison for slab bacon vs sliced bacon:
| Bacon Type | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Supermarket Sliced Bacon | $4 to $7 |
| Supermarket Slab Bacon | $3 to $6 |
| Butcher Sliced Bacon | $8 to $12 |
| Butcher Slab Bacon | $6 to $9 |
As you can see, there are some potential savings buying slab bacon over pre-sliced packs, but not a huge difference. The savings may not justify the extra work required for some.
Buying and Storing Bacon Sides
When purchasing a full side of bacon, here are some tips:
- Inspect the bacon carefully. Look for good marbling of fat and meat.
- Choose bacon without an excess of “bubble gum” fat, which can turn rubbery when cooked.
- Consider the thickness. Thicker slabs are easier to slice evenly at home.
- Look for slabs with an even shape to make slicing simpler.
- Store in the freezer if not using within 1 week. Thaw in the fridge before portioning.
- Slice only what you plan to use in the next 3-5 days. Freeze the rest.
- Wrap frozen sliced bacon in portions to remove as needed.
Pro Tip: Use a sharp, long slicing knife for clean, easy cuts. Chill the slab in the freezer for 30 mins before slicing to firm it up.
Is Buying a Slab Worth It?
Whether purchasing a full side of bacon is worth it depends on a few factors:
Pros
- Allows you to customize thickness
- Provides quantity for large households
- Is cost effective for those who eat a lot of bacon
- Higher quality bacon than mass-produced packs
Cons
- Need storage space in freezer
- More effort to portion and slice yourself
- Potential waste if not consumed quickly
- Less convenience than pre-sliced packs
How To Cook: Bacon on the Stove
How much does a pound of bacon cost?
A paid subscription is required for full access. The price of bacon in the United States fluctuates from year to year but overall it has increased significantly over the last decade. As of 2023, a pound of sliced bacon retailed for around 6.77 U.S. dollars. This figure constitutes a decrease of about 2.7 percent compared to the price in 2022.
Are ham & bacon prices going up?
Shoppers in the meat aisle may have noticed something weird last month: Bacon prices are sizzling, but ham’s not so hot. Bacon is more expensive than it was a year ago, with prices up 6.9% from May 2023 to May of this year, according to inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pork chops were up too, by 4.6%.
Will Bacon prices go down in the next few months?
“But do not expect a rapid price concession the next few months,” Speck said, “as retailers are typically slow to bring bacon prices back down.” Feed, freight and labor costs have also risen significantly, said Trey Malone, assistant professor and agricultural economist at Michigan State University.
How much does a pound of bacon cost in 2023?
As of 2023, a pound of sliced bacon retailed for around 6.77 U.S. dollars. This figure constitutes a decrease of about 2.7 percent compared to the price in 2022. Bacon is a popular breakfast food as well as a typical ingredient in sandwiches, burgers, and occasionally salads.
Why do supermarkets raise Bacon prices?
Retailers set prices strategically. So if they know that customers are more willing to spend more on bacon, they might keep those prices high or raise them to make up for decreases in other areas, where customers might spend less. Prices in the supermarket aren’t just tied to cost.
Why is Bacon so expensive?
The stock market set a new record. Here’s what that means for the economy Bacon is more expensive for Americans than it has been in the past 40 years. And yes, that is accounting for inflation. That hankering for pork chops is costing you about 7% more than 12 months ago.