Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that has been enjoyed for centuries. The different kinds of bacon on the market range from crispy and streaky to lean and meaty.
However, one type that often catches people’s attention is economy bacon. But what is economy bacon? Is it just regular bacon that costs less, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
We’ll talk more about what economy bacon is, how it’s different from other kinds of bacon, and whether you should put it on your breakfast plate.
Bacon makes everything better. But with premium artisanal bacons costing upwards of $10 per pound, keeping the fridge stocked can get pricey. That’s where economy bacon comes in – all of the signature salty smoky flavor at a fraction of the cost.
But what exactly is economy bacon? Is it real bacon or some dubious imposter? Let’s discover everything you need to know about this budget-friendly bacon option
What Is Economy Bacon?
Economy bacon is made from the same basic pork belly meat as regular sliced bacon. The difference lies in how the pork belly is processed.
With economy bacon, the pork bellies are trimmed into irregularly shaped pieces, chunks, and ends instead of uniform slices. This allows processors to recover as much of the belly as possible and reduce waste.
The lower quality sections and odd shapes make economy bacon less visually appealing for serving on its own But the high fat content and intense porky flavor make it perfect for cooking It provides all the bacony goodness you crave at a discount price point,
How Is Economy Bacon Made?
Economy bacon undergoes the standard bacon production process:
- Trimming – Pork bellies are trimmed into chunks and pieces instead of slices
- Curing – The pork is cured in a salt and nitrite brine solution
- Smoking – The cured pork is cold-smoked to add flavor
- Packaging – The irregular pieces are packaged into bags or vacuum-sealed
While made from the same cuts as regular bacon, the lower quality and higher fat areas result in the irregular shape and size. But the flavors and basic ingredients are comparable.
How Does Economy Bacon Compare to Regular Bacon?
There are a few ways economy bacon differs from the typical sliced bacon you find at the supermarket:
- Shape – Chunky, misshapen pieces rather than uniform slices
- Fat content – More fat mixed throughout from fattier pork sections
- Smoke flavor – Usually milder smoke flavor since smoking is just for preservation
- Price – Around $1 to $3 cheaper per pound on average
- Packaging – Sold loose in bags rather than neat slice packs
What Are the Pros and Cons of Economy Bacon?
Economy bacon offers advantages as well as downsides:
Pros:
- Costs less than premium sliced bacon
- Provides real bacon flavor for cooking
- Minimizes waste by using whole pork belly
- Higher fat content adds flavor when cooking
Cons:
- Irregular shape not good for serving as-is
- Greater fat means more unhealthy saturated fat
- Less smoke flavor than artisanal bacons
- Contains nitrates and preservatives
For most home cooks, the cost savings outweigh the downsides when using economy bacon primarily for cooking.
How Do You Cook With Economy Bacon?
With its irregular chunks and higher fat content, economy bacon shines when used as an ingredient. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook with it:
- Dice and render into beans, soups, chilis
- Saute vegetables like Brussels sprouts in bacon drippings
- Chop and mix into pasta dishes, risottos, mac and cheese
- Cook potatoes in economy bacon fat for flavor
- Skewer wrapped around scallops, shrimp, chicken
- Grind as the base for homemade bacon salt or seasoning
Anything you’d use regular bacon for, economy bacon can sub in to deliver smoky, salty pork essence at a fraction of the price.
What Dishes Is Economy Bacon Best For?
Because it’s already cooked and the high fat content enhances flavor, economy bacon is great for dishes where appearance isn’t important. Some of the best uses include:
- Baked beans – Perfect for simmering right in the sauce
- Soups and stews – Adds richness without needing a crispy texture
- Omelets and frittatas – Finely diced and mixed into egg dishes
- Salad dressings – Grind into vinaigrettes and creamy dressings
- Compound butters – Gives amazing flavor when finely minced into butters
- Seasoning blends – Use as the smoky, salty base for rubs and herb blends
So while economy bacon may not look flashy, it can make your dishes taste like a million bucks without breaking the bank.
Where Can I Find and Buy Economy Bacon?
Economy bacon is widely available at major supermarkets and warehouse stores. Here are some of the best places to find it:
- Grocery store meat sections – Often sold in plastic bags
- Big box stores like Costco or Sam’s Club – Large bags sold at a discount
- Butcher shops and meat markets – Custom portion sizes sliced fresh
- Restaurant supply stores – For purchasing in bulk quantity
When purchasing economy bacon, look for minimal fat, no signs of freezer burn, and reputable brands. Store properly wrapped in the fridge and use within 1-2 weeks.
Popular Brands of Economy Bacon
All the major pork producers offer their own versions of economy bacon. Some top brands to look for include:
- Hormel – Known for their hearty real bacon bits
- Smithfield – Their ends and pieces are budget-friendly
- Oscar Mayer – Applewood smoked bits with authentic flavor
- Wright – Precooked thicker chunks are flavorful
- Farmland – Lower sodium variety caters to health-minded diets
Is Economy Bacon Healthy?
Like regular bacon, economy bacon is high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Moderation is key, as is choosing uncured varieties without artificial nitrates or excess preservatives.
Cooking methods also make a difference – baking rather than frying reduces added fat. Regardless of health factors, used properly, economy bacon can add flavorful happiness to everyday dishes.
Should You Buy Economy Bacon?
If you frequently cook soups, beans, vegetables, and other bacon-friendly dishes, keeping economy bacon stocked makes sense. A little bit adds immense flavor with minimal wallet damage.
For serving at breakfast or on burgers, go for the good stuff. But when cooking, embrace economy bacon as your budget culinary friend. Add smoky joy without buyer’s remorse.
So next time you spy economy bacon on the shelf, toss a bag in your cart! With proper use, these irregular pork pieces can bring bacon happiness on a bacon budget.
What Is Economy Bacon?
The price of economy bacon is usually lower than the prices of other types of bacon on the market. Usually, cheaper cuts of pork like the shoulder or jowl are used to make it. These cuts have more fat and cost less than other cuts.
Economy bacon might not be cured or smoked like other types of bacon, which can change its taste and texture. It may also contain additives or preservatives to extend its shelf life.
Even though economy bacon might not taste or be as good as other kinds of bacon, it can still be a tasty addition to your breakfast. But keep in mind that because it has more fat, it might not crisp up as well when it’s cooked.
How Does Economy Bacon Differ From Other Types Of Bacon?
Economy bacon differs from other types of bacon in several ways. Firstly, it is typically made from lower quality cuts of pork, which are less expensive than other cuts. This means that compared to other types of bacon, economy bacon may have more fat and less meat.
Secondly, economy bacon may not be cured or smoked, which can affect its flavor and texture. Different kinds of bacon are often cured with a mix of salt and sodium nitrate. Some may also be dry cured with a dry rub or left to soak in a curing solution. After being cured, the bacon is then smoked, if required, to enhance its flavor.
Lastly, economy bacon may contain additives or preservatives to extend its shelf life. This is because it is usually made in large amounts and sold for less money than other kinds of bacon.
Despite these differences, economy bacon can still be a tasty addition to your breakfast plate. But keep in mind that because it has more fat, it might not crisp up as well when it’s cooked. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your breakfast or brunch, economy bacon is worth considering.
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What is real bacon?
With the exception of specialty products like turkey bacon that seek to imitate traditional pork bacon, real bacon is made from pork. Unlike some other types of pork you might purchase from the butcher or supermarket, bacon isn’t defined by being from a specific cut of meat.
Is Bacon a good meat?
Bacon is the rare meat so well-loved that we invite it into both sweet and savory foods. Both traditional and pork-free options offer robust salty and smoky flavors and the crisp or chewy textures we just can’t get enough of. So let’s put bacon on everything!
Where does Bacon come from?
Bacon can come from a pig’s belly, back or sides — essentially anywhere that has an exceptionally high fat content. In the United Kingdom, back bacon is most common, but Americans are more familiar with “streaky” bacon, also known as side bacon, which is cut from pork belly.
Is Bacon a pig?
Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork that is typically eaten on its own as a side dish or used as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more. Bacon comes from a pig, but different types of bacon are made from various cuts of pork. How Is Bacon Made?
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.
What are the different types of bacon?
Another type of bacon to consider is Canadian bacon. This is made from the leaner part of the pig, which contains less fat, usually the loin. This part is found behind the pig’s shoulder, which runs down to just before the leg. It is a tender piece of meat and produces a good piece of bacon with a moderate fat content.