Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon or peameal bacon, has a delicious smoky, ham-like flavor that makes it a breakfast favorite. But this round, lean bacon can be elusive in grocery stores compared to regular bacon.
As a Canadian bacon aficionado, I’ve learned the sly spots these circular slices can lurk in grocery stores through much trial and error. Here are my tips for a fool-proof Canadian bacon shopping trip.
What Defines Canadian Bacon?
First, let’s review what makes Canadian bacon unique before diving into the grocery store search:
-
It comes from the lean eye of the pork loin not fatty belly.
-
Sliced into rounds and cured and smoked like ham.
-
Very lean and tender with a milder taste than American bacon.
-
Goes by names like back bacon, Irish bacon, peameal bacon.
With its distinctive production method, Canadian bacon fills a different niche than typical streaky American-style bacon. Now let’s locate these lean circular slices!
Checking the Refrigerated Meat Section
The most obvious place to begin the Canadian bacon search is in the fresh refrigerated meat section. Here you may find plastic-wrapped packs from major brands like:
- Oscar Mayer
- Hormel
- Smithfield
- Wright
- Jones Dairy Farm
- Farmland
- Kretschmar
Look for the terms “Canadian style bacon,” “back bacon,” or “peameal bacon” on labels. If you’re lucky, they’ll be stocked alongside the regular bacon.
Seeking Deli-Sliced Varieties
Next, swing by the deli counter to check for thick, freshly sliced Canadian bacon. Many grocers will custom slice it from a whole pork loin and package it.
Ask the staff if they offer Canadian bacon or back bacon slices. You may need to place a special order for thick irregular slices cut to order.
Scouring Frozen Food Aisles
Make sure to browse the freezer aisles as Canadian bacon is often found frozen. Specifically check:
- Individually frozen Canadian bacon slices
- Breakfast sandwiches with Canadian bacon
- Frozen potato and bacon medley bags
Frozen food sections are prime real estate, so don’t skip them in your search!
Investigating Pre-Cooked Areas
Pre-cooked Canadian bacon lurks near pre-packaged ham and lunch meats, ready for quick reheating. Check for:
- Vacuum-sealed pouches
- Canned packs
- Lunch meat-style chilled packages
Hormel, Maple Leaf, and Swift Premium are go-to brands for pre-cooked Canadian bacon.
Probing Butchers and Specialty Shops
Independent butcher shops and specialty delis are great spots to find small-batch Canadian bacon. Farmers markets sometimes have bacon vendors as well.
These specialty providers can likely fulfill custom slicing requests or orders if they don’t already stock Canadian bacon. You get the bonus of supporting local businesses while enjoying flavorful artisanal back bacon.
Buying Online
As a last resort, turn to the internet! Grocery store websites allow you to shop online and reserve hard-to-find items for pickup.
Online bulk stores like Sam’s Club, Costco and Jet.com have large value packs of Canadian bacon too.
Or order directly from specialty online meat purveyors and get premium Canadian bacon conveniently shipped to your door.
Helpful Hints for Canadian Bacon Shopping
Follow these tips to streamline your Canadian bacon shopping:
-
Inspect meat cases near regular bacon first.
-
Ask deli staff personally if they have or can slice it.
-
Note different terms: back bacon, peameal bacon, etc.
-
Check frozen breakfast sandwiches and potato packs.
-
Seek out pre-cooked varieties near lunch meats.
-
Try independent butchers and markets for specialty cuts.
-
Use grocery pickup for hard-to-find packages.
-
Buy in bulk online to stock up easily.
With persistence and savvy, you can conquer the Canadian bacon hunt at grocery stores. Use this guide to pinpoint the prime locations and bring home the bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Bacon
Here are quick answers to common questions about Canadian bacon:
What are other names for Canadian bacon?
Back bacon, Irish bacon, English bacon, peameal bacon, or rashers.
What’s the difference between Canadian bacon and ham?
Canadian bacon comes from the pork loin so it’s leaner. Ham comes from the fattier leg.
Where does Canadian bacon come from on the pig?
The lean eye of the pork loin. It’s trimmed of fat and sliced into rounds.
Why is it called Canadian bacon if it’s not exclusively Canadian?
This style of lean back bacon originated with English/Irish cookery but became especially associated with Canada.
What are good substitutes for Canadian bacon?
Prosciutto, turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices work well as substitutes.
How can I use up leftover Canadian bacon?
Fry it up into bacon bits for salads or soups. Add to baked beans, tortilla soup, or potato casserole.
