Is Turkey Bacon Paleo? A Comprehensive Guide

Turkey bacon has surged in popularity as a lower fat and lower calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon But there is confusion around whether turkey bacon fits into a paleo diet or not. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about turkey bacon and the paleo diet to help you make an informed decision.

What is Turkey Bacon?

While regular bacon comes straight from the pork belly turkey bacon is a processed product made from turkey. Turkey bellies are much smaller than pig bellies, so turkey bacon is made by blending together mechanically separated turkey parts to create a bacon-like texture and appearance.

Common ingredients in mass-produced, low-quality turkey bacon include:

• Mechanically separated turkey
• Water
• Sugar or maple syrup
• Salt
• Preservatives
• Smoke flavoring
• Spices and flavor enhancers

So while real pork bacon only contains pork, salt, and perhaps some spices, low-quality turkey bacon contains a host of additives to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of real bacon.

However. higher quality turkey bacon brands like Applegate use simpler ingredients

• Turkey
• Water
• Sea salt
• Celery powder
• Maple sugar
• Spices

So the quality of turkey bacon can vary widely depending on the brand. Lower quality options with more additives are less paleo-friendly.

Is Turkey Bacon Healthier Than Pork Bacon?

Many people switch to turkey bacon because they believe it’s a healthier alternative to pork bacon. But is this really true?

The pros of turkey bacon:

• Lower in saturated fat
• Fewer calories

The cons of turkey bacon:

• Often higher in sodium than pork bacon
• Lower in protein
• Some varieties have added sugars
• Highly processed

While turkey bacon is lower in saturated fat and calories, the high sodium levels from added salt and use of preservatives and flavor additives make standard turkey bacon a highly processed food.

Higher quality options like Applegate turkey bacon with minimal ingredients are healthier than mass-market varieties. But overall, turkey bacon isn’t necessarily a healthier choice than pork bacon across the board.

Is Turkey Bacon Paleo-Approved?

The paleo diet recommends avoiding highly processed foods, excessive additives, and excess sodium. This rules out most low-quality, mass-market turkey bacon options which are highly processed with chemicals and flavorings.

But higher quality turkey bacon with simpler, palo-friendly ingredients may be an acceptable occasional treat in moderation on paleo. Some examples of compliant turkey bacon brands include:

• Wellshire Sugar Free Paleo Turkey Bacon: turkey, water, sea salt, celery powder, paprika, white pepper, onion powder
• Applegate Organics Uncured Turkey Bacon: organic turkey, water, sea salt, celery powder, onion powder

However, all bacon is high in sodium so should be eaten sparingly even on paleo. Some paleo experts believe any turkey bacon is too processed and high in sodium to truly fit a paleo lifestyle. Generally turkey bacon falls into a grey area depending on your stance.

Healthier Paleo Bacon Options

Rather than processed turkey bacon, here are some healthier paleo bacon options:

• Pork bacon: Choose high quality uncured varieties without artificial ingredients. Opt for minimal ingredients.

• Paleo bacon recipes: Make your own bacon at home from pork belly, turkey, or beef to control ingredients.

• Other smoked meats: Try smoked salmon, pork chops, or beef jerky for salty smoky flavor without as much processing.

The Verdict

While turkey bacon is lower in saturated fat and calories compared to regular pork bacon, the high sodium levels and use of additives and flavorings make standard turkey bacon a highly processed food.

Low quality, mass-market turkey bacon is not paleo due to the excessive processing and additives. However, some natural turkey bacon options with simple ingredients may be paleo-friendly in moderation.

But for optimal health, there are better alternatives like high quality pork bacon, homemade bacon, and other naturally smoked meats. Bacon should be an occasional treat food even on paleo, not a daily habit.

Focus on real, whole food whenever possible for the healthiest paleo lifestyle. If you truly crave bacon, go for high quality pork bacon in moderation or explore making your own turkey or pork bacon at home. Avoid highly processed turkey bacon loaded with artificial flavors, sweeteners and chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any turkey bacon paleo-approved?

There is debate around whether any turkey bacon can be fully paleo due to the processing and salt content. Some turkey bacon with minimal ingredients may be paleo in moderation, but should not be a regular habit.

What should I look for in paleo turkey bacon?

Choose turkey bacon with minimal ingredients: turkey, water, sea salt, and spices. Avoid sugar, preservatives, smoke flavoring, and other additives.

Is Applegate turkey bacon paleo?

Applegate Organic Turkey Bacon with ingredients like turkey, water, sea salt, and spices would be compliant with paleo guidelines since it has minimal additives. But as a processed meat, all bacon should be an occasional treat.

What are better paleo bacon alternatives?

Some healthier paleo bacon options are uncured pork bacon, homemade bacon from pork or turkey, and other naturally smoked meats like salmon, pork chops, or jerky.

Why is bacon not fully paleo?

Most bacon, even from quality sources, is high in sodium. The paleo diet avoids excess sodium intake. Any processed meat product is not an ideal regular part of a paleo lifestyle focused on whole, unprocessed foods.