Bacon is a beloved food for many Americans. The savory, smoky, salty cured pork product shows up in everything from breakfast plates to burgers. But can members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called Mormons, enjoy this popular food? Let’s take a look at the Mormon diet and the rules surrounding meat consumption.
The Word of Wisdom
In 1833, Mormon founder Joseph Smith said he received a revelation from God outlining health practices for the benefit of the church’s members. This guidance, found in Mormon scripture as Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, is known as the Word of Wisdom. It encourages wholesome eating habits and advises against consuming alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee.
The Word of Wisdom does not strictly prohibit members from eating any particular food. However, it does say:
“Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;”
This has led many Mormons to interpret this as counsel to eat meat in moderation. There are no specific meats, such as pork, that are prohibited.
Meat Consumption Guidance
While not banned, Mormons are encouraged to eat meat sparingly. Church leaders have clarified over the years that this means meat should be consumed in smaller portions along with ample fruits, vegetables and grains. Meat is not forbidden, but overconsumption is discouraged.
The reasoning behind this guidance includes:
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Promoting health – Diets high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and lower in red and processed meats are associated with reduced risk for various diseases. Moderating meat intake is seen as wise preventive health care.
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Conservation of resources – Raising livestock requires significant land, water and feed resources. Eating lower on the food chain helps preserve precious resources.
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Humane treatment – Consuming less meat reduces demand and the potential for inhumane practices in food production
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Following scriptural guidance – Consuming meat sparingly aligns with instructions in Doctrine and Covenants 89.
So while bacon itself is not prohibited, Mormons aim to consume all meats in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Mormon Culture and Meat Consumption
In mainstream Mormon culture in areas like Utah where the Latter-day Saint population is high, it is common for church members to enjoy meat as part of their diet. However, portions are often smaller than the large servings of meat seen in the traditional American diet.
At social gatherings, you may see more casseroles focused on grains or legumes along with smaller meat portions or meat used as a seasoning rather than the main dish. But meat consumption varies by family and region. Some Mormon families are big meat eaters while others minimize consumption or are vegetarian or vegan.
Because specific meats like pork are not prohibited, dishes with bacon are not uncommon in Mormon homes. However, they may be eaten less frequently or in smaller amounts than families without dietary guidelines.
Exceptions and Allowances
The Mormon doctrine does make certain exceptions and allowances when it comes to meat consumption:
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Illness or medical need – Those unable to maintain health without nutrient-dense meat are encouraged to consume what is necessary.
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Times of winter, cold or famine – When meat is the most viable food source due to climate or food scarcity, church members may partake freely to survive.
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Appreciation of God’s bounty – Eating meat sparingly does not mean abstaining from special holiday meals where meat is the centerpiece. Feasts can be held with thanksgiving.
So there is flexibility when circumstances warrant more meat consumption. But in general, moderation is encouraged.
Why Avoid Coffee, Tea and Alcohol But Not Bacon?
To many outside the Mormon faith, it may seem strange to prohibit coffee, tea and alcohol but not foods like bacon. However, the commandments have different origins. Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee originate from direct commandments Joseph Smith ascribed to revelations from God.
Eating meat sparingly comes from advice rather than a commandment. And that counsel is focused on overconsumption, not abstaining entirely. So while coffee and tea are proscribed, bacon is simply to be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Guidelines Can Vary By Individual
While Mormon doctrine offers guidance, individuals have freedom to decide how strictly to follow. Some Latter-day Saints are vegetarian while others eat meat at every meal. Here are some factors that affect individual choices:
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Personal interpretation – Some members see meat guidelines as flexible advice while others view it as strict doctrine.
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Health conditions – Medical needs may require special diets limiting or emphasizing certain foods.
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Family traditions – Dietary habits are often passed to children who perpetuate meat-centric or meatless cuisine.
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Regional culture – Mormons living in Asia eat differently than those in Argentina or Utah. Local cuisine influences consumption.
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Personal preference – Some members simply love meat while others prefer vegetarian fare regardless of upbringing.
Mormonism does not mandate a specific diet, simply guidelines. So meat consumption comes down to individual choice and circumstances.
The Mormon Pantry
Given counsel to eat meat sparingly and have food storage, many Mormon kitchens have a well-stocked pantry. You may find:
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Canned, dried or frozen fruits and vegetables
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Grains like wheat, rice, oats, barley and legumes like lentils, beans and peas
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Some canned or shelf-stable meats like tuna, salmon or chicken
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Dairy products like powdered milk
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Fats like oil and nut butters
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Herbs, spices and flavorings
The pantry provides ingredients to assemble healthy vegetarian meals or to supplement dishes with smaller amounts of fresh or preserved meats.
Can Mormons Eat Bacon? The Verdict
The answer comes down to personal choice. While Mormons avoid alcohol, coffee and tea for religious regions, there are no forbidden foods – simply guidance to eat meat sparingly. So bacon is not prohibited. However, it would likely be consumed in moderation by many Latter-day Saints as they aim to follow scriptural guidance. In many Mormon homes you’d find smaller portions of meats like bacon along with bountiful fruits, vegetables and grains to round out a healthy diet.
