Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon, is a lean cut of cured pork loin that originates from Canada. It’s quite different from the fatty American-style bacon Brits are accustomed to. While not as readily available in the UK, Canadian bacon can be found in some grocery stores and online shops if you know where to look.
In this guide we’ll cover exactly where you can buy Canadian bacon in the UK, both in stores and online. We’ll also suggest some alternative bacons you can try if you can’t find authentic Canadian bacon.
Buying Canadian Bacon at UK Supermarkets
Canadian bacon is slowly gaining popularity in the UK, so some major supermarket chains have started stocking it
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Tesco – Tesco sells their own 250g packs of sliced Canadian bacon at larger stores, It’s cured pork loin sourced from EU countries
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Sainsbury’s – You can find 200g packs of Sainsbury’s Canadian bacon at some locations. It’s described as extra lean back bacon.
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Morrisons – Morrisons sells Canadian bacon imported from the Netherlands in 200g packs under The Best brand.
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Waitrose – Waitrose offers 250g packs of maple-cured Canadian bacon sourced from EU countries.
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Marks & Spencer – M&S stocks their own 250g Canadian bacon packs made from British pork.
So check the chilled bacon sections at those major supermarket chains, especially the premium/gourmet areas. Stock can be hit or miss based on location.
Order Canadian Bacon Online
For a wider selection, shopping online is your best bet for finding Canadian bacon from specialty producers:
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Hallsford Farm – This Cumbrian farm sells 190g packs of dry-cured Canadian bacon for £3.61.
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Cobble Lane – You can buy 200g of smoked or unsmoked Canadian bacon cured with maple syrup from this British artisan.
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Farmer Sharp – They offer 200g packs of dry-cured Canadian bacon from their farm in Yorkshire.
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Amazon UK – Search for “Canadian bacon” on Amazon and you’ll find a few imported options, like 100g packs from Maple Leaf Foods.
The benefit of ordering online is you can buy Canadian bacon from quality local producers and have it delivered across the UK. Just note that some smaller farms may have limited stock that sells out quickly.
Where to Buy Canadian Bacon Locally
If you want to pick up Canadian bacon in person, here are some options based on location:
In London
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Ginger Pig – They sell Canadian bacon at their London butcher shops. It’s dry cured using their own recipe.
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Jones Family Farms – This farmer’s market vendor offers Canadian bacon cured with maple syrup.
In Yorkshire
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Swales Smokehouse – Available at their farm shop in North Yorkshire. They cold smoke Canadian bacon on site.
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Yorkshire Dama Cheese – Their farm shop sells Canadian bacon from pigs raised outdoors.
In Cumbria/Lake District
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Hawshead Relish Company – Stocks Canadian bacon at their shop in the Lake District.
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Hartsop Village Stores – Sells Canadian bacon from Grizedale Fox smokehouse.
In Scotland
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Shattock Farm Shop – Located in Dumfries, they sell Canadian bacon from their own pigs.
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Peelham Farm Shop – This East Lothian farm shop offers smoked Canadian bacon.
Check your area for local butchers, delis, markets and farm shops that may carry Canadian bacon from regional producers. Calling ahead to ask is recommended.
What to Try if You Can’t Find Canadian Bacon
If you strike out finding authentic Canadian bacon, these UK alternatives have a similar lean, tender taste and texture:
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Back bacon – This British cut comes from the same pork loin region. Opt for dry-cured over brine-cured.
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Gammon steaks – Cut from the hind leg, gammon offers comparable leanness.
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Middle bacon – Middle cuts have some meaty loin attached to the belly.
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Collar bacon – Made from the collar region near the loin, it’s lean like Canadian.
While it may take some searching, you can definitely find quality Canadian bacon from small British producers here in the UK. Check premium grocers, online butchers, local farms, or order it online from trusted suppliers. With its leaner and tender texture, Canadian bacon makes an excellent addition to breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Trying Every Type Of Bacon | The Big Guide | Epicurious
Can You Buy British bacon in the US?
For the rest of this story, keep in mind that the terminology used here doesn’t mean you can’t buy British bacon in the US, or that Canadian bacon cannot be found anywhere else. It’s just the most common bacon for that country. American bacon is made from the belly of a pig.
What is Canadian bacon?
The loin is quite a tender piece of meat and is used to make Canadian style bacon, with quite a lot fat content. Even though Americans call this bacon Canadian bacon, most other countries, including Canada, will refer to it as back bacon, since the meat comes from the back of the pig.
What is the difference between British bacon and Canadian bacon?
British bacon, on the other hand, comes from the loin which is a much leaner cut. In fact, British bacon is from the same cut as pork tenderloin. This is also where bacon gets its name; it is cut from the back of the animal (think “back-on”). British bacon is very similar to Canadian bacon, though it is fattier around the edges.
Where can I find British bacon?
You can find British bacon in the United States if you look for a package labeled back bacon, but British bacon is technically not bacon here in America. Disgruntled Brits can take it up with the U.S.D.A.
Does Canadian bacon come fully cooked?
Our Canadian Bacon will arrive fully cooked and can be gently warmed as an entrée or sliced thin for the absolute best Eggs Benedict. Hands down. To Store: Refrigerate immediately. To Serve: Smoked Canadian bacon is fully cooked and ready to serve, hot or cold. Skillet: Melt 1 tbsp. butter in skillet.
What is British bacon?
British bacon isn’t made up of long thin strands of bacon. Instead, it is round and lacks those characteristic long stripes of fat interspersed throughout. Little did you know, that there are actually a lot of different types of bacon! Bacon has been made in the UK for centuries (and most likely in many more countries).