Is Turkey Bacon Healthier?

ifTurkey bacon is more popular and more readily available in shops and supermarkets these days. The general consensus being it’s a much ‘healthier’ version than traditional (pork) bacon. But is this true? Is turkey bacon healthier?

What is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon is made by chopping or grinding turkey meat, adding seasonings and preservatives and then pressing it into strips so it resembles traditional, pork, bacon. You can cook it the same way as normal bacon, usually fry or grill, and the taste is fairly similar to that of regular bacon.

Is Turkey Bacon Healthier?

It definitely contains less calories and less saturated fat than pork bacon.
Per 100 grams;
Turkey Bacon – 350 calories and 23 grams of fat.
Pork Bacon – 450 calories and 33 grams of fat.

So yes, turkey bacon is less. But that’s still quite a lot of fat and calories for the amount of meat you are eating. So far from a healthy product.
Turkey bacon often contains more sugar than pork bacon however. This varies from brand to brand though so be sure to check. But due to the fact that there is less fat, the theory is that sugar needs to be added to create a more desirable taste.

Both turkey and pork bacon contain nitrates or nitrites to improve its shelf life. These preservatives have been shown to have links to increased risk of stomach, throat and colon cancers. So should definitely be eaten in moderation.

Both types are very high is sodium, a substance most of us eat too much of already. And which has links to increased blood pressure amongst other things.
Usually turkey bacon contains slightly less protein and slightly more carbs than pork bacon.

Should I Change To Turkey Bacon?

To be honest, you want to limit you intake of bacon whether its turkey or pork. Yes you save yourself some saturated fat and calories with the turkey bacon which is obviously a good thing particularly if you are trying to lose weight. But you are probably choosing a product that’s higher in sugar, arguably more processed and still full of preservatives.
If you can pick a better quality, more natural brand that would be better, but this idea that turkey bacon is SO much better for you unfortunately just doesn’t add up. Butf you don’t notice the difference in taste I would probably make the switch, on the basis it will reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories you consume, but with the understanding it’s still not good for you. If you prefer regular bacon and get more enjoyment form it, in all honestly I would just stick with that, cut rind/fat off of it and make sure you don’t eat it too often.