The taste of bacon has sparked quite a debate among food enthusiasts. When I took on the task of conducting a taste test, I did so eagerly, fueled by my love for bacon and confident in my ability to gather willing volunteers to assist me in identifying the top contender. What the testing process revealed was that while bacon is universally enjoyed, determining the ultimate winner is far from straightforward.
For instance, my personal preference leans towards bacon that is extra crispy, cut thick enough to maintain its structure, and devoid of excessive grease, with a distinct bacon flavor that is unmistakable. Surprisingly, not all the bacon varieties we tested met these criteria. Some testers, on the other hand, prioritized the size of the strip and favored a chewier texture over a crispy one.
Given the diverse opinions among the testers, I had to reconsider how the results were presented. The outcome, as you’ll soon discover, was quite unexpected, with a few well-known brands emerging as frontrunners. Below, you will find a list of the bacon brands we tested, along with our evaluations.
**Sara Haas**
**Criteria for Selecting Bacon to Test:**
To ensure fairness, I selected bacon readily available at major grocery store chains, including store-brand options from Whole Foods, Aldi, Target, and Costco. I opted for full-fat bacon without any added flavors, sweeteners, or salt reduction as indicated on the packaging. For brands offering multiple types, I chose the most standard preparation, typically smoked and labeled as “hickory” or “applewood.” Additionally, upon request, I included two thick-cut bacon brands among the selection.
**Cooking Method for Bacon:**
To achieve perfectly crispy bacon for the taste test, I employed a chef-approved technique by baking the bacon in the oven. I lined a baking sheet with foil and placed an oven-safe wire rack on top. The bacon strips were arranged on the rack and baked at 400 degrees F for approximately 20 minutes.
**Bacon Testing Procedure:**
A blind taste test was conducted, with testers unaware of the brand of bacon they were sampling. Each slice was numbered and presented on a plate for evaluation. Testers were asked to rank the bacon from least to most preferred without specific guidelines provided, with the expectation that they substantiate their choices at the end of the testing session.
**Results of the Taste Test:**
To streamline the findings, I have categorized the bacon varieties into three groups: the Basic Bottom, the Average Joes, and the Winners. Each category is explained below.
**The Basic Bottom:**
Bacon falling into this category was deemed either unappetizing or underwhelming by the testers, unanimously agreeing they would not repurchase these options.
10th Place: Hormel
Hormel ranked the lowest, with feedback ranging from “extremely unsatisfactory” to “tasting overwhelmingly of fat.” Its greasy
After assessing numerous bacon brands, it turned out that not all bacon is created equal. The results were in, and while some bacons were deemed “fine” or “pretty good,” only a select few stood out as the true winners in terms of taste, texture, and overall quality. Let’s dive into the rankings to see which bacon brands sizzled their way to the top spots.
In seventh place, we have Smithfield’s bacon, evaluated by Sara Haas. While some testers found the flavor to be decent, the excessive greaseiness prevented it from climbing higher in the rankings. The grease factor proved to be the downfall for this brand, landing it in the bottom tier.
Moving up the ladder to sixth place, we find Whole Foods’ 365 brand of bacon. Testers noted that this bacon appeared less fatty compared to others, but the surprise came post-cooking when it turned out to be quite greasy. Despite its meaty texture, the lack of standout flavor left testers feeling underwhelmed, earning it a middle-of-the-road ranking.
Sliding into fifth place is Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon. While this thick-cut variety garners high praise online, our testers failed to share the enthusiasm. Though the cost-effectiveness of getting three pounds for a reasonable price might be enticing, the flavor didn’t quite hit the mark. Described as meaty but lacking in taste, this bacon secured a modest fifth place.
In fourth place sits Applegate’s bacon, which delivered on crispiness but fell short in the flavor department. While it satisfied expectations of a classic breakfast bacon, it lacked that extra punch to propel it into the top rankings.
Now, let’s unveil the top contenders in the bacon showdown. In third place, we have Wright’s bacon, the winning thick-cut variety. With its meaty, smoky, chewy profile reminiscent of a bacon-jerky hybrid, this bacon offered a hearty and flavorful experience that garnered high praise from our testers.
Earning the runner-up spot is Trader Joe’s bacon, praised for its buttery taste, crispy texture, and well-balanced salt level that enhanced the porky bacon flavor. This brand proved to be a strong competitor, coming close to claiming the top spot.
Finally, the crown for the best bacon goes to Aldi’s Appleton Farms brand, as affirmed by all testers. This bacon stood out for its perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and lack of excessive grease. With its delightful saltiness and a hint of smokiness, this bacon emerged as the clear winner. What’s more, its affordability at under $4.50 per pound made it an even sweeter victory for Aldi. It’s no wonder why this brand stole the show and captured the hearts (and taste buds) of our testers.
