Turkey bacon is a type of meat crafted from chopped, formed, cured and smoked turkey; it’s often promoted as a low-fat alternative to pork bacon.
Turkey bacon may contain fewer calories and less saturated fat than pork bacon, but it should still be consumed in moderation. Furthermore, it contains nitrates and nitrites which may increase cancer risks for some individuals.
Turkey Bacon Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 60.
- Fat: 4.2g.
- Sodium: 328mg.
- Carbohydrates: 0.7g.
- Fiber: 0g.
- Sugars: 0.7g.
- Protein: 4.8g.
Sodium
Bacon, like many other processed meat products, is high in sodium and saturated fat. Eating too much of it may raise blood pressure, put you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes if consumed in excess.
Experts generally suggest limiting your consumption of processed meats to reduce these potential health risks. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to traditional bacon that offer the same flavor and satisfaction without the potential downsides.
Turkey bacon contains less fat than pork and is also lower in calories, making it a suitable option for those on a low-calorie diet. Furthermore, turkey bacon provides essential nutrients like vitamin B-12 which supports the health of your nervous system.
Even low-sodium turkey bacon contains sodium, which may increase your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease if consumed in excess. Therefore, if you’re concerned about salt intake, opt for reduced-sodium options instead of regular turkey bacon.
Saturated Fat
Turkey bacon is made by processing ground turkey into a blend of light and dark meat from different parts of the bird. After seasoning and salting to taste like bacon, this ground turkey mixture is then processed for consumption.
Turkey bacon contains less saturated fat than pork bacon, but still provides too much cholesterol for a nutritious diet.
Turkey bacon has a higher sodium content, which may be detrimental to heart health. A two-ounce portion of turkey bacon contains 328 mg of sodium.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium consumption to 1,500 milligrams per day, so eating turkey bacon can quickly add up in terms of your daily allowance.
Turkey bacon may have fewer calories and saturated fat than pork, it is still a highly processed meat product. To maximize your health benefits from turkey bacon, limit yourself to a small portion and pair it with healthy foods.
If you do choose to eat turkey bacon, look for nitrate-free varieties; this can help ensure you stay within daily saturated fat and sodium limits.
Calories
Turkey bacon is a meat product often marketed as healthier than regular pork bacon. It’s made by shaping chopped turkey meat into strips that look and taste just like regular bacon, then seasoning and preserving it to enhance its flavor.
Turkey bacon may be lower in calories and saturated fat than pork bacon, but it still contains plenty of sodium that should be consumed with moderation. Excess sodium has been known to raise the risk for heart disease, kidney stones and other health complications.
Saturated fat should also be monitored, as it increases levels of bad cholesterol in your bloodstream and may contribute to cardiovascular disease. According to Harvard School of Public Health, you should limit your daily consumption of saturated fat to no more than 7 percent of total calories eaten.
When searching for a low-sodium turkey bacon alternative, look for brands that do not contain synthetic preservatives. Additionally, if you are allergic to nitrates, steer clear of turkey bacon altogether.
Protein
If you’re searching for a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon could be your ideal option. It contains fewer calories and less saturated fat than its pork counterpart, making it popular with those on low calorie diets or who abstain from eating pork due to religious or cultural reasons.
However, it’s essential to remember that turkey bacon is still a processed meat product with high salt and saturated fat levels; therefore, it should only be consumed in moderation.
Protein is an essential nutrient for human health, and turkey bacon provides approximately 17 grams of it per two-ounce serving. Pork bacon offers slightly more at 20 grams per two-ounce portion.
Turkey bacon provides essential amino acids, essential for proper body functioning and growth. Not only does it keep muscles strong and lean, but it can also reduce inflammation within the body.
Recipes That Use Turkey Bacon
There are many recipes that use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. Here are some examples:
- Very Veggie Crustless Quiche: This recipe from My Food and Family features turkey bacon, eggs, and vegetables for a healthy and delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
- Bacon-Potato Salad: This recipe from My Food and Family uses turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for a lighter version of a classic dish.
- Turkey Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese: This recipe from Yummly combines turkey bacon, avocado, and cheese for a tasty and satisfying sandwich.
- Turkey Bacon and Sweet Potato Hash: This recipe from Yummly features turkey bacon, sweet potatoes, and eggs for a hearty and healthy breakfast.
- Turkey Bacon and Spinach Salad: This recipe from Yummly uses turkey bacon, spinach, and feta cheese for a flavorful and nutritious salad.
- Turkey Bacon and Hummus Sandwich: This recipe from HuffPost combines turkey bacon and hummus for a tasty and healthy sandwich option.
- Turkey Bacon and Tomato Pasta: This recipe from Southern Living uses turkey bacon, tomatoes, and pasta for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
These recipes demonstrate the versatility of turkey bacon and how it can be used in a variety of dishes for a healthier twist on classic recipes.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Oven
To cook turkey bacon in the oven, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. change it
- Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a wire rack for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the turkey bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet or wire rack.
- Bake the turkey bacon for approximately 8-15 minutes, depending on personal preferences for chewy or crispy bacon.
- Flip the bacon strips once halfway through for added crispiness.
- Check the bacon frequently to ensure it does not burn.
- Remove the bacon from the oven when it is brown and crispy.
- Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and personal preferences for chewy or crispy bacon.
