Bacon is a breakfast staple and a versatile ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. With so many options available, selecting the perfect cut can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your meals. This guide will help you navigate the choices to find the ideal bacon for your needs.
- One 16 ounce package of Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon
- Gluten free
- No MSG added
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip
- One 16 oz package of Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon
- Naturally hardwood smoked Oscar Mayer bacon
- Slow smoked with real wood
- Our smoked and sliced bacon comes from hand-trimmed cuts of pork
- Includes one 16 oz package of HORMEL BLACK LABEL Thick Cut Bacon.
- Thick cut slices that won't break apart
- Each serving has 4 g of protein and 60 calories
- Natural hardwood smoke for complex, savory flavor
- One 16 ounce package of Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip
- Feed your every day with Amazon Grocery
- One 40 ounce package of Thick Sliced Hickory Smoked Bacon
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- Feed your every day with Amazon Grocery
- One 12oz vacuum-packed, refrigerated package of hand-trimmed Smithfield Thick Cut Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon
- Hand-selected and hand-trimmed bacon made with the highest-quality Smithfield pork for delicious taste
- Thick cut for hearty taste and texture and natural hickory smoked for a robust flavor that elevates your meals
- Keep this thick cut pork bacon frozen or refrigerated until ready to use; refrigerate unused portions
- One 12oz package of Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Hometown Original Sliced Bacon
- Hickory smoked bacon is made with high-quality pork for authentic Smithfield flavor
- Hand-selected and hand-trimmed, this bacon is made with the highest-quality Smithfield pork
- Keep hickory smoked bacon frozen or refrigerated until ready to use
- Rise and Shine: Start the morning with a boost of happiness so good, it can be tasted. This Premium Hickory Smoked Bacon is thick cut for a bold, yet balanced flavor that will brighten anyone’s morning.
- The perfect family breakfast is gluten-free* and packed with at least 5 grams of protein per serving. This premium bacon helps start the day on a positive note. Gather around the table and enjoy a warm breakfast every morning.
- Enjoy breakfast just the way it’s desired. Experience the delicious aroma of smoked bacon by cooking sliced bacon in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Create a homemade breakfast by serving it with eggs and toast.
- Pair with sausage: Smoked bacon adds the perfect amount of sizzle to countless recipes and complements traditional sausage seasoned with a signature blend of spices.
- Includes one 2.52 oz. package of HORMEL BLACK LABEL Fully Cooked Bacon.
- Fully cooked, thick slices ready to eat immediately
- Quality cuts of pork are cut and rubbed with select seasonings
- Each serving has 5 g of protein and 70 calories
- One 12 oz. package of Applewood Smoked Bacon
- Gluten-free
- Great tasting bacon with the consistent quality that you have come to expect from Jimmy Dean
- Thicker cut to deliver a bold but balanced flavor
This article is part of our complete guide Grocery & Gourmet — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Bacon
Key Factors for Choosing Bacon
- Cut and Thickness: Bacon is typically cut from the pork belly. Thicker cuts, often labeled "thick-cut" or "country-style," offer a chewier texture and more substantial bite, ideal for a classic breakfast. Thinner cuts cook faster and become crispier, making them suitable for crumbling into salads or sandwiches.
- Curing Method: Bacon can be cured using dry-curing or wet-curing (brining) methods. Dry-cured bacon tends to have a more intense pork flavor and a firmer texture. Wet-cured bacon often has a slightly sweeter taste and can be a bit softer.
- Flavor Profile: Many bacons are smoked, with common smoke woods including hickory, applewood, and mesquite, each imparting a distinct aroma and taste. Unsmoked varieties are also available for a purer pork flavor. Consider your preference for smoky, sweet, or savory notes when making your selection.