If you’ve ever wondered “Is bacon keto-friendly?” the good news is that bacon can be a great addition to a keto diet plan. Whether you’re on a low carb diet or simply trying to eat more protein and fewer carbohydrates, bacon can be a great choice.
We’ve often wondered if the popularity of the keto diet is due to the fact that bacon is allowed! We’ve even created a roundup of the 20 best bacon keto recipes, just for our keto dieting members.
Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying delicious bacon while maintaining a ketogenic lifestyle.
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What Is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet, also known as the ketogenic diet, is a high fat, adequate protein, low carb diet that involves significantly reducing your intake of carbohydrates and increasing your intake of healthy fats.
The goal of this eating plan is to put your body in a metabolic state called ketosis, where it starts burning fat for fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. By doing so, the body can reach and maintain a state of ketosis, which can lead to weight loss and improved blood sugar levels.
When following a healthy keto diet, you typically aim to consume around 20-50 grams of total carbs per day, depending on your individual needs and goals. This is much lower than the recommended daily intake of carbs for the average person, which is around 225-325 grams.
By significantly reducing your carb intake, you force your body to use fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, which can help with weight loss and improve blood sugar levels.
If you’re a bacon lover, you’ll be happy to know that crispy bacon is definitely allowed in many keto meals!
Some people also believe that a keto diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because when your body is in a state of ketosis, it produces ketones, which can have a protective effect on the heart.
However, it’s important to note that the evidence for this is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of a keto diet on heart health.
So here’s our disclaimer: As with any diet, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your eating habits.
How Many Carbs in Bacon?
The carb count in bacon can vary depending on the brand and the type of bacon, but in general bacon is a low-carb food. (Get the complete nutrition facts about bacon.)
One slice of regular bacon typically contains just 0.1 grams of carbohydrates. This makes bacon an excellent food choice for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
However, some brands of bacon may contain added sugar or other ingredients that can increase the carb count. So, be sure to check the nutrition label before purchasing bacon at the grocery store. Choosing sugar-free bacon or uncured bacon can be a good option for keto dieters.
5 Reasons to Consider Adding Bacon to Your Keto Diet
Not only is bacon low in carbs, but it also has other health benefits that can make it an excellent addition to a ketogenic lifestyle. Here are five reasons to add bacon to your keto diet:
- High in Fat: Bacon is a high fat food that is perfect for a high-fat diet like keto. It contains both saturated and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for your health.
- Source of Protein: Bacon is also a good source of protein, with one slice of bacon containing around 3 grams of protein. This makes bacon a great way to get some protein in your diet, especially if you’re not a fan of other high-protein foods like chicken or beef.
- Contains Fatty Acids: Bacon is rich in fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve brain function.
- Promotes Weight Loss: Contrary to popular belief, eating bacon can actually help you lose weight. Bacon is a low-carb food that is also high in fat, which can help you feel full for longer and reduce cravings for high-carb foods.
- Tastes Delicious: Last but not least, bacon has so much flavor! Adding bacon to your meals can make them tastier and more enjoyable, which makes it easier to stick to a low carb lifestyle.
Best Bacon Brands for Keto
When it comes to choosing the best brands of bacon for a keto diet, there are a few things to consider. Look at the bacon nutritional labels for a brand that is both low in added sugar and high in fat content.
Here are four excellent Keto bacon brands:
- Tender Belly No-Sugar Signature Dry-Rub Uncured Bacon
- Applegate Naturals No Sugar Uncured Bacon
- Pederson’s Organic No Sugar Added Uncured Smoked Bacon
- Coleman Naturals Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
Because these bacon brands all have no added sugar, they’re an excellent choice for keto dieters.
The Best Ways to Cook Bacon on a Keto Diet
Now that you know which bacon brands to choose, let’s talk about the best ways to cook bacon on a keto diet. There are many ways to cook bacon, but some methods are more keto-friendly than others.
Cooking bacon in the oven is one of our favorite ways to enjoy bacon on a keto diet. This method allows the bacon to cook evenly and get crispy with easy cleanup and a minimum amount of fuss.
We also love the flavor of cooking bacon on the grill; this method is especially tasty for thick-sliced bacon. To enhance bacon’s smoky flavor without adding carbs, you can also cook bacon on a pellet grill.
Another keto-friendly way to cook bacon is to fry it in a skillet over medium heat on the stove. (This is our favorite frying pan for bacon.) This method allows you to control the level of crispiness in the bacon.
Can I Eat Bacon Every Day on Keto?
As bacon lovers, we totally understand this question! In fact, a man named Dan Quibell of The Bacon Experiment ate nothing but bacon for 30 days and lost almost 20 pounds!
While bacon can be a great addition to a ketogenic diet, we always remember that it is still high in calories and consume it in moderation.
Eating bacon every day on a keto diet may not be the best idea, as it could lead to overconsumption of calories which might hinder your weight loss efforts.
However, including bacon in your diet a few times a week can be a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your meals. Just make sure to balance your bacon intake with other healthy, low-carb foods like vegetables and lean protein sources.
Is Turkey Bacon Keto Friendly?
If you’re looking for a leaner alternative to regular bacon, turkey bacon can be a good option. Turkey bacon is made from turkey meat, which is lower in fat and calories than pork.
However, it’s essential to check the nutrition label before purchasing turkey bacon, as some brands may contain added sugar or other high-carb ingredients. Look for sugar-free turkey bacon that is low in carbs and high in protein. (Here’s how long turkey bacon lasts, plus storage information.)
What About Back Bacon?
Back bacon, sometimes called English bacon, is another type of bacon that you might be wondering about on a Keto diet. It’s cut from a section of the pork loin, and is typically leaner than regular bacon.
Two slices of back bacon contain around 1 gram of carbs and 12 grams of protein, making it a good option for keto dieters. However, like with any bacon product, it’s essential to check the nutrition label to make sure it’s low in added sugars and other high-carb ingredients.
In conclusion, bacon can be a great addition to a ketogenic diet, as it is low in carbs and high in fat, protein, and essential fatty acids.
When choosing bacon for your keto diet, look for brands that are low in added sugars and high in fat content. And remember to enjoy bacon in moderation, along with other healthy, low-carb foods, for the best results in weight loss and overall health.
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