Nothing says good morning on the weekend quite like the smell and sound of bacon sizzling on the stove. But let’s face it - there’s never a bad time for bacon!
Whether you’re putting it on sandwiches or in salads, sprinkling it over brussels sprouts, or anything else for that matter, you can’t get enough of it. You’re not alone, either. But not all bacon is created equal. Today, we’ll compare Canadian bacon vs bacon.
So, what's the difference between Canadian bacon and regular bacon? Really it just comes down to the cut of meat. Traditional American bacon comes from pork belly whereas Canadian bacon is pork loin. This leads to distinct differences in flavor, nutritional profile, and more.
Learn more about the nuances between traditional bacon vs Canadian bacon below. The truth is, though, each has its place. They’re so different that it’s nice to have both in your rotation.
You can buy smoked bacon and you can buy Canadian bacon right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats to experience the differences firsthand and see which you prefer. We’re confident you’ll fall in love with at least one or the other, if not both!
What is Bacon?
Bacon is a globally beloved cured meat made from the pork belly. It’s known for its rich, salty flavor and crispy texture when cooked, which has made it a staple in many cuisines for centuries.
The process of making bacon begins by curing the pork belly with salt, sugar, and sometimes other seasonings, at which point it’s smoked. This is where that distinctive depth of flavor comes from. The result is a savory meat that crisps up beautifully when fried or baked.
While it’s most commonly lumped in with other breakfast foods, you know that bacon is far more versatile than that. Sure, you can pair it with eggs, pancakes, or toast for a delicious spread in the morning - but you can also enhance sandwiches, salads, soups, and more with bacon!
No other meat offers quite as much balance between fatty, salty, and smoky elements, earning bacon a place on plates everywhere. But, let’s look at the other half of the Canadian bacon vs bacon comparison below to see how it stacks up.
What is Canadian Bacon?
Canadian bacon may be compared to traditional bacon all the time, but they’re incredibly different. In fact, Canadian bacon and ham are more closely related than Canadian bacon and American bacon!
Instead of coming from the pork belly, Canadian bacon is made from the pork loin, which is a much leaner cut of meat. This is why it more closely resembles ham than traditional streaky bacon.
This cut of meat still needs to be cured and it can be smoked as well. However, it won’t have the same crispy texture as regular bacon because it has such little fat.
It’s usually sold pre-cooked in circular slices, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or as a topping on pizzas. Its flavor is milder and slightly sweet, with a tender, juicy bite. While it’s a far cry from regular bacon, it’s still a delicious alternative when you want something leaner.
Canadian Bacon vs Bacon: What’s the Difference Between Canadian Bacon and Regular Bacon?
Before we compare and contrast bacon vs Canadian bacon below, we want to reiterate that both are great and have their place in the kitchen. That’s why we’re proud to offer both here at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
But if you’re just looking to try one or the other, it will ultimately come down to whether you want something tastier or something healthier. Here are some of the most noteworthy differences between Canadian bacon vs bacon…
Cut of Meat
The biggest difference between the two types of bacon is where they come from on the pig. Regular bacon comes from the pork belly, which is a fatty section of the pig that results in the crispy, rich strips you’ve come to know and love.
Canadian bacon, on the other hand, is made from the pork loin - a much leaner cut taken from the back of the pig. This leads to distinct differences not just in flavor but also in nutritional value.
Fat Content and Health Considerations
Since it comes from fatty pork belly, bacon inherently has a higher fat content. This is what gives it that delicious crispiness and satisfying richness - but it’s also why you need to enjoy bacon in moderation.
It’s higher in both calories and saturated fats, which may be a concern for those watching their figure or cholesterol. So if you’re looking for something a bit more in line with your dietary needs, consider Canadian bacon.
Because it is made from a far leaner cut of meat, you’ll get fewer calories and fats - while still getting a healthy serving of protein. While it may not deliver the same satisfying crunch and flavor, it’s better than nothing!
Taste and Texture
Speaking of flavor, you’ll quickly realize these are in two separate categories when trying them side by side. In fact, they don’t really taste anything alike.
You’re probably already familiar with the salty, smoky flavor and crispy, sometimes chewy texture of regular bacon. This is all thanks to the fat content, which creates that golden brown, crisply goodness as it melts.
Canadian bacon, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same fat content and thus won’t crisp up much. Sure, you can cook it more - but that’s just going to potentially burn the bacon.
You can expect a more ham-like texture and much milder flavor. It still has a subtle sweetness and a light smokiness that some people prefer to traditional bacon. It’s just a matter of personal tastes.
Uses in Cooking
Regular bacon is a versatile ingredient in countless dishes - it’s often enjoyed on its own as a breakfast side, too. Serve it alongside eggs, as a topping on burgers, in sandwiches, or crumbled into salads.
Its crispiness and rich, salty flavor can enhance everything from roasted vegetables to pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless for regular bacon.
Canadian bacon is still versatile, but not to the extent of traditional American bacon. Its circular shape and ham-like texture are a match made in heaven for breakfast sandwiches, like the classic Egg McMuffin.
It’s also a popular pizza topping, especially in dishes like Hawaiian pizza. It can even be sliced and served with eggs or incorporated into lighter dishes like salads and quiches.
Regional Preferences
You’ll find that most people in the USA - particularly, the South - prefer American bacon. It’s a staple in breakfasts and barbecues for its robust flavor and versatility.
In contrast, Canadian bacon is much more popular among our neighbors to the North, as the name suggests. That being said, it has made its way into American cuisine as well, especially for those on a more health-conscious diet.
Whether You Want Traditional Bacon or Canadian Bacon, Shop at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Hopefully this detailed Canadian bacon vs bacon comparison has left you with a clear understanding of where they differ and which is more in line with your preferences. The only way to know for sure, though, is to try both side by side - and you’ve come to the right place.
Here at Mahogany Smoked Meats we have more than 100 years of experience slow-smoking meats to perfection. A lot has changed over the past century since we first started, but we still do things the old-fashioned way - smoking small batches in the deep log pit method.
We’re the only smokehouse in the nation that uses Mahogany, as our name suggests, which imparts a unique flavor unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. Both our traditional and Canadian bacon will be a hit in your household, but these aren’t the only meats we offer:
- Best smoked turkey online
- Buy smoked pork chops
- Buy bone in ham
- Smoked sausages
- Smoked boneless ham for sale online
- Ham steaks for sale
We back up all our meats with a satisfaction guarantee - if you don’t love it, we’ll make it right. That’s how confident we are. So, what are you waiting for? Taste the differences between Canadian bacon vs bacon firsthand today!
Bringing Our Bacon vs Canadian Bacon Comparison to a Close
There you have it, all the differences between bacon and Canadian bacon. Each has its place, but the truth is, they’re both in their own categories. Regular bacon delivers a rich, crispy bite with more fat, while Canadian bacon is a leaner, milder flavor for a healthier alternative.
Our blog has more resources on how to cook smoked bacon, how to reheat smoked turkey, best way to cook smoked sausage, how long to let a turkey rest, leftover smoked turkey recipes, sides for pork chops, smoked turkey crispy skin, and how long are pork chops good in the fridge.
But whether you want to try Canadian bacon vs bacon or any of the different sausage types, remember that Mahogany Smoked Meats is your trusted choice here in California.
So, we invite you to indulge in the best of both worlds - try both our Canadian and regular bacon and see for yourself which you prefer!
