Microwave ready original bacon

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Microwave ready original bacon healthy?

Microwave ready original bacon scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This microwave-ready bacon is processed but features a relatively clean ingredient list, including pork, sea salt, and cultured celery powder as a natural preservative.

How processed is Microwave ready original bacon?

Microwave ready original bacon is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Microwave ready original bacon's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pork, Cultured Celery Powder, Sea Salt count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Microwave ready original bacon

Hormel
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This microwave-ready bacon is processed but features a relatively clean ingredient list, including pork, sea salt, and cultured celery powder as a natural preservative. The use of turbinado sugar is minimal, and there are no artificial additives or seed oils present. However, the product's processing level limits its score, as it is not a minimally processed whole food.

Key ingredients 6

Pork
Good

Pork is a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients. It provides a rich amino acid profile beneficial for muscle maintenance and repair. The quality of pork can vary based on farming practices, with pasture-raised options being preferable.

Risks

Potential risks include high saturated fat content and possible contamination if not cooked properly.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential vitamins such as B12 and zinc, supporting overall health and energy levels.

See more about Pork →
Cultured Celery Powder
Good

Cultured celery powder is used as a natural preservative due to its nitrate content. It is often used in place of synthetic nitrates in processed meats. The natural origin of nitrates in celery powder is considered a cleaner alternative.

Risks

Excessive consumption of nitrates can potentially lead to health issues, but naturally occurring nitrates are generally considered safer.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and is a cleaner alternative to synthetic nitrates, reducing the risk of harmful additives.

See more about Cultured Celery Powder →
Sea Salt
Good

Sea salt is a minimally processed salt that retains trace minerals. It is often preferred over refined table salt for its mineral content. The natural sourcing and minimal processing make it a better option for seasoning.

Risks

Excessive consumption can contribute to high sodium intake, similar to regular salt.

Benefits

Provides essential minerals and is a natural source of sodium, supporting electrolyte balance and overall health.

See more about Sea Salt →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a processing aid and does not contribute significant nutritional value. It is often added to maintain moisture in processed meats. There are no health concerns associated with water as an ingredient.

See more about Water →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation in processed foods. It is a common ingredient in cured meats like bacon. Excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium needed for various bodily functions, including nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

See more about Salt →
Turbinado Sugar
Neutral

Turbinado sugar is a less refined sugar with some molasses content, used for flavoring. It is considered slightly better than refined sugar due to minimal processing. However, it still contributes to sugar intake, which should be moderated.

Risks

Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and increased risk of metabolic diseases.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of sweetness with minimal processing compared to refined sugars.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Meat and Seafood