Bacon

Common questions

Is Bacon healthy?

Bacon scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This bacon product is processed, which limits its score potential.

How processed is Bacon?

Bacon is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Bacon's score?

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

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Bacon

Butcher Box
75 Good

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This bacon product is processed, which limits its score potential. However, it uses relatively clean ingredients such as pork, water, and sea salt, with no artificial additives or seed oils. The presence of cultured celery powder as a natural preservative is a positive aspect, but the high salt content and processing level prevent it from scoring higher.

Key ingredients 6

Sea Salt
Good

Sea salt is a minimally processed salt that contains trace minerals. It is used for flavor and preservation in bacon. The presence of trace minerals can offer slight nutritional benefits over regular table salt.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Contains trace minerals that can provide slight nutritional benefits compared to refined salt.

See more about Sea Salt →
Pork
Neutral

Pork is a primary source of protein and fat in bacon. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients but can be high in saturated fats. The quality of pork can vary based on farming practices and feed.

Risks

High saturated fat content may contribute to cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals.

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Water
Neutral

Water is used in bacon to maintain moisture and texture. It is a neutral ingredient with no direct health impact. The presence of water helps in the curing process.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used for flavor and preservation in bacon. It is a common culinary ingredient but can contribute to high sodium intake. The use of salt is essential in the curing process of bacon.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

See more about Salt →
Cultured Celery Powder
Neutral

Cultured celery powder is used as a natural preservative in bacon. It contains naturally occurring nitrates that help in curing. The use of cultured celery powder is a natural alternative to synthetic nitrates.

Risks

Potential formation of nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures, which may be carcinogenic.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative, reducing the need for synthetic additives.

See more about Cultured Celery Powder →
Celery Powder
Neutral

Celery powder is used for its natural nitrate content, aiding in preservation. It is a natural ingredient that helps maintain the color and flavor of bacon. The use of celery powder is common in nitrate-free curing processes.

Risks

Similar to cultured celery powder, it may form nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of nitrates for preservation without synthetic additives.

See more about Celery Powder →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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