If you’re considering the Whole30, one of the first things you’ll learn is how to read labels. Immediately following will be the frustration of seeing how many things include all kinds of sugar! You’ll read it’s okay to use bacon grease to cook while on the Whole30, but then you’ll wonder “but IS there any bacon without sugar?”
Yes, there is…but you have to really look for it. I’ve identified 4 brands that have a “no sugar added” option, and they’re all just as delicious without the sugar. They’re a little more expensive. But have no fear, if you’re a sales watcher (or check here weekly), you WILL find them on sale frequently. Be ready to stock up!
Identifying bacon without sugar
I tried several brands (if I missed yours, be sure to check it)…national brands and store brands, organic brands and regular brands. Organic is great if you can afford it, but organic or not, if it still has sugar (or any of the “sneaky sugars” listed here), I wouldn’t do it.
One of these listed it ingredients on the front. All others listed theirs on the back in various places. Be diligent! Keep looking until you find it.
Be aware that uncured and organic DO NOT mean no sugar. And while being humanely raised, hormone free or without added nitrate/nitrite are all good things, they still don’t mean no sugar Here’s what I found.
Brands, who has sugar, and the cost
This is NOT an exhaustive list by any means, but I’m hoping it’s enough that you can learn what you’re looking for in a good bacon. I have put in parentheses the cost per # for each as it’s hard to really compare all these different sizes. (all pricing for Middle TN stores as of May 2022)
Wright brand
• Real Wood smoked thick cut
• $11.99/24 oz at Kroger ($7.99/#)
• $9.98/24 oz at Walmart ($6.65/#)
Hormel Natural Choice
• Original Uncured bacon
• $8.49/12 oz at Kroger ($11.32/#)
• $6.98/12 oz at Walmart ($9.31/#)
Kroger brand
• Applewood Smoked bacon
• 4.99/16 oz at Kroger ($4.99/#…this one was easy but of course it has sugar)
Simple Truth (a Kroger organic brand)
• Uncured Hardwood smoked (there are other varieties)
• $5.79/12 oz at Kroger frequently on sale for $5.49 ($7.72/# and $7.32/# respectively)
Simple Truth
• No Sugar Uncured Hardwood smoked
• $5.79/12 oz at Kroger frequently on sale for $5.49 ($7.72/# and $7.32/# respectively)
Garrett Valley Farms (not pictured as I didn’t get by Sprouts)
• $6.99/8 oz at Sprouts ($13.98/#!!!)
Pederson’s (not pictured)
• Officially Whole30 certified
• $7.99/10 oz at Sprouts ($12.78/#)
Applegate (not pictured as I didn’t go to these stores this week)
• No Sugar Uncured bacon
• $6.24/9 oz at Walmart (frozen) ($11.10/#)
• $6.49/8 oz at Target ($11.54/#)
The brands I use most
Greenfield
• $7.99/12 oz at Kroger but frequently on sale for $5.49 ($10.65/# and $7.32/# respectively)
The Butcher Shop (a Sprouts brand)
• $6.99/12 oz at Sprouts but frequently on sale for $5.99 ($9.32/# and $7.99/# respectively) (THIS IS THE ONE ON A GREAT STOCK UP SALE week of 5/18-5/24…4.99/12 oz which is $6.65/#!!!)
Bacon without sugar that DOESN’T break the bank
Well, even I learned something from this exercise. Unless The Butcher Shop No Sugar bacon from Sprouts is less than $5.99/pkg on sale (IT IS this week! GREAT STOCK UP SALE week of 5/18-5/24…4.99/12 oz which is $6.65/#!!!), I’m better off buying the Greenfield No Sugar or Simple Truth No Sugar on sale for $5.49/pkg. Every penny counts, my friends, and an unopened package of bacon freezes and defrosts quite easily! (I have been known to stock up with 10!)
Have you found another no sugar bacon that is a better deal? By all means, share in the comments below!
Want more on meat sales? Try these posts!
