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Pork Bacon vs. Canadian Bacon — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on July 17, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan Article author photo Astghik Baghinyan
Pork bacon
vs
Canadian bacon

Summary

Traditional pork bacon contains nearly 13 times more fat and 4 times more calories when compared to Canadian bacon. Although they have similar amounts of various vitamins, Canadian bacon contains around 2 times more vitamin B1, while traditional pork bacon contains around 3 times more vitamin B12

Both traditional pork bacon and Canadian bacon are a type of red meat which is associated with negative health impact. Still, Canadian bacon is relatively lower in calories, fats, and sodium, and hence, seems to be the healthier option

Introduction

In this article, we will compare Canadian or Canadian-style bacon to what we usually refer to as pork bacon, although in reality, both are pork-based. We will also dive into the nutritional composition of both kinds of bacon as well as explore their impact on health. 

Overview of Differences

Whereas both types of bacon are made of pork, when we refer to Canadian bacon, we refer to bacon derived from the pork loin. This usually comes from the back of the pork. In contrast, the pork bacon we usually buy is derived from pork belly.

Therefore, while both types of bacon are derived from pork, the primary distinction lies in the specific pork cut used in their production, leading to notable variations in nutritional profile.

Visually, these two types of bacon are readily distinguishable from each other. Traditional pork bacon showcases a distinctive fat layer, whereas Canadian bacon predominantly consists of lean meat with minimal fat content.

Nutritional Content Comparison

In this section, we will explore the nutritional differences between the two types of bacon in their cooked forms – pan-fried Canadian bacon and baked pork bacon. Please note that cooking methods do alter the nutritional compositions of food.

The serving size for bacon is usually 1-3 slices. For Canadian bacon, one cooked slice is usually 13.8 grams, while for traditional pork bacon, it is 8.1 grams

To make the comparison easier, we will be referring to 100 grams of each, but do keep in mind that the actual serving sizes are way less than that. 

Macronutrients and Calories

The macronutrient compositions of traditional pork bacon and Canadian bacon are vastly different, as shown in the graphs below. 

Whereas pan-fried Canadian bacon consists of 63% of water, baked, traditional pork bacon consists of only 13% of water

Moreover, whereas Canadian bacon consists of only 3% fat, pork bacon contains around 43% of fat

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
36% 43% 13% 7%
Protein: 35.73 g
Fats: 43.27 g
Carbs: 1.35 g
Water: 12.52 g
Other: 7.13 g
28% 3% 2% 63% 5%
Protein: 28.31 g
Fats: 2.78 g
Carbs: 1.8 g
Water: 62.5 g
Other: 4.61 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +26.2%
Contains more FatsFats +1456.5%
Contains more OtherOther +54.7%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +33.3%
Contains more WaterWater +399.2%

Proteins

Pork bacon is slightly richer in protein compared to Canadian bacon. 

Per 100 grams of serving, Canadian bacon contains 28.3g of protein, while pork bacon contains 35.7g. 

If you are looking for more high-protein foods, explore our food search engine with the “High in Protein” search filter. 

Carbs

Neither traditional pork bacon nor Canadian bacon is particularly rich in carbohydrates. 

Fats

The fat content is the most significant difference between these two foods. Bacon contains nearly 13 times more fat compared to Canadian bacon. 

Being prepared from pork meat, these foods are rich in fat content. Per 100-gram serving, traditional pork bacon contains 35.7g of total lipid fat; in comparison, Canadian bacon is leaner and contains 2.78g of fat. 

If we take a look at the fat-type comparison charts below, we can notice that the percentage distribution of each type of fat is quite similar; however, the actual amounts in grams are much higher in traditional pork bacon

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
37% 50% 13%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 14.187 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 19.065 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 4.859 g
37% 45% 17%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.039 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 1.255 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.485 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +1419.1%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +901.9%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -92.7%
  

Regarding a comparison between a leaner and a fattier pork cut, you can consider reading this article which compares pork shoulder to pork belly

Calories

There is a significant contrast in calorie content between these two types of bacon. Pork bacon contains approximately four times the amount of calories compared to Canadian bacon. 

Per 100 grams of serving, pork bacon contains 548 calories, whereas Canadian bacon contains 146 calories

Vitamins

Both Canadian bacon and traditional pork bacon contain adequate amounts of various vitamins. 

The predominant vitamins found in both are B-complex vitamins, which include vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, and vitamin B1. Although most of these vitamins are in similar amounts, Canadian bacon contains around 2 times more vitamin B1, while traditional pork bacon contains around 3 times more vitamin B12 when compared to each other. 

While exploring the vitamin and mineral infographics, keep in mind that the actual numbers in grams are given for a much higher serving (300 grams) for better visual representation.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 2.2% 6.4% 0% 87% 58% 199% 62% 71% 145% 0.25% 1.5% 65%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 0% 8.2% 6% 167% 43% 187% 43% 65% 54% 0.5% 3% 57%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +35.7%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +43.5%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +169.8%
Contains more CholineCholine +13.8%
Contains more Vitamin E Vitamin E +28.1%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +92.2%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +100%
Contains more FolateFolate +100%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg
~equal in Vitamin B3 ~9.988mg
~equal in Vitamin B6 ~0.28mg
 

Minerals

The mineral composition seems to be slightly in favor of traditional pork bacon

Traditional pork bacon contains more selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and iron, while Canadian bacon contains more potassium.

Both types of bacon are very high in sodium, but traditional pork bacon contains 2 times more sodium than Canadian bacon. Per 100 grams of serving, there are 2190 mg of sodium in pork bacon and 993mg of sodium in Canadian bacon.

 Their mineral distribution is displayed in the diagrams below. 

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 21% 3% 48% 56% 61% 92% 217% 286% 2.9% 322%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 2.1% 88% 21% 21% 47% 132% 130% 2.1% 275%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +42.9%
Contains more IronIron +166.1%
Contains more CopperCopper +188.9%
Contains more ZincZinc +94.2%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +63.8%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +37.5%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +17.1%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +85.3%
Contains less SodiumSodium -54.7%
~equal in Magnesium ~27mg
 

Health Impact

Adverse Health Impacts of Red Meat

It is important to understand what type of meat is pork meat. Is it red meat or white meat? This article explains in detail the difference and the category that pork meat classifies in. 

In short, pork is classified as red meat, which can be associated with several adverse health impacts, further explained in the linked article. 

Metabolic Health

Consumption of leaner pork, in this case, Canadian bacon, compared to fatty cuts of pork, is linked with body recomposition associated with overall fat loss. Protein consumption has a high satiety index meaning that overall caloric restrictions will be taking place and result in fat loss. In turn, when we have decreased weight and a leaner composition, we decrease the risks of multiple metabolic diseases, including diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Overall decreasing mortality rates (1, 2). Hence, traditional, high-fat bacon should be consumed carefully to manage the risk of type 2 diabetes.

However, one research indicates that overall red meat consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular health diseases no matter what the fat composition is (3).

Sodium – The Silent Killer 

High sodium consumption is linked with an increased risk of hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of mortality from cardiovascular illnesses (4).

Since both of these types of bacon are high in sodium, consumption should be moderated.

Cancer

Red meat is considered a carcinogen that increases the risk of colorectal cancer (5). 

Traditional Pork Bacon or Canadian Bacon? Which One is Healthier? 

Traditional pork bacon is a type of red meat, relatively higher in calories, fats, and sodium, which may increase the risk of overall mortality from various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand, Canadian bacon is also a type of red meat with the same risks as traditional pork bacon. Still, it contains relatively fewer calories, less sodium, and fats, and hence, Canadian bacon seems to be the healthier option.

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: July 17, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan

Infographic

Pork bacon vs Canadian bacon infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Pork bacon Canadian bacon
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Pork bacon Canadian bacon Opinion
Calories 548kcal 146kcal Pork bacon
Protein 35.73g 28.31g Pork bacon
Fats 43.27g 2.78g Pork bacon
Net carbs 1.35g 1.8g Canadian bacon
Carbs 1.35g 1.8g Canadian bacon
Cholesterol 107mg 67mg Canadian bacon
Vitamin D 9IU Canadian bacon
Magnesium 30mg 27mg Pork bacon
Calcium 10mg 7mg Pork bacon
Potassium 539mg 999mg Canadian bacon
Iron 1.49mg 0.56mg Pork bacon
Sugar 0g 1.2g Pork bacon
Copper 0.182mg 0.063mg Pork bacon
Zinc 3.36mg 1.73mg Pork bacon
Phosphorus 506mg 309mg Pork bacon
Sodium 2193mg 993mg Canadian bacon
Vitamin A 37IU 0IU Pork bacon
Vitamin A RAE 11µg 0µg Pork bacon
Vitamin E 0.32mg 0.41mg Canadian bacon
Vitamin D 0.2µg Canadian bacon
Manganese 0.022mg 0.016mg Pork bacon
Selenium 59µg 50.4µg Pork bacon
Vitamin B1 0.348mg 0.669mg Canadian bacon
Vitamin B2 0.251mg 0.185mg Pork bacon
Vitamin B3 10.623mg 9.988mg Pork bacon
Vitamin B5 1.033mg 0.72mg Pork bacon
Vitamin B6 0.309mg 0.28mg Pork bacon
Vitamin B12 1.16µg 0.43µg Pork bacon
Vitamin K 0.1µg 0.2µg Canadian bacon
Folate 2µg 4µg Canadian bacon
Trans Fat 0g 0.008g Pork bacon
Choline 119.3mg 104.8mg Pork bacon
Saturated Fat 14.187g 1.039g Canadian bacon
Monounsaturated Fat 19.065g 1.255g Pork bacon
Polyunsaturated fat 4.859g 0.485g Pork bacon
Tryptophan 0.299mg 0.332mg Canadian bacon
Threonine 1.399mg 1.226mg Pork bacon
Isoleucine 1.676mg 1.32mg Pork bacon
Leucine 2.782mg 2.294mg Pork bacon
Lysine 2.964mg 2.479mg Pork bacon
Methionine 0.795mg 0.764mg Pork bacon
Phenylalanine 1.417mg 1.158mg Pork bacon
Valine 1.901mg 1.41mg Pork bacon
Histidine 1.343mg 1.134mg Pork bacon
Omega-3 - DHA 0g 0.001g Canadian bacon
Omega-3 - ALA 0.21g 0.011g Pork bacon
Omega-3 - DPA 0g 0.006g Canadian bacon
Omega-3 - Eicosatrienoic acid 0.003g Canadian bacon
Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid 0g 0.001g Canadian bacon
Omega-6 - Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid 0.008g Canadian bacon
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0.199g 0.014g Pork bacon
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 4.088g 0.36g Pork bacon

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Pork bacon Canadian bacon
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
54%
Pork bacon
49%
Canadian bacon
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
111%
Pork bacon
74%
Canadian bacon

Comparison summary

Which food is richer in minerals?
Pork bacon
Pork bacon is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Pork bacon
Pork bacon is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.2g)
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Canadian bacon
Canadian bacon is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 40mg)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Canadian bacon
Canadian bacon contains less Sodium (difference - 1200mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Canadian bacon
Canadian bacon is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 13.148g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Canadian bacon
Canadian bacon is lower in glycemic index (difference - 0)
Which food is cheaper?
?
The foods are relatively equal in price ($)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Pork bacon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167914/nutrients
  2. Canadian bacon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168383/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.