Bacon
Applegate Cured Bacon
8 oz
Score
- High in salt
- High in saturated fat
- Contains nitrites or nitrates
- No additives
Why it scores 74
Applegate Cured Bacon scores 74 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 9 points Salt 5.5 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
- minus 8 points Processed (NOVA 3): Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. Emerging
- minus 7.5 points Cultured celery powder (natural nitrite source): Provides nitrite like synthetic curing salts. Regulatory
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better bacon
-
No Sugar Uncured Turkey Bacon Applegate · 12 oz Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 26 points higher -
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry Trader Joe's · 105 g Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 95 out of 100 , 21 points higher -
Organic No Sugar Added Uncured Turkey Bacon 365 Whole Foods Market · 8 oz Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 95 out of 100 , 21 points higher -
Hardwood Smoked Uncured Beef Brisket Bacon Thousand Hills · 8 oz Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 96 out of 100 , 22 points higher -
Apple wood Smokes sugar free uncured bacon Organic 8 oz Less salt · Less saturated fat Score 89 out of 100 , 15 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Cured Bacon
Ingredients
- Cultured celery powder (natural nitrite source) minus 7.5 points
Processing
- Processed (NOVA 3) minus 8 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 14.3 g / 100 g minus 4.5 points
- Salt 5.5 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Energy 500 kcal / 100 g minus 1.5 points
- Protein 42.9 g / 100 g plus 4 points
100 − 26.5 = 73.5 → 74
Can’t score above 79. High in fat, saturated fat and salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [7]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35.7 g |
| Saturated fat | 14.3 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 42.9 g |
| Salt | 5.5 g |
Serving: 2 pan fried slices (14 g)
Ingredients
Label text, as published
PORK, WATER, SEA SALT, CULTURED CELERY POWDER
Allergens and diets
Contains: Celery
- Not vegan
- Not vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More bacon on GoodSwap
-
Bacon Crumbles Kirkland Signature · 20 oz High in saltHigh in saturated fatContains nitrites or nitratesContains added sugars Score 31 out of 100 Poor -
SMART BACON Plant-Based Bacon Lightlife · 5 oz Ultra-processedHigh in saltContains added sugarsContains emulsifiers studied for gut effects Score 35 out of 100 Poor -
Hickory Smoked Uncured Sunday Bacon Applegate Naturals · 14 g High in saltHigh in saturated fatContains added sugarsNo additives Score 61 out of 100 Good -
Bacon Crumbles Kirkland Signature · 567 g High in saltHigh in saturated fatContains nitrites or nitratesContains added sugars Score 39 out of 100 Poor -
Lower Sodium Bacon Oscar Mayer · 16 oz High in saltHigh in saturated fatContains nitrites or nitratesContains added sugars Score 39 out of 100 Poor -
No Sugar Thick Cut Smoked Uncured Bacon Greenfield Natural Meat Co. · 12 oz High in saltHigh in saturated fatContains nitrites or nitratesNo additives Score 75 out of 100 Good
More from Applegate
Sources
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Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–142 (List of Classifications)
monographs.iarc.who.int
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“the presence of nitrites and nitrates in foods can give rise to the formation of nitrosamines some of which are carcinogenic.”
eur-lex.europa.eu
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Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
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“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk