The truth is there is little practical difference between cured and uncured bacon in terms of health. Both are cured in the true sense of the word, meaning they are preserved. The use of the labels “cured” and “uncured” on processed meats results from Department of Agriculture labeling regulations.

35 Calories 35 Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

While uncured bacon is still cured bacon, it undergoes a much different process. A process that is better for you and much more flavorful! Simply put, uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with synthetically-sourced nitrates and nitrites.

Cured bacon uses artificial nitrates, while uncured bacon uses natural nitrates. Uncured bacon can be saltier than cured bacon. The pork belly in uncured bacon sits in salt brine for longer during the curing process since artificial nitrates cure the pork belly faster.

Compared to traditional pork bacon, chicken bacon is generally lower in fat and calories, and may be a good option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative.

6 g protein per serving. Gluten free. 60% less fat than pork bacon (Than USDA data for cooked pork bacon). 40% less sodium (Fat is reduced from 5.2 g to 1.9 g, sodium is reduced from 263 mg to 150 mg per 12 g serving).

No, it's not safe to eat raw bacon. Even though bacon has been preserved through the curing process, it has not been cooked. Like other foods you should never eat raw, consuming raw or undercooked meat puts you at risk of foodborne illness from viruses, bacteria or parasites.

Uncured bacon is a misnomer. It's still cured (or preserved) using natural nitrates found in celery instead of artificial nitrates, but that doesn't mean you should fry up a sizzling stack. Evidence is still conflicting whether plant-based nitrates are less harmful than synthetic sodium nitrite.

The truth is, all bacon must be cured before consumption. While uncured bacon is still cured bacon, it undergoes a much different process. A process that is better for you and much more flavorful! Simply put, uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with synthetically-sourced nitrates and nitrites.

No, it's not safe to eat raw bacon. Even though bacon has been preserved through the curing process, it has not been cooked. Like other foods you should never eat raw, consuming raw or undercooked meat puts you at risk of foodborne illness from viruses, bacteria or parasites.

So is uncured bacon better for you than bacon cured with nitrites? Not by much. It's still unknown if the natural nitrites found in celery are less harmful than those added to cured bacon. And bacon still ranks high in salt and saturated fat content, both of which should be limited to decrease risk of heart disease.

Like most foods, bacon isn't all bad, however. “Bacon is high in protein, and it provides a good amount of B vitamins,” says Grace Derocha, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).