Bacon has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. The satisfying sizzle, the smoky aroma, the crispy yet chewy texture—it‘s no wonder this porky product has achieved cult status. But as any savvy shopper knows, bringing home the bacon can get pricey if you‘re not careful.
That‘s where Aldi comes in. This budget grocery favorite has earned a reputation for quality staples at unbeatable prices—and their bacon selection is no exception. As a curious cook and deal-seeker myself, I decided to dive deep into the world of Aldi bacon and bring you the sizzling details.
From everyday value packs to specialty flavors, Aldi offers plenty of options to keep your bacon cravings satisfied without breaking the bank. Let‘s take a closer look at the selection, prices, quality, and more.
Aldi‘s Bacon Selection: Variety from Value to Gourmet
Aldi may be known for its compact stores and curated selection, but they don‘t skimp when it comes to bacon. On a typical Aldi run, you‘ll spot over a dozen varieties in the refrigerated section under private labels like Appleton Farms, Never Any!, and Ole Carolina. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
Appleton Farms:
- Gourmet Butcher Sliced Center Cut Bacon
- Gourmet Thick Sliced Peppered & Maple Bacon
- Gourmet Thick Sliced Flavored Bacon (Hickory Smoked, Maple, Peppercorn, Applewood)
- Lower Sodium Bacon
- Thick Cut Bacon
- Fully Cooked Bacon
Never Any!:
- Uncured Hickory Bacon
- Turkey Bacon
Ole Carolina:
- Sliced Hickory Smoked Bacon
Appleton Farms is Aldi‘s mainstay brand, with options ranging from basic sliced bacon to gourmet thick-cut flavors like applewood and peppercorn. I appreciate that they offer a lower sodium option for the health-conscious, as well as fully cooked bacon for convenience.
For shoppers seeking an uncured option made with minimal ingredients, Aldi‘s Never Any! line delivers. Both the uncured hickory pork and turkey bacons are made without nitrates, antibiotics, or animal by-products.
Ole Carolina appears to be Aldi‘s value bin pick, with no-frills hickory smoked bacon at a rock-bottom price (more on that later). While the selection is robust, I‘d love to see Aldi expand into bacon made from heritage pork breeds—an area where competitors like Whole Foods have an edge for sustainability-minded shoppers.
Show Me the Savings: Aldi Bacon Price Comparison
Of course, the real reason most of us shop at Aldi is for the prices. Bacon is no exception—Aldi‘s everyday prices on bacon are consistently lower than competitors. To put some numbers to it, I visited my local Aldi, Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods to compare prices for a standard 12-ounce package of sliced bacon:
| Store | Bacon Price (12 oz) | Price per oz |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi Appleton Farms | $2.99 | $0.25 |
| Walmart Great Value | $3.64 | $0.30 |
| Kroger Simple Truth Natural Hickory | $4.49 | $0.37 |
| Whole Foods 365 Uncured | $5.99 | $0.50 |
As you can see, Aldi beats out even Walmart pricing by about 17%. The difference is even more stark compared to Kroger and Whole Foods, where you‘ll pay a premium of 48% to 100% for a comparable product.
It‘s worth noting that Aldi prices do vary by location. In my area, a 12-ounce pack of Aldi‘s regular sliced bacon runs $2.99, but I‘ve seen prices as low as $2.49 and as high as $3.79 reported in other regions. Even at the higher end of that range, Aldi still comes out ahead.
These everyday low prices are just the start though. Aldi really shines with its weekly Aldi Finds rotating promotions, which frequently feature bacon for $1 to $2 off the regular price. I always stock up when I spot bacon on sale for $1.99 or less—at that price, you can bring home a pound of quality bacon for less than the cost of a latte.
According to a 2020 retail report by the Pork Checkoff, the average retail price for sliced bacon is $5.53 per pound ($0.35 per ounce). Aldi‘s typical $2.99 price point comes in at a mere $0.25 per ounce—about 30% lower than the national average. And when you catch an Aldi promo, you could be paying half of what other retailers charge per ounce.
The one catch? Aldi doesn‘t accept manufacturer coupons like most grocery stores. But given their rock-bottom regular prices and promotions, I doubt you‘ll miss clipping those 50-cent coupons.
Taste Test: Putting Aldi Bacon to the Quality Test
We‘ve established that Aldi bacon is easy on the wallet, but how does it actually taste? To find out, I put Aldi‘s bacon to the test in my own kitchen.
First up, the Appleton Farms Sliced Bacon. Upon opening the package, I was pleased to see a good ratio of meat to fat, with very few of those annoying "ends and pieces" that you sometimes get with cheap bacon. The slices crisped up nicely in the skillet, releasing an appetizing aroma and developing the classic reddish-brown color you want. The taste was classic bacon—salty, smoky, and savory. For the price, I was more than satisfied.
Next, I sampled the Never Any! Uncured Hickory Bacon. Made without nitrates or phosphates, I appreciate the shorter, cleaner ingredient list on this one. The flavor was a bit more complex than the standard Appleton Farms, with a hint of sweetness from the hickory smoke. The texture was a little chewier, but still crisp. At around $4.50 a package, it‘s pricier than Aldi‘s other options but still a value for an uncured bacon.
Finally, in the interest of due diligence, I picked up a pack of the Ole Carolina Sliced Bacon on my last Aldi run. At $1.99 for 12 ounces, it‘s about as cheap as bacon gets. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for here. The bacon was quite fatty and lacked the smoky flavor punch of the other contenders. It‘s passable for recipes where bacon is a supporting player (think salads and baked potatoes) but I wouldn‘t serve it on its own.
But you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Aldi has a legion of bacon-loving fans who sing the praises of their favorite finds. Here are a few rave reviews from real-life Aldi shoppers:
"The Appleton Farms Center Cut bacon is my go-to. It‘s leaner than most bacon but still has great flavor. I always keep a pack in my fridge for weekend breakfasts." – Sarah, mom of two
"I was so excited when Aldi started carrying the Never Any! uncured bacon. It‘s great to have a more natural option, and the price is unbeatable compared to other stores." – Mark, health-conscious foodie
"Aldi‘s thick-cut bacon is the best kept secret! It‘s super meaty and perfect for BLTs or topping burgers. I stock up whenever I see it on sale." – Amanda, bacon enthusiast
The verdict? While not every Aldi bacon item is a slam-dunk, overall you can count on Aldi for high-quality bacon at prices that are hard to beat. Stick to the Appleton Farms and Never Any! lines, and you won‘t be disappointed.
Cooking with Aldi Bacon: Tips and Recipe Inspiration
Stocking up on well-priced bacon is only half the equation. To really get your money‘s worth, you want to make sure you‘re storing and preparing your bacon properly for maximum enjoyment. Here are a few tips:
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Always check the "use by" date on the package and plan to use or freeze it before then. If you‘re not using it within a week, go ahead and toss it in the freezer—bacon freezes beautifully and thaws quickly.
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For the crispiest oven-baked bacon, use a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and fitted with an oven-safe rack. Arrange bacon strips on the rack and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until your desired crispness is achieved. Drain on paper towels.
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Bacon fat is liquid gold! Carefully pour the rendered fat from the skillet or baking sheet into a heat-proof container or jar and store in the fridge. It adds incredible flavor to sautéed veggies, fried eggs, cornbread, and more.
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Pre-cooked bacon is a great shortcut for busy mornings or recipes that call for crumbled bacon. I like to prepare a whole package on the weekend to use throughout the week on salads, baked potatoes, and breakfast sandwiches.
Looking for some creative ways to use that Aldi bacon? Try one of these crave-worthy recipes:
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Bacon Jam: Caramelized bacon and onions with a touch of maple syrup and spice. Perfect for spreading on burgers or serving with crackers and cheese.
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Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Gild the cinnamon roll lily with a generous sprinkle of smoky bacon crumbles and maple glaze.
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Bacon and Brussels Sprout Hash: Pan-fry brussels sprouts with thick-cut bacon, garlic and a splash of vinegar for an easy and addictive side dish.
With prices starting under $3 and some smart technique, Aldi bacon can be the secret weapon in your home kitchen. Don‘t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite ways to enjoy this budget-friendly indulgence!
Bringing Home the Bacon: Making Aldi Your Go-To for Affordable Quality
If you‘re a bacon lover on a budget, it‘s clear that Aldi deserves a top spot on your shopping list. With a wide selection spanning several brands and flavor profiles, there‘s something for every taste preference and price point.
In particular, the Appleton Farms line offers exceptional everyday value without skimping on quality. For just a few cents per ounce, you can bring home a pack of delicious, center-cut bacon that‘s sure to elevate your breakfast game. And when those $1.99 promos hit, it‘s time to stock up and stash a few packs in the freezer for bacon backup.
Aldi also proves you don‘t have to spend a fortune for more specialized bacon products like thick-cut, uncured, and turkey versions. While not as dirt cheap as the standard sliced bacon, these offerings still come in well below competitors‘ prices.
It may not be the fanciest or most ethically-sourced bacon on the market, but for the majority of shoppers just looking to enjoy this tasty, versatile meat without breaking the bank, Aldi is the clear winner. With a little label savvy and some smart preparation, you can turn that affordable Aldi bacon into a gourmet treat.
So go ahead—toss a pack or three of that budget-friendly bacon into your cart on your next Aldi run. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
