Ever grabbed a pack of bacon, cooked it up all excited—and then it turned out limp, greasy, or just…meh? You’re not alone. Bacon should be one of those foolproof foods, but the brand you buy can make or break your breakfast. Some bacon is smoky and crispy like you imagined, while others end up soggy or taste like salt and sadness. So, which ones are worth your money? Let’s break it down in a way that makes shopping a whole lot easier.
Jones Dairy Farm isn’t what you expect
Canadian bacon sounds fancy, but don’t let the name fool you. When people think bacon, they usually picture those long, crispy strips, not round slices that look like ham. Jones Dairy Farm makes a version that’s hickory smoked, but it often misses that strong bacon flavor people crave. It’s super lean, which means less fat for crisping, and can come off kind of rubbery. It’s not awful, but if you’re hoping for classic bacon vibes, this one might not hit the spot.
Some folks do enjoy it for quick egg sandwiches, but even then, the flavor is more “neutral lunch meat” than bold breakfast. As pointed out by Food Republic, this brand ranks low simply because it doesn’t deliver that rich, savory punch most people want from bacon. It’s more of a niche pick—not really a crowd-pleaser.
Market Pantry is mostly just salt
If you’ve grabbed bacon during a Target run, there’s a good chance it was Market Pantry. It’s affordable, sure—but that’s kind of where the perks end. This bacon tends to shrivel into tiny strips with way too much fat and barely any meat. And the flavor? Think salty with a strange chemical aftertaste. Not exactly the wake-up call you’re hoping for on a Saturday morning.
The Takeout ranked this one low for a reason—it just doesn’t cook up well. Even if you bake it instead of frying, it doesn’t crisp evenly. Plus, the slices often stick together and tear when separating them. For a few bucks more, you can do way better.
Kroger’s bacon feels like a gamble
Buying store-brand bacon can be hit or miss, and Kroger’s version really proves that. One pack might be okay, the next one full of floppy, fatty slices. It doesn’t matter if it says “hardwood smoked”—the flavor is usually flat and the texture unreliable. If you’re cooking for a crowd or even just making BLTs, inconsistency like that can be annoying.
This bacon came in near the bottom in Chowhound’s list too. They noted that while it’s cheap, you end up throwing away a lot of grease and not getting much meat. Unless you’re in a pinch, there are tastier options that won’t leave you wondering if your stove was the problem.
Oscar Mayer is fine but forgettable
Oscar Mayer is everywhere—you see it in nearly every grocery store. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t stand out either. The slices are thin, which can be great for quick cooking, but they don’t hold up well for sandwiches or hearty breakfasts. The flavor is mild, and it tends to curl up unevenly in the pan.
In a blind taste test by Bon Appétit, Oscar Mayer landed in the middle. People didn’t hate it, but no one was excited about it either. It’s the kind of bacon you buy when you don’t have a strong opinion—or when it’s on sale. Solid backup, but not the main act.
Whole Foods 365 is surprisingly solid
You might think Whole Foods bacon is just fancy and overpriced—but their 365 brand is actually a pretty good deal. The slices are consistent, the smoke flavor is noticeable without being overpowering, and it crisps up nicely. It’s not trying too hard. It just works, whether you’re baking it or pan-frying.
It even ranked well in both Today’s bacon roundup and Bon Appétit’s taste test. For people who want something better than the bargain bin without going full gourmet, this one hits the sweet spot. Bonus: it doesn’t shrink to half its size while cooking.
Applegate has that real smoke flavor
If you like bacon with actual smoky flavor that tastes like it came from a campfire, Applegate might be your go-to. It’s usually a little pricier, but you get thicker slices and a more natural taste. It’s also less greasy, which means more bacon and less mess. Great for those who want their breakfast to feel a little more “homemade.”
Applegate consistently scores high in rankings like The Kitchn’s taste test. It’s not as easy to find in every store, but when it shows up, it’s worth grabbing. You’ll notice it doesn’t leave a weird film or aftertaste either—just bacon the way it’s supposed to taste.
Smithfield balances fat and flavor well
Smithfield bacon is a nice middle ground. It’s not super fancy, but it brings solid flavor and cooks up evenly. You get a good balance of fat and meat in each slice, which means it crisps without disappearing. It’s especially great when you’re feeding a family and want something everyone can agree on.
Reviewers in Bon Appétit’s bacon test liked its classic flavor and good texture. It’s easy to find, affordable, and tastes like how people remember bacon from weekend breakfasts growing up. Not fancy, not boring—just right in the middle where a lot of good stuff lives.
Trader Joe’s thick cut is the top pick
Trader Joe’s thick cut bacon isn’t just good—it’s a standout. It cooks up crispy on the edges but still has a juicy bite. The smoke flavor is rich without being too strong, and it holds up great on sandwiches or alongside eggs. Even better, you don’t get a bunch of useless grease when you’re done cooking.
According to Today’s taste test, this one came out on top. People loved the thickness and real porky flavor. It’s not the cheapest, but the quality makes it feel like a treat. If you want bacon that’s actually exciting to eat, this is the one to grab.
At the end of the day, bacon should make breakfast better—not frustrating. While some store brands just don’t bring the flavor or texture people want, others really deliver. Whether you’re all about smoky flavor, crispiness, or something budget-friendly that still tastes great, there’s an option that fits. So next time you’re in the bacon aisle, skip the guesswork and reach for something that won’t let you down.
