Is Bacon A Pig Belly?

We’re here to answer those burning questions The bacon we most often encounter in the U.S. is streaky pork bacon, which is cut from the pork belly, or fleshy underside of the pig. It is technically pork belly, but pork belly isn’t necessarily bacon.

This much leaner and round piece of bacon comes from the back of the pig. It only has a thin layer of fat that can be removed later. Otherwise known as Cottage bacon, this type of bacon is quite fatty and lean. Broadback Bacon comes from pork shoulder or butt roast.

When bacon is made from pork belly, it is called streaky pork bacon due to the swirling of fat and meat. Pork belly is a popular cut in many cultures around the world and is growing in importance in the U.S. as consumers look for ways to save money on ever-increasing prices.

In the U.S., pork bacon is commonly salt-cured or brined. Oftentimes, the bacon featured most prominently at the grocery store contains unhealthy compounds like nitrates and nitrites for color and extended shelf-life.

Is pork belly the same as bacon?

Pork belly is the same as bacon, but it isn’t called bacon because it’s not from a pig.

To have a better look at the differences between pork belly and bacon, let’s check the comparison table below for more details:

Although there are many key differences between pork belly and bacon, in most cases, they are actually the same thing in two different forms.

Pork belly and bacon are two different products of pork that seem to be interchangeable in several dishes.