Smoked bacon is known for its delicious flavor and aroma, but is it also salty? The answer is yes, smoked bacon is indeed salty. In fact, a recent survey conducted by campaign group Action on Salt revealed astonishing levels of salt in bacon. The survey found that almost all bacon products (86%) have a salt concentration equal to or greater than seawater.
The Shocking Truth
The survey also highlighted the significant variation in salt content between different bacon products. Some products contain four times the amount of salt compared to others. This variation demonstrates a lack of commitment from the food industry to reduce the amount of salt added to their products, which has negative implications for public health.
Out of the 171 bacon products surveyed from major UK retailers, every single product, except one, would receive a red traffic light for salt content. Two rashers of bacon can contain up to 84g of salt, which is almost half of the recommended daily maximum intake of 6g. This means that a bacon sandwich, with bread and sauces, could easily push you over the daily salt limit.
The survey identified Tesco Finest Unsmoked 8 Wiltshire Cure Back Bacon Medallions as the worst offender, with a salt content of 3g/100g. This is more than twice the concentration of seawater and equivalent to the salt content of one Burger King Hamburger in just one rasher. On the other hand, The Co-operative 8 Reduced Fat Unsmoked Bacon Medallions was the least salty option, with a salt content of 45g/100g.
The Need for Salt Reduction
The staggering variation in salt content among bacon products indicates that it is possible for manufacturers to produce less salty options. However, there has been little progress in reducing the amount of salt in bacon, with many manufacturers failing to meet the Government's targets set in 2012 for maximum salt content in bacon products.
A recent report by Public Health England found that the average salt content of bacon is 14g/100g, significantly higher than the target of 88g/100g. In fact, of the products surveyed that were directly comparable to a previous survey conducted in 2012, two-thirds remained the same or became even saltier. This lack of progress has been criticized by Action on Salt, who are calling for mandatory targets for salt reduction in food products and strict penalties for non-compliance.
The Health Implications
Bacon is the second biggest contributor of salt to the UK diet, making it a significant factor in people's salt intake and consequently their blood pressure levels. High salt intake is a leading cause of high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Therefore, reducing the amount of salt in bacon could have a significant impact on public health and potentially save thousands of lives each year.
Sonia Pombo, Campaign Manager for Action on Salt, emphasizes the importance of reducing salt in bacon and other key contributors to salt intake in the UK diet. She compares it to the success of the soft drinks industry levy in driving reformulation and calls for a similar approach to be taken with bacon. By reducing salt intake, everyone's health, including those from socially deprived backgrounds, can benefit.
Graham MacGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London and Chair of Action on Salt and Blood Pressure UK, highlights the cost-saving potential of reducing salt intake. He states that a one-gram reduction in population salt intake can prevent over 4,000 premature deaths per year in the UK at a minimal cost.
Making Healthier Choices
In order to make healthier choices when it comes to bacon, there are several tips to keep in mind:
- Check the label and use the FoodSwitch app to find healthier options.
- Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid unrealistic portion sizes declared by some manufacturers.
- Avoid pairing bacon with other salty ingredients such as bread, cheese, and baked beans. Opt for grilled tomato, mushrooms, no added salt baked beans, or eggs instead.
- Grill your bacon to reduce the amount of fat.
- Soak smoked bacon in water and rinse in hot water to remove some of the salt. Remove the rind to reduce saturated fat.
- Check the labels of condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or brown sauce for salt content. Choose lower salt options or use Action on Salt's FoodSwitch app.
- Consider alternatives to pork bacon that tend to be lower in saturated fat and salt, such as turkey rashers or plant-based options.
- When eating out, request less salt in your meal if you find it too salty.
By following these tips, you can make healthier choices when it comes to enjoying bacon while reducing your salt intake and improving your overall health.
Smoked bacon is indeed salty, with astonishing levels of salt found in most bacon products. The significant variation in salt content among different products highlights the lack of progress in reducing salt in bacon. This has negative implications for public health, as bacon is a major contributor to salt intake in the UK diet. By making healthier choices and advocating for mandatory salt reduction targets, we can work towards reducing the salt content in bacon and improving the nation's health.
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