North Country Smokehouse

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the North Country Smokehouse Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon does not meet the criteria for a cleaner food option due to several factors. This product is not organic, which is a significant consideration for those seeking purer food choices. Furthermore, it does not use non-GMO ingredients, a standard many health-conscious consumers prioritize.

The inclusion of added sugars, specifically turbinado sugar and maple syrup, detracts from the product’s healthfulness. While these sweeteners are natural, their presence is undesirable for a clean-eating diet that typically minimizes sugar intake. More concerning is the use of cultured celery powder, which, despite its natural origins, is a source of nitrates and is seen as a potentially harmful additive.

The product is comprised of natural pork, water, sea salt, turbinado sugar, cultured celery powder, and maple syrup. The use of natural pork is positive; however, the lack of organic certification means that the pork may have been raised with conventional farming practices, which often involve pesticides and antibiotics. The presence of water and sea salt does not raise concerns, but the fact that the product contains added sugars and the celery powder, which serves as a natural preservative, reduces its overall cleanliness score.

The North Country Smokehouse Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon has room for improvement. To align with cleaner food standards, the product would benefit from obtaining organic certification and eliminating GMOs. Removing added sugars and finding an alternative to cultured celery powder would also enhance its health profile. Consumers seeking the cleanest food options will find that this bacon falls short of those standards, and those dedicated to a clean-eating lifestyle might look elsewhere for products that better align with their dietary principles.