CENTRAL MARKET H-E-B CENTRAL MARKET, UNCURED BACON, HICKORY SMOKED, HICKORY SMOKED
CENTRAL MARKET H-E-B UNCURED BACON, HICKORY SMOKED scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its significant protein content balanced against high sodium and saturated fat.
This CENTRAL MARKET bacon scores 53/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
A notable strength is its protein content, providing 40g per 100g serving.
The primary nutritional concern is the high sodium content at 1600mg per 100g.
Compared to a home-cooked version, this product is more processed (NOVA 2) but offers similar macro nutrients.
Consider portion control to manage intake of saturated fat and sodium.
Scores +7 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
40g
80% of Daily Value
Added sugar
4.67g
9% of Daily Value
Sodium
1600mg
70% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (40g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
Healthy fat profile+10
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
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What holds it back
Added sugar (4.7g)-4
Saturated fat (10g)-14
Sodium (1600mg)-9
Why it scores 53
CENTRAL MARKET H-E-B UNCURED BACON, HICKORY SMOKED receives a FoodScore of 53 out of 100, indicating a decent nutritional profile. The product earns significant bonuses for its high protein content, providing 40g per 100g, and a favorable healthy fat profile, contributing to a +10 bonus. Its classification as NOVA class 2, a processed culinary ingredient, also adds 8 points for being minimally processed. However, these benefits are offset by several penalties. The product contains 4.67g of added sugar from turbinado sugar, resulting in a -4 penalty. A more substantial penalty comes from its saturated fat content, at 10g per 100g, which deducts 14 points. The most significant penalty is for sodium, with 1600mg per 100g, leading to a -9 deduction. While the product is a good source of iron, it lacks other significant micronutrients. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this CENTRAL MARKET bacon has similar nutritional characteristics but includes celery powder as a curing agent.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in central market h-e-b central market, uncured bacon, hickory smoked, hickory smoked actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Protein
This bacon provides 40g of protein per 100g, which is a substantial amount. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and for producing enzymes and hormones. Including protein-rich foods like this bacon can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, which may help with appetite management. It can be a convenient way to add a significant protein boost to a meal.
Provides Essential Iron
With 2.4mg of iron per 100g, this product contributes 13% of the Daily Value for iron. Iron is a crucial mineral involved in oxygen transport throughout the body as part of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Adequate iron intake is important for preventing iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness. This makes it a useful component for those looking to increase their iron intake.
Minimally Processed Option
Classified as NOVA class 2, this CENTRAL MARKET bacon is considered a processed culinary ingredient. This means it has undergone minimal processing beyond basic preparation methods, such as salting and smoking, and does not contain many of the ultra-processed ingredients often found in other packaged foods. This can be a favorable characteristic for consumers aiming to reduce their intake of highly processed items.
CENTRAL MARKET H-E-B UNCURED BACON, HICKORY SMOKED scores 53/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its significant protein content balanced against high sodium and saturated fat.
How to eat it
Bacon is commonly consumed as a breakfast item, often paired with eggs or pancakes, or used as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads, or other dishes. A typical serving size is 2 cooked slices, which is significantly less than 100g. Due to its flavor, it's often used to enhance the taste of various meals.
Pair bacon with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain toast or a large vegetable-based salad to balance the meal's nutritional profile.
Use bacon as a flavor enhancer rather than the main protein source; a small amount can add significant taste to dishes like roasted vegetables or soups.
Consider draining excess fat after cooking to reduce the overall saturated fat content per serving.
When using in recipes, be mindful of other high-sodium ingredients to avoid excessive total sodium intake in the meal.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for this product is its high sodium content, at 1600mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, particularly those with high blood pressure or at risk for cardiovascular disease, should consume this product in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes. While the ingredient list is relatively simple, containing PORK, WATER, SEA SALT, TURBINADO SUGAR, and CELERY POWDER, the celery powder is used as a natural source of nitrates for curing. Although not an artificial additive, some individuals prefer to limit all sources of nitrates. The product is also high in saturated fat, which should be considered as part of an overall dietary pattern.
CENTRAL MARKET UNCURED BACON scores 53/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile. It is a good source of protein and iron, but it is also high in sodium and saturated fat. Its healthfulness depends on portion size and how it fits into your overall dietary pattern. Moderation is key.
How does CENTRAL MARKET UNCURED BACON compare to other bacon brands?
Compared to other uncured bacon brands like Oscar Mayer Natural Uncured Bacon, CENTRAL MARKET's product has similar nutritional characteristics, often featuring high protein, sodium, and saturated fat. The specific curing agents and flavor profiles may vary, but the macro-nutrient balance is generally consistent across the category.
What is 'celery powder' in the ingredient list?
Celery powder is a natural ingredient used in uncured bacon as a source of naturally occurring nitrates and nitrites. These compounds act as curing agents and preservatives, contributing to the bacon's color and flavor, and inhibiting bacterial growth. It serves a similar function to synthetic nitrites but is derived from a vegetable source.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bacon?
The declared serving size is 2 cooked slices. This portion helps manage the intake of sodium (approximately 160mg per 2 slices, based on 1600mg per 100g and typical slice weight) and saturated fat. Consuming larger portions regularly would significantly increase your intake of these nutrients, which may not align with dietary guidelines.
Can I eat this bacon if I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This bacon contains 4.67g of added sugar per 100g, from turbinado sugar. While this is not a very high amount compared to some other processed foods, it does contribute to your daily added sugar intake. If you are strictly limiting sugar, be aware of this contribution, but it's generally not a primary source of dietary added sugar compared to desserts or sweetened beverages.