2021.2.22

What is Turkey Bacon?How it’s made and where to buy it in Japan

*Currently, uncured turkey bacon is unavailable at Costco warehouses across Japan.

Jones Dairy Farm’s Uncured Fully Cooked Cherrywood Smoked Turkey Bacon is now available at all Costcos throughout Japan. Learn more about Jones’ latest product here.

If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast with something new, turkey bacon is a great alternative to conventional pork bacon — and it’s just as delicious.

Native to North and South America, turkeys are large birds that people have consumed for centuries. While it’s not always easy to find turkey products in Japan, this strange-looking bird is a staple of the American diet, particularly during the holidays. According to the National Turkey Federation, Americans eat 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving and 22 million turkeys every Christmas.

What is Thanksgiving? Learn more about this special U.S. holiday.

Unlike the whole turkeys that grace these holiday meals, turkey bacon is much more compact and simple to prepare. You can fry the slices on a pan or bake them in a conventional oven, just like regular pork bacon.

Keep reading to learn more about what turkey bacon is, how it’s made and where to buy it in Japan.

What’s the difference between turkey bacon and regular bacon?

The key difference between turkey bacon and conventional pork bacon is that turkey bacon contains fewer calories and less saturated fat than bacon made from pork. For this reason, turkey bacon has become a popular, lighter alternative to the breakfast favorite.

Each slice of Jones Dairy Farm’s all-natural, certified gluten-free turkey bacon contains under 50 calories and two grams of protein, with 70 percent less fat than pork bacon. In general, turkey bacon is leaner but has less protein than bacon made from pork.

Another key difference between pork and turkey bacon is that pork bacon is made from the pork belly and turkey bacon is typically made from turkey thigh meat.

Also check out: What’s the difference between Canadian bacon and regular bacon?

How is turkey bacon made?

Turkey bacon is a processed meat that is made by chopping or grinding turkey meat, adding seasonings, then pressing the mix into bacon-like strips.

At Jones Dairy Farm’s manufacturing plant in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, we go one step further by naturally smoking our turkey bacon with real cherrywood chips, giving each slice an unbeatable rich and authentic flavor.

Check out blogger Costcotuu’s detailed factory tour to learn more about Jones’ cutting-edge production methods.

What’s the best way to eat turkey bacon?

One of the reasons why people love turkey bacon is because it’s just as versatile as pork bacon.

You can prepare Jones’ turkey bacon in a pan on medium-high heat for about five minutes, flipping them halfway through. Alternatively, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake them in a conventional oven for 11 to 13 minutes at 350°F.

Turkey bacon tastes great in sandwiches, wraps, salads and omelets, as well as small plates and appetizers.

Where can I buy turkey bacon in Japan?

Most turkey products in Japan are imported from countries like America. Oftentimes, finding turkey bacon at your local supermarket can be a challenge.

You can find Jones’ Uncured Fully Cooked Cherrywood Smoked Turkey Bacon at all Costco stores throughout Japan. Check our Shop List for more details.