2026.6.22
What Kind of Meat Is Bacon?
A clear look at the cut, process and flavor behind bacon
Bacon appears in everything from hotel breakfasts to convenience store sandwiches across Japan. So what kind of meat is bacon exactly? Bacon is pork, specifically from the pig’s belly, a cut known for its layers of fat and lean muscle that crisp up when cooked.
That structure is why bacon cooks the way it does. The fat renders while the lean muscle firms up, creating a crisp texture with a rich, savory flavor.
Bacon vs. Ham: What’s the Difference?
Bacon and ham both come from pork, but they differ in cut, texture and preparation. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | Bacon | Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Pork belly | Hind leg |
| Texture | Fatty, layered | Leaner, firmer |
| Flavor | Rich, salty | Mild to slightly sweet |
| Cooking method | Usually cooked before eating (not pre-cooked) | Often pre-cooked or cured |
| Uses | Breakfast, toppings, sandwiches | Slices, roasts, sandwiches |
For a more detailed breakdown, see the guide on the What is the Difference Between Ham and Bacon?.
How Bacon Is Made
Bacon is made by curing pork belly with a curing agent, salt and seasonings to preserve the meat and build flavor. It is often smoked using hardwoods like hickory or cherrywood, which adds a smoky, savory flavor.
What Gives Bacon Its Flavor
The cut used for bacon also explains its flavor. Pork belly contains a high level of fat, which creates richness and carries flavor during cooking.
When cooked, the fat renders and the edges crisp, creating the texture most people expect from bacon.
What makes Jones Dairy Farm bacon special?
Not all bacon is made the same way. Jones Dairy Farm focuses on ingredient quality and traditional methods that take more time than standard production.
Jones Dairy Farm bacon is made from fresh, never frozen pork bellies and uses only center-cut slices, which helps create a more consistent texture and balanced fat-to-meat ratio.
Dry-aging is a slower process that many large-scale manufacturers do not use, as it requires time and careful handling. Natural smoking over real wood chips also adds depth of flavor, rather than relying on quicker methods like liquid smoke.
Easy Ways to Use Bacon in Meals
Bacon adds a savory layer to both simple and more composed dishes. Here are a few easy ways to use bacon in everyday meals.
Avocado Toast with Bacon
Creamy avocado, crispy bacon and hard-boiled egg come together on toasted bread, finished with a light drizzle of hot honey for added depth.
Full recipe here
BLT Panzanella Salad with Basil Dressing
A panzanella salad features toasted bread that absorbs the juices from fresh tomatoes, creating a simple but flavorful dish with added bacon.
Full recipe here
Bacon, Nut & Dried Fruit Cheese Bites
Creamy cheese bites combine crispy bacon, nuts and dried fruit for a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors in a simple, bite-sized snack.
Full recipe here
Bacon, Banana, Peanut Butter & Jelly Bagel Sandwich
A bagel sandwich combines bacon, banana and peanut butter for a sweet and savory mix, with jelly or jam adding a familiar PBJ-style finish.
Full recipe here
Browse the full recipe collection for more ways to use bacon at home.
Where to Buy Bacon in Japan
Jones Dairy Farm bacon products are available at Costco stores across Japan. Pre-sliced and ready to cook, they help reduce prep time while providing a reliable flavor for everyday meals.
FAQ
Is bacon considered red meat?
Yes, bacon is considered red meat because it comes from pork. For more details, see Is Bacon Red Meat?
What is the difference between “bacon” and “bara” in Japan?
In Japan, bara (pork belly) refers to the raw cut of meat. Bacon comes from the same part of the pig, but it is cured and sometimes smoked.
What is uncured bacon?
Uncured bacon is made without synthetic nitrates or nitrites. Instead, natural ingredients like celery powder are used to achieve a similar effect. For more details, see What Does “Uncured” Mean?
Can you eat bacon raw?
Most bacon is not fully cooked and should be heated before eating. Some products are fully cooked during processing and can be eaten as-is, similar to ham. Always check the package label to confirm whether the bacon is ready to eat.
What are the different types of bacon?
There are several types of bacon depending on the cut and preparation:
・Streaky bacon, made from pork belly and common in the United States
・Back bacon, made from the loin and popular in the UK and Canada
・Canadian bacon, a leaner style that is typically fully cooked
・Pancetta, an Italian-style cured pork belly that is usually not smoked
In Japan, most bacon is similar to streaky bacon, though it is often milder in flavor and sold pre-sliced.