Bacon Brand Test: The Results Are Sizzling

At IN Food, we love putting brands to the test. This time, our focus was on an item that has transcended its traditional home on the breakfast plate to be a staple for every daypart. That’s right, the IN Food team was achin’ for some bacon – Applewood smoked bacon, to be precise. We lined up four popular brands and asked our team of testers to evaluate them based on two key categories: taste and packaging.

The Brands

The verdict

When it came to flavor, Nueske’s took the crown, with testers applauding its rich, smokey flavor. Jimmy Dean followed closely behind, while Hormel landed in third – both options lauded for their classic flavors and crispy texture. Farmland’s salty strip failed to stand out among its peers and took the rear.

Packaging plays a bigger role in brand perception than many realize. Once again, Nueske’s stood out as the favorite – giving local butcher shop vibes, the packaging was also described as unique and premium. Hormel followed in second, Jimmy Dean came in third – both reminiscent of one another’s black-label-inspired packaging. Farmland landed last with images of farm landscapes, which our testers viewed as generic.

Final Thoughts

Our brand test showed that premium perceptions don’t always come at the highest cost. Nueske’s, while not the most expensive option, still dominated in both taste and packaging, suggesting presentation and flavor can align to create a powerful brand impression. Jimmy Dean stood out as a solid runner-up, offering a classic flavor profile that appealed to many testers. Hormel delivered a hearty, smoky option but at the steepest price point. Farmland, though the most affordable, struggled to make a memorable impact.

In the end, the winner of the Battle of the Bacon was Nueske’s, excelling in both taste and presentation. Even so, any of these brands would be an amazing addition to your next BLT or bacon cheeseburger. For more sizzling insights, check out our previous brand tests here.