The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Food›Back bacon
Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Back bacon

Back bacon is a cut of bacon made from the pork loin on the back of the pig, and it may include a small portion of pork belly.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Back bacon is a cut of bacon made from the pork loin on the back of the pig, often including a small portion of pork belly. It is leaner than side bacon (streaky bacon) and is commonly associated with British, Irish, and Canadian cuisine. In Canada, the term is used for a similar cut that in the United States is often called Canadian bacon.

Definition

Back bacon is a bacon cut taken from the back of the pig, specifically the pork loin. It is leaner than streaky or side bacon, which is cut from pork belly.

Regional usage

The term is common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. In American usage, similar products may be called Canadian bacon or Irish bacon, though naming can vary by region and product style.

Cut and preparation

Back bacon may consist of loin meat alone or include a small amount of belly. It is usually cured and can be sold smoked or unsmoked.

Culinary use

Back bacon is commonly served as a breakfast meat, especially in British and Irish-style breakfasts. It is valued for being meatier and less fatty than belly bacon.

Key facts

  • Back bacon is bacon cut from the pork loin rather than only from the belly.
  • It is generally leaner than side bacon, which comes from pork belly.
  • British and Irish usage commonly refers to this cut as back bacon.
  • Canadian usage overlaps with what is often called Canadian bacon in the United States.
  • Some back bacon cuts include a strip of belly attached to the loin.
🍁
Canadian context

Back bacon is a familiar term in Canada for a lean bacon cut from the pork loin, often overlapping with what Americans call Canadian bacon.

Frequently asked questions

What is back bacon made from?
It is made primarily from pork loin taken from the back of the pig, sometimes with a small amount of belly attached.
Is back bacon the same as streaky bacon?
No. Streaky bacon comes from pork belly, while back bacon comes from the loin and is usually leaner.
Is back bacon the same as Canadian bacon?
The terms overlap in some usage. In Canada, back bacon is a common term, while in the United States a similar product is often called Canadian bacon.
Is back bacon smoked?
It can be smoked or unsmoked, depending on regional style and producer.
Why is back bacon leaner than regular bacon?
Because it comes mainly from the pork loin, which has less fat than the pork belly used for side bacon.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_bacon
    Supports: Defines back bacon as bacon from the pork loin on the back of the pig; notes it may include belly and is leaner than side bacon.
  2. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/back-bacon
    Supports: Defines back bacon as bacon cut from the back of a pig.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20bacon
    Supports: Gives a chiefly British definition and links the term to Canadian bacon.
  4. Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles (UBC) — https://dchp.arts.ubc.ca/entries/back%20bacon
    Supports: Describes back bacon as lean bacon from pork loin and notes Canadian usage.