There are actually quite a few different types of bacon, which we’ll cover properly in another article, but the two most popular here in the UK are definitely back bacon and streaky bacon.

So, what is the difference between streaky bacon and back bacon?

The simple answer is that they come from different parts of the pig. Back bacon comes from the loin, which makes it leaner, while streaky bacon comes from the belly, which makes it fattier and better for crispy bacon.

Both are cured pork, both are bacon, and both are delicious. But they do cook slightly differently and suit different jobs.

What Is Bacon?

Bacon is made from pork that has been cured using salt, or a mixture of salt and sugar, depending on the recipe being used.

The pork is left to cure for several days, allowing the flavour to develop and the salt to penetrate the meat. The length of time it takes to cure depends on the cut of pork being used and the size of the piece.

As a rough rule, the bigger the piece of pork, the longer it takes to cure properly. Once the pork has been fully cured, it can be sliced and sold as bacon.

If you want to see the finished article, have a look at our bacon range.

What Is Back Bacon?

Back bacon is by far and away our most popular bacon here in the UK.

This is the bacon you’ll usually find on café breakfasts, bacon sandwiches, full English breakfasts and bacon rolls. It is produced from pork loin, which is why it is leaner than streaky bacon.

Back bacon usually has a lean eye of meat with a strip of fat along the outside. It is often shaped a bit like an apostrophe, and it is basically the classic British breakfast bacon.

Because it is leaner, back bacon is a good choice if you want bacon with plenty of meat and less fat. It is great in a bacon butty, on a plated breakfast, or served with eggs, sausages, beans and toast.

What Is Streaky Bacon?

Streaky bacon is often the bacon enthusiast’s bacon of choice.

It is produced from pork belly rather than pork loin, which is why it has more fat running through it. Those streaks of fat are where the name comes from, and they are also what help streaky bacon crisp up so well when cooked.

This is the bacon you wrap around sausages at Christmas to make pigs in blankets. It is also brilliant for burgers, pancakes, loaded fries, salads, sandwiches, and draping over a turkey or roast.

Streaky bacon is shaped more like a strip or ruler, which is why it is sometimes referred to as bacon strips.

In my opinion, streaky bacon is best served crispy. If that’s what you’re after, have a look at our guide on how to cook streaky bacon.

What Is the Difference Between Streaky Bacon and Back Bacon?

The main difference between streaky bacon and back bacon is the part of the pig they come from.

• Back bacon comes from the pork loin and is usually leaner.
• Streaky bacon comes from the pork belly and has more fat running through it.

That difference affects the flavour, texture and how each bacon cooks.

Back bacon is meatier and leaner, so it is great for sandwiches and breakfasts. Streaky bacon is fattier and crisps more easily, making it ideal for burgers, toppings, wrapping and recipes where you want crispy bacon.

Back Bacon vs Streaky Bacon: Which Is Best?

There is no wrong answer here, because they are both bacon.

If you prefer lean bacon with more meat, choose back bacon. If you like crispy bacon with more fat and a stronger salty crunch, choose streaky bacon.

Personally, I like my bacon crispy and with a good amount of fat on it, so streaky bacon is hard to beat. But for a proper British bacon sandwich, back bacon is still the classic.

Which Bacon Is Best for a Bacon Sandwich?

For a traditional British bacon sandwich, back bacon is usually the best choice.

It is leaner, meatier, and fills the bread nicely. Add butter, brown sauce, red sauce, or nothing at all if you’re feeling bold.

That said, crispy streaky bacon in a sandwich is also excellent, especially if you want more crunch.

Which Bacon Is Best for Crispy Bacon?

Streaky bacon is best for crispy bacon.

Because streaky bacon has more fat, it crisps up more easily as that fat renders during cooking. Back bacon can crisp too, but the lean part can dry out if you push it too far.

For the best crispy bacon, cook streaky bacon in a pan, in the oven, or under the grill until the fat has rendered and the rashers are golden.

You can read more in our full guide on how to cook bacon.

Which Bacon Is Best for Pigs in Blankets?

Streaky bacon is the best bacon for pigs in blankets.

It wraps around sausages easily, crisps up nicely, and adds plenty of flavour. Back bacon is usually too wide and lean for wrapping around sausages, so streaky is the one you want.

Which Bacon Is Best for Breakfast?

For a full English breakfast, back bacon is the classic choice.

It sits nicely alongside sausages, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and toast. It is leaner and more traditional for a plated breakfast.

Streaky bacon is also great for breakfast if you want it crisp, especially with eggs, breakfast muffins, hash browns, or pancakes with bacon.

How to Cook Back Bacon and Streaky Bacon

You can cook both back bacon and streaky bacon in a pan, in the oven, or under the grill.

For maximum control, use a frying pan. For bigger batches, use the oven. For a classic breakfast method where the fat drains away, use the grill.

These guides cover each method in more detail:

• How to cook bacon in a pan
• How to cook bacon in the oven
• How to grill bacon

Final Thoughts

So, streaky bacon vs back bacon, which one is best?

If you want lean, meaty bacon for a classic British breakfast or bacon sandwich, go for back bacon.

If you want crispy bacon with more fat and crunch, go for streaky bacon.

Let’s be honest though, they are both bacon, so they are both going to be delicious.

FAQs

What is the difference between streaky bacon and back bacon?

Back bacon comes from pork loin and is usually leaner. Streaky bacon comes from pork belly and has more fat running through it, which makes it better for crispy bacon.

Is back bacon better than streaky bacon?

Back bacon is better if you want leaner, meatier bacon for sandwiches and full English breakfasts. Streaky bacon is better if you want crispier bacon.

Is streaky bacon better for crispy bacon?

Yes, streaky bacon is usually better for crispy bacon because it has more fat, which renders during cooking and helps the bacon crisp.

What bacon is best for a bacon sandwich?

Back bacon is the classic choice for a British bacon sandwich because it is leaner and meatier. Streaky bacon also works well if you prefer a crispier sandwich.

What bacon is best for pigs in blankets?

Streaky bacon is best for pigs in blankets because it wraps easily around sausages and crisps up nicely during cooking.

Where does back bacon come from?

Back bacon comes from the pork loin, which is why it is leaner than streaky bacon.

Where does streaky bacon come from?

Streaky bacon comes from pork belly, which is why it has more fat running through it.