Trader Joe's Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon comes in a 12 oz vacuum-sealed pack and features thick-cut pork slices smoked over applewood. There are no added nitrates or nitrites (except those naturally occurring in celery powder), and it's priced under $7, making it one of the tastier, cleaner-label options in the bacon aisle.
This is the kind of bacon you save for Saturday mornings or sneak into a BLT on a Wednesday because you just can't help yourself.
Jump to:
Review
If bacon had a throwback album, this would be the lead track. Trader Joe's Apple Smoked Bacon has that deep, smoky aroma that wafts out of the pan and immediately turns your kitchen into a diner-but without the sticky floors and coffee refills you didn't ask for.
The applewood smoke is legit. It's subtly sweet without feeling like someone dipped your bacon in maple syrup and called it a day. It has just enough sugar to caramelize the edges while crisping up nicely in the pan or oven.
This bacon is thick-cut, so it doesn't shrink into sad, chewy strips after cooking. It gets crispy on the edges but still stays meaty in the middle-perfect if you're team "crispy meets chewy" (aka the only correct team). It's great for breakfast, yes, but also shows up strong in burgers, salads, sandwiches, and even as a dessert topping (looking at you, bacon cupcakes).
The pack is 12 ounces-not a full pound-which is the only real letdown. Because let's be honest: once you open this, it's not lasting long.
How to Serve
- Classic breakfast: With eggs, pancakes, or sandwiched between two waffles if you're feeling chaotic.
- BLT: Or even better, a BAT (bacon, arugula, and tomato-don't knock it).
- Salads: Crumble it on Caesar salad, spinach salad, or honestly… any salad.
- Bacon-wrapped anything: Think scallops, asparagus, jalapeños, or your emotions.
Creative Uses
- Candied bacon: Brush with maple syrup and bake until caramelized.
- Bacon Jerky: Sweet, salty, and just enough heat.
- Bacon butter: Mix bacon bits into softened butter for spreading on cornbread.
- Bacon brittle: Sugar + bacon = the sweet-savory snack you didn't know you needed.
- Dessert topping: Yes, bacon on donuts is still a thing-and it's still awesome.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Nope! You'll need to cook it the old-fashioned way-pan, oven, or air fryer.
It's got a hint of sweetness from the apple smoke, but it's still solidly savory.
Thicker than standard grocery bacon, thinner than slab-cut-basically perfect.
Yes, and it caramelizes beautifully thanks to the light sugar content.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon delivers rich, smoky flavor and a sweet applewood finish that makes it a standout in the crowded bacon aisle. It's thick enough to satisfy, crisps up beautifully, and brings restaurant-style vibes to your breakfast plate. Whether you're team pan-fry or air fry, just make sure you're not trying to share-because this bacon doesn't last long.
Do you love these reviews?
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
You can also FOLLOW ME on the following platforms by clicking the icons below:
Trader Joe’s Apple Smoked Bacon
Product Name: Trader Joe’s Apple Smoked Bacon
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Apple Smoked Bacon is a favorite in the refrigerated aisle.
Price: $6.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Apple Smoked Bacon is a long-standing favorite in the refrigerated aisle.
-
Taste
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
-
Great flavor – Balanced sweet and smoky from real applewood
-
Thick-cut – Crisps nicely without turning to bacon paper
-
Versatile – Great in breakfast, lunch, or whatever you're calling dinner
Cons
-
Only 12 oz – Not quite a full pound
-
Can be hard to find – This one sells fast
-
You’ll eat too much – Not really a con, but… fair warning
- Price has changed- When this was first reviewed, it was about $4. Now it's almost $7.
Karin says
The Taste, the taste, the taste is out of this world in Bacon Heaven!
It's healthy, too -- NO Nitrates!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Karin!