Bacon

Bacon
Bacon — illustrative image
Potassium: ModeratePhosphorus: HigherSodium: Higher

The bottom line

Cured, salted and phosphate-treated: bacon stacks high sodium on high (additive) phosphorus in thin, easy-to-repeat slices.

A healthier swap

Fresh pork or chicken for the meal itself; keep bacon as a rare flavouring — one crumbled slice across a dish — rather than the main event.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

What about turkey bacon or 'uncured' bacon?

Turkey bacon is usually still cured and salty. 'Uncured' bacon is typically cured with celery-derived nitrates and plenty of salt. Neither escapes the sodium and phosphate pattern.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.

More snacks, sweets & condiments

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