Processed

Bacon

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Cured pork; tasty but best kept occasional.

High sodium; WHO advises limiting processed meat.

Benefits

  • Protein
  • Some B vitamins

Pros

  • Rich, savoury flavour

Cons

  • High in salt and saturated fat
  • Contains nitrites; processed meat is a Group 1 carcinogen (bowel cancer)
  • Best occasional

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Q&A on red/processed meat
  2. British Nutrition Foundation

Related entries

HamSalamiSausagesAlligatorBeef (lean)Bison
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