Why is it so difficult to buy decent bacon in the States? (european, loin)

[London Girl]

Just venting here

It drives me nuts that the only type of bacon available in my local supermarkets is crappy, streaky bacon which is about 90% fat and 10% actual bacon.

In the UK we have back bacon (which looks like this): http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/irishbacon.jpg

As you can see, the rashers have little fat (and this can easily be trimmed off) - as opposed to this useless streaky bacon:

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/pre...7/70010541.JPG

which is pretty much ALL fat.

I have been able to buy back bacon online (and at a price) here but heck, why can't my local supermarkets just get some in?!!!!!!!! I'm sure people would much rather have bacon that actually has bacon in it rather than strips of fat with a few pink bits in them!!!!!!!!!

Rant over

[MAtheBanker]

I know exactly how frusturated you are! I haven't had bacon from other countries, but I know how crappy bacon is in the US. Paper thin slices, 90% fat, NO flavor...

I can find good quality bacon at natural food stores in my area such as Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Sunflower Markets, etc (I don't know if you have any of those type stores in your area...) It's not the best fat to meat ratio, but it's thick sliced and flavorful!

[Easybreezy]

Try a local butcher shop. They are few and far between, but they are around.

[faabala]

You are in the US..... that is bacon here.

Look for Canadian bacon. That is as close as you will get I suspect.

[tookey]

I know what you mean I cannot believe what the stores charge for thin strips of fat. Years ago I got some bacon from a butcher shop and it was the best bacon I have ever had. I agree with Easybreezy a local butcher shop is your best bet.

[1751texan]

my grandfather used to raise 2-3 very lean hogs for his bacon, but you cant make money off skinny hogs. You lose money on the rest of the hog if the belly is lean. and most folk dont want to pay $10-14 dollars a lb for bacon.

[London Girl]

I can't even get "Canadian style" bacon where I live so I guess I'll have to stick with my online supplier.

I'm just amazed that people actually settle for such a crappy non-choice (where I live, at least) - but I suppose that if streaky is the only bacon you've ever known and used and you've never been lucky enough to have back bacon widely available then it's not an issue for most people.

I won't even go there as far as sausages are concerned

[DontH8Me]

If you have a Fresh & Easy by where you live, check them out. I believe they are actually owned by European grocery giant Tesco.

We get delicious back bacon there regularly. FWIW, back bacon is actually the loin, which is where "Canadian bacon" also comes from. The difference is the Canadian version is essentially trimmed of all the fat and is just the loin.

[60'sGal]

It's got to be what you grow up eating cuz I've been to the UK and the bacon sucks.

We have great bacon here in the U.S.

[maciesmom]

Apples and oranges......