Sustainable Pork Means More Fat– That’s a Good Thing

Is fatty bacon good? Why is Niman Ranch’s bacon so fatty?

By: Ron Mardesen, Niman Ranch Hog Farmer

Niman Ranch Bacon is our most popular item and as our stores and restaurants know, we work hard to keep up with the demand. We are often asked, why is our bacon fattier than other bacons? It is a good question and gets to the heart of how our network of independent family farmers raise their animals.

Niman Ranch bacon does have more fat than many other brands for a few reasons: Niman Ranch farmers raise heritage pig breeds in a more traditional manner, follow strict animal welfare practices and high quality feed regimens. You can say that Niman Ranch farmers never bought into “The Other White Meat”. We’re proud that our bacon has the dark coloring, vibrant streaks and specks of fat and delicious flavor and style of the bacon our grandparents used to make on the farm.

Raising the best tasting bacon takes a special pig Raised With Care® in the outdoors and in deeply bedded pens with enough space to play and root and exhibit their natural instincts, like Niman Ranch pigs do on independent family farms. The hearty pigs that can withstand a Midwest winter need an extra layer of fat to keep warm on cold days and appreciate a refreshing sprinkler to keep cool on hot summer days. Niman Ranch pigs live a very different lifestyle than most pigs raised in the US. According to Barry Estabrook in his book Pig Tales, 97 percent of hogs in the US are raised on factory farms.

Added Insulation for Added Flavor

Niman Ranch farmers create environments for their pigs to grow well according to their age rather than fast according to a strict production process. Niman Ranch farmers understand you cannot rush quality.

In an industry where the fastest growing hogs that take the least amount of feed and husbandry to grow are rewarded, Niman Ranch stands apart. Niman Ranch farmers raise pig breeds, such as Berkshire, that have been selected for great taste and their ability to live outside on pasture. It takes more work, it takes more time, it takes more care and it takes more feed. (and that also answers the question as to why our high-quality products might cost a little more too!)

Niman Ranch pigs naturally develop a little more insulation (fat) to protect against fluctuating temperatures, especially in the winter. Although pigs always have access to shelter, they keep their added insultation throughout the winter like a warm coat, most noticeable in their bellies (where bacon comes from). Just like us, pigs enjoy getting outside for some daily sunshine. In the winter, you won’t catch me or my pigs outside without our insulation (like a pig, I also seem to put on a “natural” layer of insulation this time of year!). Most industrial pigs, raised in the conventional system, are kept in temperature-regulated buildings without access to the outdoors and don’t need the insulation. As a result, conventional bacon lacks the added marbling and flavor Niman Ranch bacon is known for. People who aren’t familiar with our brand often ask about the ratio of meat to fat in Niman Ranch bacon wondering if they should cut the fat off the bacon. Before you cut the fat, give it a try! You will be pleasantly surprised by the wonderful flavors and delicious aroma of the rendered fat.

Better Feed for Better Bacon

Niman Ranch farmers feed their pigs nutritious grains and legumes along with vitamins and minerals. Unlike most of the industry, animal byproducts are not allowed in Niman Ranch pig feed. Not widely known, an example of an animal byproduct is blood from other animals. Niman Ranch farmers understand that feeding the highest quality feed to their pigs translates into the finest tasting meat in the world®. Look for the “all vegetarian feeds” label on Niman Ranch products guaranteeing our pigs were never fed animal byproducts. And know that the heartier animal not only eats whenever it wants, but also eats more food and that produces more fat.

From the minute it starts to sizzle until it hits the tip of your tongue you will know and fully understand why Niman Ranch’s bacon is fattier.

Niman Ranch bacon fat provides a robust flavor that melds perfectly with salt, natural Applewood smoke and sweet hints of maple, yielding a robust and craveable taste that any true bacon lover will enjoy. The superior meat quality and marbling that result from a slower grown pig are irresistible.

The next time you compare a package of Niman Ranch bacon with another brand, we hope you take note of the craftsmanship of the individual Niman Ranch farmer who raised that pig. The darker meat with the marbling showcases their pig breed choices and raising practices. The crisp white fat surrounding the flakes of meat is a credit to feed and breed choices, time and animal care on the farm.

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