Canadian Bacon vs. Ham: Canadian bacon and ham both have similar tastes, appearance, and structure. Both of these are very popular among meat lovers. But the question here is, “What’s the difference between Canadian bacon and ham?”
Let’s take a closer look at Canadian Bacon vs. Ham:
| Calories | Calories in Canadian bacon are less than the ham |
| Cholesterol | The Canadian bacon cholesterol levels are much lower than the ham |
| Honey or Sugar | Ham contains honey or sugar, while Canadian bacon does not |
| Fat | Canadian bacon fat content is slightly higher than ham. |
Table of Contents
What is Canadian Bacon?
Canadian bacon is salted processed meat widely consumed in the United States. This beacon is extracted from the “lion cut,” which runs parallel to the pig’s spine. Canadian bacon is served soft and juicy; the hard Canadian bacon becomes dry and tasteless. Unlike ham, which can be shaped into diced slices, Canadian bacon can only be processed in a slice. Canadian bacon is delicious and contains many nutrients like protein, carbs, and vitamins. The protein in Canadian bacon is more than ham. But the Ham and Canadian bacon carbs value is approximately the same.
What is Ham?
Ham is the meat that comes from the leg, thigh region, or rump of the animal body. It is high in calories because it contains honey and sugar in it. But a lower amount of protein as compared to Canadian bacon. Ham is very famous all over the world. There are different types of ham. Spanish ham, Chinese ham, and American ham. There are several layers of preparation and processing done to give the ham shape. Ham contains a higher amount of vitamin C and calcium than Canadian bacon. You can easily buy ham at any meat shop or grocery store as well-processed meat.
6 Key Differences Between Canadian Bacon and Ham
| Components | Canadian Bacon | Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Canadian bacon is extracted from the “lion cut.” | Ham is extracted from the “Primal cut.” |
| Shape | It is shaped into dice and slices | Ham can only be shaped into slices |
| Content | It doesn’t contain sugar and is low in carbohydrates and cholesterol | It contains sugar or honey. And high in carbohydrates and cholesterol |
| Nutrition | Canadian bacon has more protein than ham and is low in calories | Ham contains a high amount of sodium, calcium, and vitamin C, unlike Canadian bacon |
| Serving | It is served soft and juicy. If it is served hard, it will be tasteless and dry. | Ham is always served hard |
| Time of Consumption | Canadian bacon is mainly consumed for breakfast | Ham can be consumed both for dinner or lunch |
Is Canadian Bacon Ham?
Due to the similarities in the taste and appearance of both types of meat, many people were confused if Canadian bacon is just ham. Well, Canadian bacon is more like ham than the streaky curd. But it has many differences as well. Both the Canadian bacon and ham are different in extraction process, servings, and nutrition.
Bacon vs. Ham Health
Both bacon and ham are high in saturated fats and calories, but ham has more B vitamins like niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and B12 than bacon. Ham is also a great source of protein and potassium, which both play an important role in major body functions, like managing body fluids and building muscles and bones.
Canadian Bacon vs. Bacon Nutrition Facts
| Nutrients | Canadian Bacon | Bacon |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 161 |
| Fats | 1.5g | 12g |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 579 mg |
| Fiber | 0g | 0g |
| Sugar | < 1g | 0g |
| Protein | 10g | 12g |
Canadian Bacon vs. Ham Pros and Cons
Canadian Bacon Pros and Cons
Pros of Canadian Bacon
- Canadian bacon contains a lot of fat, primarily oleic acid, which is good for the heart and health.
- Raw Canadian bacon can be stored for a longer time in a refrigerator, up to a week, and cooked bacon may last up to ten days.
- Canadian bacon is lower in calories than ham, which means it has a lower risk of increasing weight.
Cons of Canadian Bacon:
- People often use bacon with their not-so-healthy food like bacon with egg and butter or bacon with a large amount of mayonnaise, which increases the amount of calorie intake and leads to weight gain.
- Uncooked Canadian bacon can increase the risk of various food-borne illnesses like tapeworms and trichinosis.
Ham Pros and Cons
Pros of Ham:
- Ham contains a lot of calcium and vitamin C, which play an important role in bodily functions.
- Ham also contains amino acids like carnosine, which not only work as antioxidants but also help in fighting against anti-aging.
Cons of Ham:
- Processed meat like ham contains a large amount of salt. And high intake of sodium can increase the risk of diseases like blood pressure and heart and kidney diseases.
- Ham contains some carcinogenic chemical compounds, and when the ham is reheated on high flame, the risk of these chemical compounds.
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
FAQs
Which is Better: Canadian Bacon or Ham?
Canadian bacon is considered to be healthier and better than ham due to the low carbs and more protein present in it. Canadian bacon also has a lower sodium level as compared to ham.
Is Canadian Bacon Actually Ham?
No, Canadian bacon is different from a ham in cutting off process, nutrition, and also in the way they serve.
Why Is Ham Called Canadian Bacon?
People often call ham Canadian bacon because both have almost similar tastes and structures.
What Is Closest to Canadian Bacon?
The best substitute for Canadian bacon Is “center cut ham slices,” which are thicker than Canadian bacon, but the taste is the same.
Conclusion
The main difference between Canadian bacon and ham is their extraction processing. Canadian bacon is cut out from the pig’s spine, while ham is cut out from the posterior region like an animal’s buttocks, shank, and legs. This extraction is the reason behind all the differences between these two types of meats. Both of these have different nutritional values and are served differently. Ham can be available in whole form, diced chunks, and slices, while Canadian bacon can be obtained only in sliced form. And if we look at ham Vs. Canadian bacon nutrition, Canadian bacon is low in calories and has a high amount of protein.
