Every week, bacon finds its way into my shopping cart, whether it’s for breakfast, a sandwich, or a savory dish. With Costco’s reputation for great deals, I decided to investigate whether their Kirkland bacon could stand up to the more premium Coleman bacon. Is it worth spending extra on a name brand, or does Kirkland deliver a surprising quality?
Ultimately, my focus was on comparing Kirkland bacon with Coleman bacon. The Kirkland brand is often praised for its quality, and many loyal customers swear by it. Personally, I don’t have a strong preference for either brand; I simply seek the best value. With that in mind, I approached this taste test ready to explore both options without bias.
Evaluating Kirkland Bacon Against Coleman Bacon
Visual Inspection
Before cooking, I examined the raw bacon strips from both brands. The thickness appeared similar, but the Kirkland bacon had a bit more fat, while the Coleman bacon seemed to have a higher meat content.
To ensure a fair comparison, I decided to cook both types in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, aiming for a consistent cooking method.
Taste Comparison
The taste test was the most exciting part. After cooking, I observed the grease collected in the tray: Coleman bacon yielded 12 grams of fat, while Kirkland produced a whopping 31 grams. Interestingly, the Coleman bacon did stick a bit more to the tray.
In terms of flavor, Coleman bacon was meatier and offered a richer taste, while Kirkland had a noticeable saltiness. This was reflected in the nutritional information, with Kirkland containing 320 mg of sodium per serving compared to Coleman’s 280 mg.
Texture Analysis
Both bacon varieties crisped nicely and crumbled well for various recipes. However, the Kirkland bacon had a slightly brittle texture, while the Coleman bacon was more chewy and substantial.
Packaging Evaluation
The packaging of Coleman bacon impressed me. The Kirkland bacon came in a flimsy plastic wrap that was difficult to handle, while Coleman’s bacon was neatly packaged in a sturdy box, making it easy to grab and go.
Is Kirkland Bacon Superior to Coleman Bacon?
In conclusion, both bacon options from Costco were commendable. Neither brand produced greasy or rubbery strips, and both were delicious on their own or in a dish. However, I found the slightly pricier Coleman bacon to be the winner. This hickory-smoked, uncured bacon is made without added nitrates or nitrites and features heritage duroc pork. It was more tender, juicy, and flavorful compared to the Kirkland option, which seemed to rely on extra fat and salt to enhance its taste.
Coleman bacon is sold in a box containing three 12-ounce packages, totaling 2.25 pounds for $13.69, or $6.08 per pound. In contrast, Kirkland bacon is available in a pack of four 16-ounce packages for $18.99, equating to $4.75 per pound. The difference in flavor, convenient packaging, and ethically raised pork made the additional cost worthwhile for me.