Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. Many people enjoy the taste of turkey bacon and appreciate that it can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. But unlike regular bacon, which requires thorough cooking before eating, many turkey bacon packages say the meat is fully cooked and ready to eat right out of the package. This leads to the question – is turkey bacon fully cooked when you buy it?
What is turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon is a meat product made from ground turkey that has been processed and shaped to resemble traditional sliced bacon. The meat goes through a curing process where salt, nitrates, and flavorings are added. This gives it a similar taste and texture to pork bacon. Slices of turkey bacon are then packaged and sold alongside regular bacon in grocery stores and markets. The main difference is that turkey bacon is made from ground turkey meat while regular bacon comes from pork belly.
Is turkey bacon precooked?
Most commercially packaged turkey bacon has been precooked before packaging. This means it has already been cooked to the proper internal temperature during processing to destroy potentially harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, bacon needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F to be considered safe to eat. Reaching this temperature during processing kills any bacteria present, making the turkey bacon fully cooked when it arrives packaged and ready for consumers to purchase.
What do turkey bacon packages say?
If you read the packaging on turkey bacon closely, you’ll usually find some indication that it comes precooked. Phrases like “fully cooked,” “ready to eat,” or “heat before eating” are commonly found on turkey bacon labels. This shows that the manufacturer has already cooked the bacon to the proper temperature during processing so it’s safe to enjoy right out of the package. Some brands may include cooking or preparation directions, but these are just recommendations for heating and crisping up the precooked meat. Following the microwave or skillet directions is not necessary for safety, but can improve texture.
USDA guidance on fully cooked status
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service defines certain processed meat products like turkey bacon as “ready-to-eat” or RTE. According to FSIS guidelines, ready-to-eat products have already been cooked to 165°F or above, meaning no additional cooking is required. The USDA considers turkey bacon a precooked RTE meat, as long as it was produced by a federally-inspected establishment. If the turkey bacon packaging features the USDA or FDA inspection seal, it provides further assurance that the bacon inside is fully cooked when purchased.
Why is turkey bacon precooked?
There are a few reasons why turkey bacon manufacturers fully cook the meat before sale:
- Food safety – Precooking to the proper internal temperature kills harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria that could make consumers sick.
- Convenience – Since it’s precooked, turkey bacon can be eaten right out of the package with minimal preparation required.
- Shelf life – Cooking the meat before packaging gives turkey bacon a longer shelf life compared to raw bacon.
- Texture and taste – Precooking helps give turkey bacon its characteristic crispy texture and smoky, salty flavor.
The precooked status makes turkey bacon safe to eat upon purchase and gives it a longer shelf life than raw pork bacon. While you can cook turkey bacon further before eating, the precooking process means it’s not necessary for food safety.
How should you store and handle turkey bacon?
Since turkey bacon is a precooked meat, it’s important to follow safe handling practices to prevent bacterial growth after opening. Here are some tips:
- Refrigerate after opening – Keep turkey bacon sealed until ready to use, then promptly refrigerate the remaining package. Keep at 40°F or below.
- Use by expiration date – Look for a sell by or use by date on the package and follow it. Use opened bacon within 7-10 days.
- Cook thoroughly if reheating – If you want to heat up turkey bacon after opening, reheat it to 165°F.
- Avoid cross-contamination – When handling raw meats, keep turkey bacon separated and thoroughly clean surfaces, utensils, and hands after contact.
Following these food safety steps helps prevent bacteria from growing and spreading after the turkey bacon is opened. The precooked status only applies before opening the package.
Is precooked turkey bacon safe to eat without reheating?
Yes, turkey bacon that comes precooked from manufacturers is safe to eat right out of the package without reheating. Again, it’s already been cooked to the proper internal temperature to destroy any potential pathogens present. Reheating is not necessary for food safety, just for texture preference.
However, as mentioned above, you do need to follow safe storage guidelines after opening turkey bacon. Only leave it unrefrigerated as long as necessary when preparing a meal, and toss it if it exceeds the use by date or shows signs of spoilage.
Should you microwave or cook precooked turkey bacon?
You don’t need to microwave or cook turkey bacon again after opening if you don’t want to. But some people may prefer to:
- Reheat it – Heating precooked turkey bacon again in the microwave or skillet can help make it warm, crispy, and more palatable if it has sat in the fridge.
- Brown it – Cooking turkey bacon further can give it caramelized, crispy edges and a browned appearance that some people enjoy.
- Enhance flavor – Brief additional cooking infuses more smoky, savory flavors into turkey bacon from skillet reactions.
- Kill bacteria – Cooking to 165°F after opening will further ensure any bacteria that contaminated the meat after opening are destroyed.
So while reheating is not essential from a food safety standpoint, many people still like to heat up their turkey bacon briefly before eating to improve the taste and texture. Just don’t overcook it to the point where it becomes burnt or dried out.
Does turkey bacon need to be crispy when cooked?
Crispiness is another preference when it comes to enjoying turkey bacon. Since it comes precooked, turkey bacon doesn’t necessarily have to be made crispy by additional cooking. It will have a softer, more pliable texture right out of the package that some people don’t mind.
However, for those who like a crisper bacon, whether pork or turkey, briefly cooking it in a skillet, microwave, or oven can transform the texture. The high heat crisps up the exterior and renders some of the fat to make turkey bacon crunchier when desired. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn from overcooking.
Conclusion
Turkey bacon that is commercially packaged has already been fully cooked during processing to eliminate foodborne pathogens. This precooked status makes it safe to enjoy turkey bacon directly out of the package without the need to reheat before eating, though some additional cooking can improve taste and texture. Be sure to follow proper storage times and temperatures after opening turkey bacon. While precooking gives turkey bacon a long shelf life, its fully cooked status only applies before exposure to air. Following safe handling procedures will keep precooked turkey bacon safe and enjoyable to eat.
Cooking Instructions for Precooked Turkey Bacon
Though reheating is not required for food safety, many people still like to heat up turkey bacon briefly before eating. Here are some quick cooking instructions:
Microwave
- Place turkey bacon slices in a single layer between paper towels
- Microwave on High for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice
- Rotate tray and microwave for 15-30 seconds more if needed
Skillet
- Place skillet over medium heat and add turkey bacon slices
- Cook 1-2 minutes per side until hot and lightly crisped
- Reduce heat if bacon starts to burn
Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Arrange turkey bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Bake 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisped
Follow package reheating instructions and adjust cook times as needed for your desired crispness. Be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition Information for Turkey Bacon
| Nutrient | Per 2 slices turkey bacon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Turkey bacon can provide protein and flavor for few calories compared to regular bacon. But it is high in sodium, so moderation is still important.
Safety Tips for Turkey Bacon
Here are some key food safety guidelines when handling and enjoying precooked turkey bacon:
- Store unopened packages as indicated on label, usually in the refrigerator.
- After opening, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a sealed container.
- Look for a use by or sell by date and follow it. Use within 7-10 days.
- Keep raw meats separate and avoid cross-contamination in storage, prep, and serving.
- Cook to 165°F if reheating after opening.
- Discard turkey bacon that smells bad, is slimy, or moldy.
Being mindful of temperature control, contamination prevention, expiration dates, and signs of spoilage will keep precooked turkey bacon safe to enjoy.
