Rendered Bacon Fat & Bacon Bits

Rendered bacon fat is the fat from pork that has been processed to remove impurities. Bacon bits are small pieces of cooked bacon, often dehydrated and sometimes made with plant-based ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real bacon.

Manufacturers add rendered bacon fat and bacon bits to provide a savory, smoky flavor and a rich, meaty taste to foods. They are commonly found in snacks like popcorn and seasoned nuts, as well as in processed meats and prepared meals.

Rendered bacon fat is a source of saturated fat. The FDA considers bacon bits made from real bacon to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food ingredient. While bacon is processed meat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meats as carcinogenic to humans, this classification applies to regular consumption of processed meats, not necessarily to small amounts used as a flavoring in packaged foods. Evidence on the health effects of moderate consumption of bacon-flavored ingredients is mixed.