National Bacon Lovers Day
August 20
About National Bacon Lovers Day
National Bacon Lovers Day is observed every year on 20 August in the United States. It is a lighthearted food celebration dedicated to bacon in all its forms, from the classic breakfast rasher to the ingredient that has found its way into sandwiches, salads, cocktails, and desserts. The day encourages people to celebrate their appreciation for one of the world’s most widely recognised cured meat products.
What is National Bacon Lovers Day?
National Bacon Lovers Day is an informal observance that invites individuals, food brands, restaurants, and home cooks to celebrate bacon as a cultural and culinary phenomenon. It is not tied to a single governing body, but has grown in popularity through social media sharing, restaurant promotions, and food media coverage. The day sits within a broader tradition of food-themed observances that give fans of particular ingredients or dishes a focal point for communal celebration.
When is National Bacon Lovers Day?
National Bacon Lovers Day falls on 20 August each year. It is a fixed annual date that has been observed consistently, making it easy for food businesses and enthusiasts to plan around it in advance.
Why it Matters
Bacon holds a remarkable place in global food culture. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 1.1 billion pounds of bacon are consumed annually. Around 62 per cent of restaurants in the US feature bacon on their menus, and surveys suggest that more than half of American households keep bacon in their fridges at any given time. The day gives food businesses an opportunity to engage customers with themed menus and promotions, while home cooks use it as a reason to experiment with new recipes. For the food industry, it is also a moment to acknowledge bacon as a significant consumer product with deep cultural roots.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to observe National Bacon Lovers Day:
- Cook a bacon-focused meal at home, whether that is a classic full breakfast, a BLT sandwich, or a more adventurous bacon-wrapped dish.
- Visit a restaurant or diner offering bacon-themed specials or discounts. Many chains and independent restaurants mark the day with promotions.
- Share on social media using the hashtag #NationalBaconLoversDay to connect with fellow enthusiasts and discover new recipes.
- Host a bacon cook-off with friends or colleagues, challenging everyone to create the most inventive bacon dish.
- Gift bacon-themed products, from artisan cured bacons to bacon-infused hot sauces, condiments, or even candles.
History of Bacon
The history of bacon stretches back thousands of years. Records indicate that the Ancient Chinese were curing pork belly as far back as 1500 BCE, making it one of the earliest forms of preserved meat. The Romans also made use of salted pork, using it in cooking and as a form of provision for soldiers on campaign. The word “bacon” itself derives from the Old High German word “bacho,” meaning buttock or ham.
In Britain, bacon became a staple of the working-class diet during the mediaeval period, when salting and smoking were primary methods of food preservation. The full cooked breakfast, with its back bacon rasher, became a defining feature of British culinary culture in the nineteenth century.
In North America, the modern industrialisation of bacon production accelerated during the twentieth century. The surge in popularity of the BLT sandwich and the fast food burger helped cement bacon’s status as a mainstream ingredient. From the early 2000s onward, a cultural trend sometimes referred to as “bacon mania” took hold, with bacon appearing in increasingly unexpected contexts, from chocolate bars to beer, ice cream, and even skincare products.
National Bacon Lovers Day as a recognised observance grew out of this cultural moment, with its online presence becoming established by around 2015 through food blogs and social media communities.
Noteworthy Facts
- The average American consumes around 18 pounds of bacon per year.
- Around 70 per cent of all bacon produced in the US comes from the belly of the pig; back bacon, more common in the UK and Canada, uses the loin.
- The curing process for bacon typically involves salt, nitrates, and sometimes sugar and smoke, which contribute to its distinctive flavour and long shelf life.
- In the UK, back bacon is the norm in a traditional cooked breakfast, while streaky bacon (from the belly) is more common in American-style recipes.
- Bacon has been used as a base flavour in an increasing number of plant-based and vegetarian products designed to replicate its smoky, salty taste profile.
- The world record for the longest rasher of bacon was set in 2016 in the UK, measuring over 100 metres.
Hashtags
#NationalBaconLoversDay #BaconLoversDay #BaconDay #BaconLover #Bacon
Featured image: Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash.
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