In a savory development for bacon lovers everywhere, Prairie Fresh® has officially entered the bacon category with a new line of naturally hardwood-smoked products designed to deliver consistent quality and rich flavor in every slice. Announced on July 7, 2025, this strategic move places the trusted pork producer squarely in America’s $7 billion bacon market, where 74% of households regularly purchase the beloved breakfast staple.
Premium Bacon Backed by Farm-to-Table Transparency
Prairie Fresh’s bacon debut isn’t just another entry into a crowded category—it represents the extension of their connected food system philosophy into one of retail’s most competitive spaces. The new line features three distinct varieties: Applewood Smoked, Hickory Smoked, and Hickory Smoked Thick Cut, each developed to showcase the brand’s commitment to flavor excellence and quality consistency.
“Prairie Fresh Bacon delivers the flavor, quality, and consistency that today’s shoppers are craving, backed by the same connected food system that’s earned our brand trust across retail and foodservice,” said Emma Pierce, senior brand manager for Prairie Fresh bacon. “This launch meets rising demand in a category where brand switching is high, and value and transparency matter more than ever.” (prairiefresh.com)
What sets this bacon apart from competitors is its connection to what the company calls the “Prairie Fresh Way”—a fully integrated system that provides oversight from farm to table. This approach has already earned the brand significant trust in foodservice and fresh pork retail channels, making the bacon category a natural extension for expansion.
The Prairie Fresh Way: A Difference You Can Taste
The Prairie Fresh Way represents more than marketing terminology—it’s a comprehensive approach to pork production that ensures quality control at every stage. This connected food system means that Prairie Fresh maintains oversight of:
- Farm sourcing: All pork comes from Prairie Fresh Way farms located in the United States
- Processing standards: Production occurs in company-operated facilities in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Missouri
- Quality assurance: Consistent application of the signature cure profile that leading national foodservice chains have come to trust
This integrated approach addresses growing consumer concerns about food sourcing and production methods. With 65% of shoppers indicating increased interest in food transparency since 2020, according to recent industry research, Prairie Fresh’s connected system provides the accountability many consumers now expect.
Market Timing Meets Consumer Trends
The bacon launch comes at a strategic moment when consumer preferences within the category are evolving. Industry data shows clear shifts toward:
- Smaller pack sizes: The introduction of 12 oz. and 16 oz. L-board packages aligns perfectly with consumer purchasing patterns
- Premium quality expectations: Naturally hardwood-smoked products using real hickory or apple woods appeal to elevated taste preferences
- Cross-category purchasing: With 80% of fresh pork buyers also purchasing bacon, the brand extension creates natural synergies
These trends position Prairie Fresh Bacon for strong acceptance among both existing brand loyalists and quality-focused bacon shoppers looking for alternatives to their current selections.
“What we’re seeing in the bacon category is a perfect storm of opportunity,” notes industry analyst Maria Gonzalez from Food Market Insights. “Consumer willingness to switch brands remains exceptionally high—around 43% according to our latest research—while simultaneously, shoppers are increasingly scrutinizing quality markers like smoke profiles and cure methods. Prairie Fresh is entering at exactly the right moment with the right credentials.”
Culinary Applications Beyond Breakfast
While bacon remains a breakfast staple, its versatility extends far beyond morning meals. The Prairie Fresh line has been developed with culinary versatility in mind:
- The Applewood Smoked variety offers subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with salads, seafood dishes, and dessert applications (yes, desserts!)
- Hickory Smoked delivers the classic robust flavor perfect for BLTs, burger toppings, and traditional breakfast pairings
- Hickory Smoked Thick Cut stands up to heartier applications like pasta carbonara, wrapped proteins, and as a featured ingredient in soups and stews
For foodservice operators, the consistency of the Prairie Fresh bacon line addresses a persistent challenge: maintaining flavor profiles across menu applications. The brand’s existing relationships with national chains provide built-in credibility for this new offering.
Marketing Support to Drive Awareness and Trial
To support the launch, Prairie Fresh is implementing a comprehensive marketing campaign under their established “Now THAT’S Pork.™” platform. The multi-channel approach includes:
- Digital and social advertising targeting both home cooks and professional chefs
- Influencer partnerships highlighting creative bacon applications
- On-pack QR codes linking directly to recipe inspiration and sourcing information
This integrated approach aims to build awareness while simultaneously providing value through culinary content—a strategy that has proven effective in driving trial among both retail consumers and foodservice decision-makers.
Retail Implications and Category Growth
For grocery retailers, the Prairie Fresh bacon introduction represents an opportunity to bring innovation to a high-velocity category that drives significant store traffic. According to recent scanner data, bacon delivers one of the highest profit-per-square-foot metrics in the meat department, making quality-focused new entries particularly valuable.
“Retailers are constantly seeking ways to differentiate their meat departments while maintaining strong margins,” explains retail consultant James Thompson. “A trusted brand like Prairie Fresh entering the bacon category creates excitement without the risks associated with unproven suppliers. It’s the best of both worlds for grocery buyers.”
The launch also comes as the broader processed meat category navigates shifting consumer perceptions. While health concerns have impacted some segments, bacon has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with sales volumes holding steady even as prices have increased over the past 24 months.
Looking Forward: Category Expansion Potential
While the initial launch features three core varieties, industry observers anticipate potential expansion into specialty bacon products that could include:
- Reduced sodium options to address health-conscious consumer segments
- Pepper-coated or maple-flavored varieties to capture seasonal and specialty niches
- Food service-specific formulations optimized for back-of-house applications
Prairie Fresh’s established production capabilities and connected supply chain provide the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging consumer preferences—a significant advantage in a category where innovation cycles continue to accelerate.
For retailers, foodservice operators, and culinary professionals, the entry of a trusted player like Prairie Fresh into the bacon category signals ongoing category vitality and the potential for continued innovation in one of America’s most beloved food products.
To learn more about Prairie Fresh Bacon and the Prairie Fresh Way, visit prairiefresh.com or contact your Prairie Fresh sales representative.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
