Canadian Bacon vs. Ham: What Are the Differences?

Canadian bacon, also called back bacon or rashers, comes from the pork loin of a pig. The dish originated in Canada and is different from American-style bacon (also called streaky bacon), which comes from pork belly and has much more fat. Canadian bacon comes brined in a simple brine, like every other commercial type of bacon. Sometimes Canadian-style bacon comes smoked, but it’s always served sliced in rounds. It’s found in the grocery store, usually in the breakfast foods section next to American-style bacon. There are many types of ham, a cured meat product that comes from a pig. The term can refer to a preserved—cooked or uncooked—whole cut of meat from the pig’s leg, or it can refer to a processed product, such as bits of cured pork that a manufacturer combined. Ham can be preserved by means of wet-curing, dry-curing, or smoking. It’s common to cook and serve ham as thin or thick slices, such as on ham sandwiches or scrambled up with eggs, or stuffed with other savory ingredients. Both Canadian bacon and ham come from [pork](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-pork-4-primal-pork-cuts-and-how-to-cook-pork) and might look the same depending on the forms they take, but there are key differences. Here are points of consideration between the two meats: - __Cut__: The main difference between the two is that Canadian-style bacon comes from the back of the pig, and is a loin cut. Ham comes from the back legs or butt. - __Preparation__: Canadian bacon comes in both thick and thin slices. Ham comes in cubes, as thick slabs of meat, or even in slices. You can enjoy Canadian bacon and ham in dishes at breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner; however, Canadian bacon, like other types of bacon, is traditionally a breakfast food. - __Preservation method__: Ham is cured or smoked, while Canadian bacon undergoes brining, similar to other types of bacon, including peameal bacon, Irish bacon, English bacon, British bacon, and American bacon. - __Nutritional value__: Compared to each other, ham generally has more sodium and a higher amount of carbohydrates, while Canadian bacon has more protein and less cholesterol. You can prepare Canadian bacon and ham in different ways (from grilling to frying) and enjoy the meats in several types of meals, including an English breakfast. Here are a few Canadian bacon or ham dishes: 1. __Eggs Benedict__: Fry a thin cut of Canadian bacon in a little oil until it becomes crispy, then crumble it over your [eggs Benedict](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/classic-eggs-benedict-recipe-with-hollandaise-sauce). 2. __Ham sandwich__: Add a slice of ham or Canadian bacon to a sandwich, such as a deli sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich. 3. __Omelet__: There are hundreds of [omelet](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-omelet-recipe-with-french-fresh-herbs) (or omelette) varieties, and many of them incorporate some kind of breakfast meat. Both chopped or cubed ham and Canadian bacon are options. 4. __Pasta carbonara__: Mix Canadian bacon into this Italian dish to add an extra salty savoriness on top of the creamy [carbonara sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-carbonara-sauce). 5. __Pizza__: Both Canadian bacon and ham are popular pizza toppings and will add salty, meaty flavor alongside your other ingredients. Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Aaron Franklin, Yotam Ottolenghi, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more. Canadian bacon and ham are similar cuts of meat; however, each comes from a different part of the pig.