A crispy, pan-fried slice of Canadian bacon with its distinctive round shape and pink-brown color, garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate

National Canadian Bacon Day celebrates the beloved breakfast meat that, despite its name, is known as “back bacon” in Canada. This lean cut comes from the pork loin, making it distinctly different from traditional American bacon.

Quick Facts

  • When is it: March 3rd annually
  • Tagged as: Food Holiday, Breakfast Holiday
  • What’s the hashtag: #NationalCanadianBaconDay
  • When was it founded: 2015
  • Who founded it: Unknown

History

Canadian bacon emerged during a 19th-century pork shortage when the UK began importing lean pork from Canada. Originally known as peameal bacon because it was rolled in ground yellow peas for preservation, it gained popularity in the United States where it became known as “Canadian bacon.” The meat is now typically rolled in cornmeal instead of peameal but maintains its distinctive lean, ham-like qualities.

Timeline

  • 4900 BC: Chinese begin domesticating pigs
  • 1500 BC: Chinese start salting pork bellies
  • 1800s: Peameal bacon emerges in Canada
  • 1930s: Gains popularity in the United States
  • 2015: National Canadian Bacon Day established

Dates for Next Years

YearMonthDateDay
2024March3Sunday
2025March3Monday
2026March3Tuesday
2027March3Wednesday
2028March3Friday

How It’s Observed

People celebrate by enjoying Canadian bacon in various dishes, particularly breakfast combinations like Eggs Benedict or homemade egg muffins. Many share their celebrations on social media and organize breakfast gatherings with friends and family.

Fun Facts About Canadian Bacon

  • It’s leaner than regular bacon with only 60 calories per serving
  • In Canada, it’s called “back bacon” or “peameal bacon”
  • It’s fully cooked during the curing process
  • The meat comes from the pork loin rather than the belly
  • It’s considered healthier than regular bacon due to lower fat content

Quiz

  1. What was Canadian bacon originally rolled in?
  2. What is Canadian bacon called in Canada?
  3. Which part of the pig does Canadian bacon come from?
    (Answers: 1. Yellow peas 2. Back bacon or peameal bacon 3. Loin)

FAQs

  • Is Canadian bacon healthier than regular bacon? Yes, it contains less fat and more protein
  • Can you eat it without cooking? Yes, it’s fully cooked during curing
  • What’s the difference between Canadian bacon and ham? Canadian bacon comes from the loin, while ham comes from the legs

Related Holidays

  • International Bacon Day
  • National Bacon Day
  • National Breakfast Month
  • National Pork Month
  • National Sandwich Day