One of the most common bacon questions we hear at The Lucky Pig is simple:
What's the difference between streaky bacon and short cut bacon?
The answer is: neither is better. They simply come from different parts of the pig and are better suited to different types of cooking.
Whether you're making a classic BLT, bacon and eggs, burgers, or wrapping chicken for the barbecue, choosing the right bacon can make a big difference.
Watch: Streaky vs Short Cut Bacon Explained
What is Short Cut Bacon?
Short cut bacon is cut from the pork loin, usually with a small section of belly attached.
Because it contains more loin meat, short cut bacon is naturally leaner and meatier while still delivering the smoky bacon flavour Australians love.
Short cut bacon is ideal for:
- Bacon and eggs
- Breakfast rolls
- Sandwiches
- Pasta dishes
- Quiches
- Everyday cooking
If you prefer a meatier slice with less fat, our short cut bacon is a fantastic choice.
What is Streaky Bacon?
Streaky bacon comes from pork belly.
It has alternating layers of meat and fat, which render beautifully as it cooks. That is why streaky bacon crisps up so well and brings loads of flavour.
Streaky bacon is ideal for:
- BLTs
- Burgers
- Wrapping chicken
- Wrapping steak
- Crispy breakfast bacon
- Recipes where you want extra crunch and flavour
Short Cut vs Streaky Bacon: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Short Cut Bacon | Streaky Bacon |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Pork loin | Pork belly |
| Fat content | Lower | Higher |
| Texture | Meatier | Crispier |
| Best for | Breakfasts, sandwiches and everyday cooking | BLTs, burgers and wrapping meat |
Which Bacon Should You Choose?
There is no wrong answer.
If you want a leaner, meatier bacon, choose short cut bacon.
If you want crispy bacon with rich flavour, choose streaky bacon.
The best bacon is simply the one that suits what you're cooking.
Recipes Using Bacon
Looking for some bacon inspiration? Try these Lucky Pig favourites:
- BLT with Award-Winning Bacon
- Breakfast Devilled Eggs with Crispy Bacon
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Want Perfect Bacon Every Time?
Choosing the right cut is only half the story. How you cook bacon matters too.
For tips on pan-frying, oven-baking and getting the texture just right, read our guide: How to Cook Bacon.
Why Choose Lucky Pig Bacon?
At The Lucky Pig, we make our bacon using quality Australian pork and traditional smallgoods methods.
Our bacon has also been recognised at the 2026 Australian Meat Excellence Awards, reflecting the care and craft that goes into our smallgoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is streaky bacon fattier than short cut bacon?
Yes. Streaky bacon comes from pork belly, so it naturally contains more fat than short cut bacon.
Which bacon gets crispier?
Streaky bacon usually crisps better because of its higher fat content.
Which bacon is better for breakfast?
Both work well. If you prefer a leaner, meatier breakfast, choose short cut. If you love crispy bacon, streaky is a great option.
Can I substitute short cut bacon for streaky bacon?
Yes. You can substitute one for the other, but the finished dish may be leaner, crispier or richer depending on which bacon you use.
Ask the Butcher
Have another meat question?
Leave us a comment on social media or ask next time you're in store. Your question might feature in a future Ask the Butcher episode.
Visit The Lucky Pig Butchery
Still have a question about bacon or need help choosing the right cut?
Visit The Lucky Pig at 452 Centre Road, Bentleigh. Whether you're planning breakfast, a barbecue or a family dinner, we're always happy to help you choose the right meat for the job.