For the Love of Bacon

February 6, 2025

By Haley Banwart

 
Crispy, smoky, savory — there’s something undeniably irresistible about bacon. From the enticing aroma to the satisfying crunch of the first bite, bacon has a way of capturing hearts and captivating taste buds.
 
But why do we love bacon so much? Turns out, there’s a scientific explanation behind our bacon fixation.

The Chemistry of Crave-Worthy Bacon

The secret to bacon’s universal appeal lies in its chemistry. When bacon hits the pan, a complex series of chemical reactions known as the Maillard reaction occurs. This reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars creates hundreds of aroma compounds. These compounds give bacon its unmistakable aroma, which has been scientifically proven to trigger pleasure centers in the brain.
 
The fat content adds to the allure. Bacon’s fat carries flavor and creates that signature crisp yet chewy texture. It’s a perfect combination of umami, saltiness, sweetness and a hint of bitterness — a harmony that tantalizes taste buds and keeps people coming back for more.

Iowa: The Epicenter of Bacon
As the leading producer of hogs in the U.S., Iowa’s identity is deeply intertwined with bacon. With 5,172 pig farms across the state, Iowa farmers are responsible for producing nearly one-third of the nation’s pork supply, raising 25 million hogs annually.

The state's robust pork industry is supported by its access to feed ingredients like soybeans and corn, which are abundant in Iowa, as well as its infrastructure and processing facilities. This industry plays a pivotal role in the $57 billion U.S. pork sector while driving Iowa’s local economy.
 
Iowa pork production supports more than 120,000 jobs statewide, including over 64,000 in hog farming, 39,000 in harvesting and 16,000 in processing. In 2024 alone, the industry added $15.4 billion in value to Iowa’s economy, creating a ripple effect that touches rural communities and urban centers alike.
 
“The popularity of bacon positively influences pork producers, but they rely on consumers enjoying all cuts to make a living and feed their own families,” says Kevin Hall, communications director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
 
“What makes bacon special is its connection to feeding families. It’s a staple on breakfast tables and a reminder of the care farmers put into raising their animals, supporting their communities and protecting the environment,” Hall adds.
 
Beyond its local impact, Iowa pork is a global ambassador. The state exports pork to countries like China, Mexico and Japan. “All over the world, people are eating Iowa pork,” says Hall. “Pork is the most popular protein in the world, and we have Iowa pig farmers to thank for that.”

Everything Is Better with Bacon

Bacon’s versatility is another big part of its universal appeal. Whether crisped to perfection or left with a bit of chew, bacon finds a way to shine in countless dishes. Thin-cut strips are the classic breakfast companion, while thick-cut varieties deliver a meatier, more flavorful bite.
 
For those with a sweet tooth, candied bacon coated in brown sugar or maple syrup and chili flakes balances sweetness with a smoky kick. Smoked bacon, often infused with hickory, applewood or maple, adds depth to dishes from appetizers to barbecue spreads.
 
Beyond the basics, bacon has a knack for elevating other foods. Wrapped around scallops, asparagus or cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños, it transforms simple ingredients into indulgent bites.
 
Bacon’s culinary creativity doesn’t stop there. It’s a staple in soups, salads and sandwiches, bringing a savory punch to dishes like the iconic BLT. Maple-bacon ice cream or bacon-infused Bloody Marys show just how far this ingredient can go.

Bacon as a Comfort Food

Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or a supporting star, bacon can improve just about anything. But bacon’s impact goes beyond the plate — it also has the power to uplift spirits.
 
For many, the mere aroma of sizzling bacon evokes comfort and joy. At Central Iowa Shelter Services in Des Moines, the smell of bacon cooking has become more than a breakfast treat.
 
“The taste, the smell and even the sound of bacon sizzling — it has a comforting effect,” says Hall. This simple yet powerful idea has helped create a more positive atmosphere for the shelter's homeless population.
 
What started as a warm, hearty breakfast event has grown into a beloved Giving Tuesday tradition, now in its ninth year. Partnering with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Fareway, the shelter cooks dozens of pounds of bacon to serve over 300 individuals in need.
 
“This event has become something everyone looks forward to,” Hall adds. “It’s amazing to see how something as simple as bacon can make such a positive impact.”

Bacon Brings People Together

Bacon has a remarkable ability to create an atmosphere of joy and connection wherever it’s celebrated. At fairs and festivals across Iowa, dishes like bacon on a stick draw enthusiastic crowds eager to share their love of this iconic food.
 
Nowhere is this sense of community stronger than at the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. Officially organized on March 1, 2008, under the Iowa Bacon Board and led by co-founder Brooks Reynolds, the festival has become the world’s premier celebration of bacon.
 
The festival’s commitment to creativity and community sets it apart. From the beginning, it’s been about more than just bacon — it's been about bringing people together. “It all started with a group of friends gathering for a guys’ weekend at the Porter Cottage in Spirit Lake,” Reynolds shares. “We were all in the early stages of our careers, grilling, enjoying camaraderie and cooking plenty of bacon.”
 
That weekend retreat evolved into the Beer and Bacon Festival in Spirit Lake, a charity-focused event that combined fun and fundraising. Six years later, the group of friends took their passion to the next level by earning “All About Bacon” diplomas from Living History Farms.
 
Armed with new knowledge and a shared passion, the vision for the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival was born. “We slowly built a cult following,” says Reynolds. “We didn’t market the event for the first 10 years — it was all word of mouth.”
 
Now entering its 17th year, the festival has grown from a modest 200-person gathering at El Bait Shop and the High Life Lounge in Des Moines to an internationally recognized event attracting thousands of attendees yearly.
 
The celebration continues to unite people worldwide, with sister events held in Colorado and Japan. Along the way, the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival has raised over $1 million for charitable causes, proving that bacon isn’t just a food — it’s a universal bond that connects people from all walks of life.
 
“Few events feature bacon as the primary menu item, but that’s exactly what makes the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival so special,” Reynolds explains. “It’s a one-of-a-kind hybrid event, where BBQ meets Beerfest, with 10 to 15 vendors serving up a wide array of bacon dishes.”  
 
This year’s theme, “Bacon Boat,” brings a nautical twist, complete with a yacht rock band. Scheduled for May 3, 2025, the festival promises to be another unforgettable celebration of all things bacon.