Member’s Mark Bacon Review

There’s something universally comforting about the sizzle of bacon in the morning. For many families and food lovers, bacon isn’t just a breakfast staple, it’s a culinary ritual, a source of nostalgia, and a centerpiece for countless recipes. 

But with so many options on the shelves, finding the right bacon can feel overwhelming. Enter Member’s Mark Bacon, which has quietly built a reputation for delivering bulk value and bold flavor. But does it live up to the hype?

We’ll explore everything you need to know: from ingredients and nutrition to taste tests, cooking methods, sourcing, and ethical considerations. This Member’s Mark bacon review will help you decide if it is the best store-bought bacon for your table.

Member’s Mark Bacon Review – Flavor, Quality, and Value

Member’s Mark bacon, available exclusively at Sam’s Club, has become a go-to for families, foodies, and bulk shoppers. Its flagship product, the Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, consistently earns high marks for flavor and affordability. 

As of November 2025, it boasts a 4.5-star average from over 8,000 verified customer reviews on Sam’s Club’s website, with many praising its smoky aroma, meaty texture, and reliable performance in the kitchen.

However, not all feedback is glowing. Some customers and food critics point to inconsistencies in slice thickness, fat-to-meat ratio, and packaging quality. 

According to a 2025 Mashed review, “While many reviewers appreciate the bacon’s price tag and flavor, enough buyers have encountered frustrating inconsistencies. One common complaint is the uneven thickness of the slices… This can make it difficult to achieve uniform results, especially if you wish for a more controlled cooking process”.

Taste Test Insights – How Does Member’s Mark Compare?

In blind taste tests and side-by-side comparisons, Member’s Mark Bacon holds its own against national brands like Oscar Mayer, Hormel, and even Costco’s Kirkland Signature. 

A 2025 Allrecipes bacon taste test found that while some premium brands edged out store brands in flavor complexity, Member’s Mark was praised for its “pleasantly smoky, balanced flavor and satisfying crispness,” especially given its price point.

Key Takeaways

• Flavor: Smoky, savory, and not overly salty. The hickory smoke is present but not overpowering.
• Texture: Regular cut is crisp and light; thick-cut offers a chewier, meatier bite.
• Consistency: Generally reliable, but occasional variability in slice thickness and fat content.
• Value: Among the best in the warehouse club category, with a cost per pound that often undercuts national brands by 30–40%.

Product Variants and Packaging

Member’s Mark bacon isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Sam’s Club offers several variants to suit different tastes and cooking needs

• Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon (Regular Cut): The classic, available in 3-pound packages divided into three 1-pound vacuum-sealed sections for freshness and convenience.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: For those who prefer a heartier, chewier slice. Sold in similar multi-pack formats.
• Double Smoked Thick Cut Bacon: A premium option with extra smoke flavor and a robust, meaty texture.
• Restaurant Style Bacon: Sold in 10-pound boxes, pre-laid on parchment sheets for easy bulk cooking—ideal for large families or food service.
• Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative for those seeking lower fat and calories.
• Real Crumbled Bacon: Ready-to-eat bacon bits for salads, baked potatoes, and recipes.

Packaging Highlights

• Multi-pack design (three 1-pound sections) helps maintain freshness and allows for easy portioning.
• Vacuum-sealed and freezer-friendly, making it practical for bulk buyers.
• Clear labeling with nutrition facts, ingredient list, and cooking instructions.

Customers consistently praise the packaging for its convenience, especially the ability to open one section at a time and freeze the rest without sacrificing quality.

What Are the Ingredients in Member’s Mark Bacon?

Member’s Mark bacon is made with a straightforward list of ingredients, reflecting both traditional curing methods and modern food safety standards. According to the latest Sam’s Club product labels and official statements (2025), the ingredients for the Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon are

• Pork (from U.S. farms)
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Sodium Phosphates
• Sodium Erythorbate
• Sodium Nitrite

No MSG is added, and the product is labeled gluten-free.

In 2025, Sam’s Club announced that 96% of its Member’s Mark food and beverage products now meet the company’s “Made Without” goals, eliminating over 40 artificial ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and certain preservatives. 

While bacon still contains curing agents like sodium nitrite (standard in the industry), the ingredient list is free from unnecessary additives.

Member’s Mark Bacon Nutrition Facts

Bacon is beloved for its flavor, but it’s also known for its fat and sodium content. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutrition facts for Member’s Mark bacon (per 2 cooked slices, ~17g)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	80
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	300mg
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	0g
Sugar	0g

Source: Sam’s Club (2025), Fooducate, Verywell Fit

Nutritional Analysis

• Low in carbs: Suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
• High in protein: 4–6g per serving, depending on cut.
• High in sodium: One serving provides about 13% of the recommended daily limit.
• Contains nitrates/nitrites: Used for curing and preservation.

Health Considerations

While bacon can fit into a balanced diet, moderation is key. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat and sodium intake, both of which are present in bacon. 

For those concerned about nitrates/nitrites, it’s worth noting that these are standard in most commercial bacon, and even “uncured” varieties often use natural sources like celery powder, which still contain nitrates.

Expert Recommendation

Enjoy bacon as an occasional treat or flavor enhancer rather than a daily staple. Pair it with potassium-rich foods (like leafy greens) to help balance sodium intake.

How to Cook Member’s Mark Bacon – Best Cooking Methods

Member’s Mark bacon is versatile and performs well across all standard cooking methods. Here’s how to get the best results

1. Stovetop (Skillet)

• Start with a cold pan; arrange bacon strips without overlapping.
• Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 8–12 minutes (regular cut) or 12–15 minutes (thick-cut).
• Drain on paper towels.

2. Oven Baking

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Arrange bacon in a single layer; bake 15–18 minutes (regular) or 20–25 minutes (thick-cut).
• For extra crispness, use a wire rack to allow fat to drain away.

3. Microwave

• Place bacon between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cook on high for 1 minute per slice, checking for doneness.

4. Air Fryer

• Preheat to 350°F.
• Cook bacon in a single layer for 8–10 minutes (regular) or 10–12 minutes (thick-cut).

5. Grill

• Thick-cut bacon holds up well to grilling. Cook over medium-indirect heat for 7–8 minutes per side.

Pro Tips

• For even cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet.
• Bacon continues to crisp as it cools, remove it just before it reaches your desired doneness.
• Save rendered bacon fat for cooking eggs, vegetables, or cornbread.

Cooking for a Crowd

The oven method is ideal for batch cooking, especially with the 3-pound or 10-pound packages. Restaurant-style bacon from Member’s Mark comes pre-laid on parchment sheets, making it easy to bake large quantities with minimal mess.

Is Member’s Mark 100% Real Bacon Crumbles Gluten Free?

Allergen and Gluten-Free Status

Member’s Mark Real Crumbled Bacon is made from 100% real pork, hand-selected and hardwood-smoked. According to Sam’s Club (2025), the product is gluten-free and contains no MSG. The ingredient list is simple: pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.

Allergen Safety

While bacon itself is naturally gluten-free, always check for cross-contamination or added flavorings in processed products. Member’s Mark bacon and crumbles are produced in facilities that adhere to strict food safety and allergen protocols, but those with celiac disease should verify each batch.

Where Does Member’s Mark Bacon Come From?

Member’s Mark bacon is sourced from U.S. pork producers. The pork comes from animals raised without added hormones (federal regulations prohibit hormone use in pork production), and the bacon is processed and packaged in the United States.

Sam’s Club works with multiple suppliers to ensure consistent availability nationwide. While the specific farm or processor may vary by region and batch, all Member’s Mark bacon is subject to Sam’s Club’s rigorous quality assurance standards.

Animal Welfare and Sustainability

Walmart and Sam’s Club have made public commitments to animal welfare, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. Their policies require suppliers to adhere to the “Five Freedoms” of animal welfare and to work toward more humane practices, including group housing for pregnant sows and responsible antibiotic use.

In 2025, Sam’s Club reported that 96% of Member’s Mark food products meet its “Made Without” ingredient standards, and the company continues to push for greater transparency and sustainability in its supply chain.

Who Makes Member’s Mark Bacon?

Member’s Mark is the private label brand of Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart Inc. While the packaging lists Sam’s Club as the distributor, the actual manufacturing is contracted to major U.S. pork processors. 

Industry research and supply chain analysis suggest that Smithfield Foods is a primary producer for Member’s Mark bacon, leveraging its scale and expertise to supply both Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark bacon lines.

Quality and Consistency – Customer Complaints and Variability

What Customers Love—and What They Don’t

Member’s Mark bacon enjoys a loyal following, but it’s not without its detractors. Here’s what aggregated customer reviews and expert analyses reveal

Pros

• Flavor: Smoky, savory, and satisfying.
• Value: Lower cost per pound than most national brands.
• Packaging: Multi-pack design keeps bacon fresh and easy to store.
• Versatility: Performs well in breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and recipes.

Cons

• Inconsistent Slicing: Some packages have uneven or thin slices, making uniform cooking difficult.
• Fat-to-Meat Ratio: Occasional complaints about excessive fat or gristle in certain batches.
• Grease Content: Higher fat content can lead to more grease during cooking, requiring extra cleanup.
• Shelf Life: Some users report that bacon spoils quickly after opening, even when refrigerated.

User Ratings and Trends

• Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon (3 lbs): 4.5/5 stars from 8,348 reviews.
• Restaurant Style Bacon (10 lbs): 4.7/5 stars from 166 reviews.
• Double Smoked Thick Cut Bacon: 4.5/5 stars from 1,847 reviews.
• Real Crumbled Bacon: 4.7/5 stars from 10,896 reviews.

Most negative reviews focus on inconsistency in slice thickness, fat content, or packaging issues. However, the majority of customers find Member’s Mark bacon to be a reliable, tasty, and economical choice.

Taste Tests and Comparative Reviews – How Does It Rank?

In direct comparisons, Member’s Mark bacon often edges out competitors in key areas

• Flavor: Less salty than Kirkland, with a more balanced smoke profile.
• Fat Content: Slightly leaner than Kirkland, with larger veins of pink meat.
• Packaging: More convenient, with three separate vacuum-sealed packs.
• Price: Comparable or slightly higher per pound, but with frequent promotions.

A 2025 Mashed review concluded

“Member’s Mark bacon wins by a nose in the comparison between the two—but the race is close. The product from Sam’s Club is slightly less fatty, contains less sodium, and comes in a more convenient package format. It also has larger veins of pink meat, despite being less visually appealing and more expensive than Kirkland bacon”.

In blind taste tests, Member’s Mark bacon is consistently rated as “pleasantly smoky, not overly salty, and with a satisfying crispness.” While it may not match the artisanal complexity of boutique brands like Nueske’s, it delivers 80–90% of the experience at a fraction of the price.

Crumbled Bacon Product Analysis – Use Cases and Quality

Member’s Mark Real Crumbled Bacon is a popular pantry staple for busy cooks. Made from 100% real pork, these crumbles are hardwood-smoked and ready to eat. They’re ideal for salads, baked potatoes, pasta, pizza, and even desserts.

User Feedback

• Positive: “Great taste, not fatty, and very versatile. I use them right out of the bag, and toasting them explodes the flavor”.
• Negative: Some users report occasional tough or gristly pieces, and a few have noted a decline in quality over time.

Best Practices

• Store in a cool, dry place and reseal after each use.
• For maximum flavor, briefly toast crumbles in a skillet before adding to dishes.

Health and Safety – Nitrates, Nitrites, and Preservatives

Like most commercial bacon, Member’s Mark uses sodium nitrite as a curing agent. This preserves the meat, prevents bacterial growth, and gives bacon its characteristic pink color. 

While some consumers seek “uncured” or nitrate-free options, it’s important to note that even these products often use natural sources of nitrates (like celery powder), which have similar effects.

Health Guidance

• The USDA and FDA consider nitrite-cured bacon safe when consumed in moderation.
• Overconsumption of processed meats has been linked to increased health risks; enjoy bacon as part of a balanced diet.
• Member’s Mark bacon does not currently offer an uncured or nitrate-free option.

Price and Value Analysis – Cost Per Pound and Bulk Savings

One of the biggest draws of Member’s Mark bacon is its value. As of late 2025, typical prices are

• Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon (3 lbs): $12.47 ($4.16/lb).
• Thick-Cut Bacon: Slightly higher, around $4.99/lb.
• Restaurant Style Bacon (10 lbs): $39.97 ($4.00/lb).
• Turkey Bacon: $11.98 for 2.5 lbs ($4.79/lb).

Compared to national brands, which often retail for $7–9 per pound, Member’s Mark offers substantial savings, especially for families or anyone who cooks bacon regularly.

Membership Note

A Sam’s Club membership is required to purchase Member’s Mark bacon. The annual fee ($45 for basic membership) is easily offset by savings for frequent shoppers.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Freezing Tips

Refrigeration

• Unopened bacon: Store in the fridge until the “use by” date (typically 3–4 weeks from purchase).
• Opened bacon: Use within 7 days.

Freezing

• Member’s Mark bacon freezes well. For best results, separate slices with parchment paper, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer bag.
• Frozen bacon maintains quality for up to 3–4 months; beyond that, flavor and texture may decline.

Thawing

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• In a pinch, use the cold water method (sealed bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes).

Pro Tip

If you only need a few slices, you can refreeze the unused portion as long as it hasn’t been left at room temperature for more than an hour.

Recipes and Serving Suggestions – Practical Ways to Use Member’s Mark Bacon

Member’s Mark bacon shines in classic breakfast plates, but its uses go far beyond eggs and toast. Here are some expert-approved ideas

• BLT Sandwiches: Thick-cut bacon adds heft and flavor.
• Bacon-Wrapped Vegetables: Perfect for grilling or roasting.
• Pasta Carbonara: Regular cut bacon delivers the right balance of crispness and chew.
• Bacon Jam: Combine with caramelized onions and brown sugar for a savory-sweet spread.
• Salads: Crumbled bacon elevates Cobb, Caesar, and spinach salads.
• Burgers: Mix chopped raw bacon into ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
• Bacon-Infused Bourbon: For a smoky twist on classic cocktails.

Quick Recipe – BLT Pasta Salad

• Cook rotini pasta, toss with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded romaine, and homemade ranch dressing. Chill and serve for a crowd-pleasing side or main dish.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations – Animal Welfare and Sustainability

Walmart and Sam’s Club have made public pledges to improve animal welfare and sustainability in their supply chains. Key initiatives include

• Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare: Suppliers are expected to provide humane treatment, including group housing for pregnant sows and responsible antibiotic use.
• Sustainability Goals: Commitments to source deforestation-free commodities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
• Transparency: Annual reporting on animal welfare and sustainability progress.

While Member’s Mark bacon is not certified organic or “humanely raised” by third-party standards, the company’s policies reflect industry best practices and ongoing improvement.

Final Verdict

Member’s Mark bacon delivers on its promise of flavor, value, and convenience. For most shoppers, it strikes an impressive balance between quality and affordability, making it a standout choice in the warehouse club category.

The multi-pack design, consistent flavor, and versatile performance in recipes make it a staple for families, foodies, and anyone who loves bacon.