Bacon mania

Bacon mania refers to the passion for bacon, particularly in the United States and Canada. The trend has been traced back to the 1980s and 1990s when high-protein foods became a more prominent part of the American diet due to the Atkins diet. Since the start of the 21st century, bacon has become popular in recipes, food products, and internet culture, particularly in the U.S., to the point where it has been described as a "bacon mania" or "bacon boom".

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "bacon mania" is a combination of the words "bacon" and "mania". The word "bacon" is derived from the Old High German bacho, meaning "buttock", which in turn is derived from the Proto-Germanic *bakkon, meaning "back meat". The term "mania" comes from the Greek μανία (mania), meaning "madness, frenzy", and is used in English to denote an obsession or excessive enthusiasm for a particular thing.

History[edit | edit source]

The popularity of bacon in the United States dates back to the colonial era. Pigs were a low-maintenance food source that could be released to forage in woodlands. Once a year, they were harvested and the meat was cured and smoked to create bacon that would last the whole year.

In the 1990s, Hardee's introduced the Frisco Burger, "the first fast-food burger served with bacon". Other fast-food restaurants followed with items such as Burger King's Bacon Double Cheeseburger and Wendy's Baconator.

Bacon in the 21st Century[edit | edit source]

In the 21st century, bacon started to appear in unexpected places, from sweet treats like bacon-infused frosting or chocolate-covered bacon, to bacon-flavored coffee, and even bacon-themed clothing and accessories. This trend has been referred to as "bacon mania".

Bacon Festivals[edit | edit source]

Bacon-themed festivals have also emerged across America, such as Baconfest Chicago, which started in 2009, and the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, which started in Des Moines, Iowa in 2008.

Health Concerns[edit | edit source]

Despite the popularity of bacon, there are health concerns associated with its consumption, particularly in relation to heart disease, cancer, and obesity. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats, including bacon, as "carcinogenic to humans".

See Also[edit | edit source]

Bacon mania Resources
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