We have a serious problem, America. Bacon is delicious.

To say that the crispy, smoky cured meat is enticing would be an understatement. However, to say that bacon is bad for you would also be an understatement.

The World Health Organization classifies processed meat a category that includes all types of bacon as a carcinogen, citing convincing evidence that it causes cancer. And earlier this year, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that increases in processed red meat consumption are associated with higher mortality rates.

It makes sense, then, that you would like to find an alternative to bacon, something less dangerous and nearly as satisfying maybe turkey bacon or meatless bacon. So lets examine the foods we might think are healthier options.

The nutrition facts below are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the percentages are based on the Food and Drug Administrations recommended Daily Values . Keep in mind that the numbers below are for one slice and then multiply accordingly, because we all know that eating a single piece of bacon is nearly impossible.

Classic Bacon: One Slice, Pan-Fried

• Calories: 54

• Saturated fat: 1.376 g (6.8%)

• Fat: 4.04 g (6.2%)

• Protein: 3.9 g

• Sodium: 194 mg (8%)

• Cholesterol: 11 mg (3.7%)

Turkey Bacon: One Slice of Jennie-O Turkey

• Calories: 30

• Saturated fat: 0.5 g (2.5%)

• Fat: 2.5 g (3.8%)

• Protein: 2.0 g

• Sodium: 130 mg (5.4%)

• Cholesterol: 10 mg (3.3%)

Canadian Bacon: One Slice, Pan Fried

• Calories: 20

• Saturated fat: 0.14 g (1%)

• Fat: 0.38 g (0.06%)

• Protein: 3.91 g

• Sodium: 137 mg (6%)

• Cholesterol: 9 mg (3%)

Meatless Bacon: One Slice

• Calories: 15

• Saturated fat: 0.23 g (1.2%)

• Fat: 1.48 g (2.3%)

• Protein: 0.58 g

• Sodium: 73 mg (3%)

• Cholesterol: 0 mg (0%)

Classic Bacon

Many of us grew up with the familiar sizzle and alluring aroma of bacon wafting from the kitchen. Unfortunately, at least one expert says thats almost like being nostalgic for the noxious fumes of cigarette smoke.

The problem with traditional pork bacon is typically two-thirds of the calories come from fat, said registered dietician Kristen Smith MS, RD, LD, of Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta. And half of that is saturated fat, which is the fat type were concerned about when we talk about heart disease. And there are differences between brands: Smith said that nutrition facts vary widely depending on how the bacon is cooked and what manufacturer has made the packaging.

She cautions that bacon isnt something you should eat regularly, especially considering its designation as a carcinogen.

The WHO report clearly states that there is no data showing a safe amount to eat but that risk goes up with increased consumption, explained Kristin Kirkpatrick , MS, RDN, author and lead dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute.

Dr. Neal Barnard, a professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, offers fewer qualifiers: He said we should stop eating bacon entirely.

Its linked to some of the most common and deadly cancers that we have, Barnard said, including colorectal cancer and breast cancer. A WHO report found that eating bacon on a daily basis increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. And since colorectal cancer is already the second-most common cause of cancer fatalities, thats a worrying increase.

If youre going to boost it by 18%, its a lot, Barnard said.

Then, he put it bluntly: The problem we have is that we are with bacon now where we were with tobacco in the 60s.

So it sounds like bacon is mostly out. But surely there must be other options that would satiate and satisfy.

The Other Bacons

Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon: Its for when you dont care about tasting bacon but want something crisp to complement your eggs.

Sadly, youre going to need to continue your grocery-store spelunking for a healthy alternative. Kirkpatrick said that a new study found that ultra-processed foods like turkey bacon led to weight gain and overeating.

As its nutrition values show (see above), turkey bacons high sodium level may pose a risk for individuals with high blood pressure or certain chronic conditions, Kirkpatrick said.

Then theres the possibility that since youre eating healthier bacon, you might eat even more of something thats actually carcinogenic and high in sodium.

With turkey bacon, you are assuredly consuming something lower fat than classic bacon but it also contains less protein than its pork brethren. The solution, then, has to lie somewhere else... right?