When it comes to breakfast, bacon is king. But for those looking for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor, turkey bacon has become a popular alternative. With so many brands on the market, I embarked on a mission to find the best turkey bacon, evaluating each on taste, texture, and appearance. Here's what I discovered, from my least favorite to the top pick that changed my breakfast game.

The Disappointment: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon

Oscar Mayer's attempt at turkey bacon looked promising with its attempt at mimicking the marbled look of pork bacon. However, its overwhelming artificial smoke flavor and leathery texture were a letdown, making it my least favorite option.

Not Quite There: Applegate Naturals Uncured Turkey Bacon

Despite being the most expensive, Applegate Naturals' turkey bacon lacked the smokiness and texture I desired. Its uniform shape and lack of artificial smoke taste couldn't save it from being one of the less enjoyable options.

A Decent Option: Trader Joe's Uncured Turkey Bacon

Trader Joe's turkey bacon offered a solid option with its thick slices and natural smoke flavor. While not perfect, it proved to be a satisfactory choice for those in a pinch.

Surprisingly Good: Godshall's Uncured Turkey Bacon

Godshall's turkey bacon edged out Trader Joe's with slightly crunchy edges and a more pronounced smoky flavor. Though not groundbreaking, it was a tasty and enjoyable option.

Unexpectedly Flavorful: John F. Martin & Sons Turkey Bacon

John F. Martin & Sons' turkey bacon surprised me with its balance of savory, salty, and smoky flavors. Despite its texture falling short, the taste was closer to classic pork bacon than I expected.

Impressive Taste: Never Any! Uncured Turkey Bacon

Aldi's Never Any! brand impressed with its craveable appearance and pleasantly salty and savory taste. The slightly crispy edges and beautiful sear made it one of the best-textured options in the taste test.

Longtime Favorite: Butterball Turkey Bacon

Butterball's turkey bacon lived up to its reputation with an ultra salty, savory taste and easy-to-bite-through texture. Although it felt a bit more processed, its delicious taste and pleasant texture secured its high ranking.

The Top Pick: Great Value Uncured Turkey Bacon

Walmart's Great Value turkey bacon was the unexpected champion of this taste test. Its strong, delicious flavor and impressive texture—crispy edges and a perfect sear—made it the best turkey bacon I've ever had. This hidden gem is a must-try for all turkey bacon enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the search for the perfect turkey bacon revealed a wide range of options, with Walmart's Great Value Uncured Turkey Bacon emerging as the clear winner for its unbeatable combination of flavor and texture. Whether you're a long-time turkey bacon fan or looking to try it for the first time, this ranking provides a guide to the best (and worst) turkey bacon brands out there.