Bacon has been a staple of the American diet since the first European settlers, but until recently, it was consumed in a predictable, seasonal pattern. The bulk of sales came from home consumers, diners, and pancake houses, which fried it up along with eggs for breakfast.

David Sax’s quote reflects the historical role of bacon in the American diet, highlighting its long-standing popularity since the arrival of the first European settlers. He points out that bacon has traditionally been a staple food, enjoyed as part of a predictable, seasonal pattern. In earlier times, bacon consumption was often linked to specific meals and times of day, particularly breakfast, where it was commonly paired with eggs at home or in establishments like diners and pancake houses.

Sax notes that the majority of bacon sales used to come from home consumers and places like diners and pancake houses, emphasizing how bacon was primarily consumed in these more traditional settings. This consumption pattern was predictable, with bacon being served in familiar, comforting ways, such as fried alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast. The connection between bacon and breakfast foods speaks to how deeply ingrained this tradition became in American food culture.

However, Sax also hints at a shift in recent years, suggesting that bacon’s role in the diet has changed. Its seasonal pattern of consumption has been replaced by a more pervasive and year-round demand, especially with the rise of bacon’s popularity in various culinary innovations and as an ingredient in a wide range of dishes, extending beyond the typical breakfast fare. This shift highlights how bacon has evolved from a traditional breakfast item to a more ubiquitous food enjoyed at any time of day.

In essence, Sax’s quote underscores the historical significance of bacon in American food culture and how its role has expanded over time. It reflects how food trends can evolve, with once seasonal or specialized foods, like bacon, becoming more integrated into the mainstream diet in new and creative ways.