pork pops

New Soda Brings the Bubbles to Bacon
November 8, 2010 at 9:02AM by Katie Robbins |
And so the bacon bonanza continues. Earlier this year we reported on how this smoky sensation has been finding its way into everything from peanut brittle to cupcakes. Now comes something to wash it all down with - bacon soda.

The carbonated beverage is the brainchild of two Seattle-based companies - the bacon-centric J&D Foods, whose other hog-tinged products include salt, mayonnaise, and popcorn; and Jones Soda, an independent bottler, which has previous experience in creating meat-infused soda with its popular Turkey and Gravy flavor. Uh, mmm, eeek.

The two companies discussed the possibility of collaborating for years, said J&D's co-founder Justin Esch in a phone call from Seattle. "Bacon soda just made sense."

Though initially amused when asked to describe the flavor profile of this bubbly bottle of bacon, Esch soon grew serious. "The bacon taste is undeniably porcine," said Esch. But he was emphatic when stressing, "It's bacon versus pork loin. There's a crispiness. A fried bacon taste."

That feeling of crispiness is helped by the carbonation according to Esch. "It brings the sizzle."

He suggests trying the soft drink with a turkey club or BLT and a bag of chips. And for those who prefer their meat beverages with a little kick of the hard stuff Esch recommends trying a Makers and Bacon.

Bottoms up!