Baconomic Indicator?

It looks like bacon has been making a comeback. Bacon lovers might say “What are you talking about? It never went away!” But it is making a comeback, and in honor of the theory that launched this site (check out the link “What is the Economics of Bacon?”), we’re going to talk about it. CNBC reports that the high prices of bacon could be a sign of the economy getting better. It is high season for bacon and pork belly production was held back due to the recession, so these things do account for high bacon prices. But I believe that people are buying bacon because it makes them feel better in these hard times; it makes people feel like “Things are bad but I can at least have this guilty pleasure”. The numbers don’t back up an economic recovery just yet, unemployment is still high, consumer confidence low and mortgage rates are still at an all-time low meaning people are buying very few houses. But people can at least enjoy bacon; it simply makes most things better, mashed potatoes, polenta, any pasta, any grilled cheese, any burger, chocolate cake or even ice cream. So people have to find new ways to find pleasure in these times where things don’t seem to change. Obviously the better the bacon the better the experience, research some brands, it might be worth it, it’ll make hard times even smoother. You could even make it yourself, it’s not as hard as you think and you could end up with a far superior product and an enlightening experience. This is an example where the numbers probably do not tell the whole story; people need to feel they can still enjoy the little things in life like a nice slice of bacon, perfectly cooked, as a snack with a cold frosty beer on a hot summer’s day. Now, if we start hearing that the sales of Tofurkey are starting to rise, then that is a real sign that the economy is heating up and people’s buying power is increasing because that really is a waste of money.