That alluring aroma. The distinctive sizzle. The crackle of that first salty bite.No one forgets the experience of bacon, not even vegans (which explains the increasing availability of plant-based versions).My mouth is watering as I write this. I bet yours is, too.Bacon’s sensory thrills are no doubt a big part of why it’s embraced the world over, from Italian pancetta to the thick, hammy rounds adored by Canadians. The US is particularly known for “streaky bacon” — thin, smoky strips marked by ribbons of meat and fat. Bacon is such a part of American life, it’s even worked its way into the lexicon, whether we’re bringing it home, saving it, or asking what’s shakin’.And yes, bacon does indeed make everything better, especially when tucked in a BLT, rendered as a smoky soup base, or crumbled atop a cool Cobb salad.Is it any wonder the average American eats 18 pounds of bacon a year, 57% of it at breakfast?So we set out to determine some of the country’s best. After many hours of research, my colleagues and I gleefully tested 22 brands of salty, smoky, chewy, crispy pork, including supermarket staples and easily accessible artisanal varieties. The following picks, ranging from wallet-friendly to splurge-worthy, will each give you a scrumptious reason to get out of bed in the morning.