How Many Calories in Bacon | A Look at Bacon Nutrition Facts

Calories in bacon can help us determine whether or not it's healthy, right? So, let us peel back the layers (pun intended) to learn more about it.

Without the aroma of bacon filling the air, Saturday morning breakfast wouldn't be the same for many families. But did you know that "bacon" refers to a specific cut of meat? Bacon is the name given to cured meat made from a pig's belly.

Although bacon has been a favorite for many years, it has recently become extremely popular globally. You might only think of bacon as a fatty, oily food, but eating it occasionally can really have some health benefits.

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Basics of Bacon

Bacon comes in various varieties, and the result varies from maker to maker. Although turkey bacon and other comparable products are available, bacon is typically produced from pork. Bacon normally goes through a curing process in which the meat is submerged in salt, nitrate, and occasionally sugar solution. Most of the time, the bacon is then smoked.

Calories in Bacon depend on the type also. (Image via Unsplash/ Michelle Shelly Captures)

Curing and smoking are processing techniques that aid in meat preservation in addition to maintaining the meat's red color and distinct flavor. By adding salt and nitrates, meat becomes an unwelcoming environment for bacteria to thrive. As a result, bacon lasts far longer than fresh pork.

Now, that you know where it comes from, let’s move on to the calories in bacon.

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Bacon Nutrition Facts: Calories in Bacon Slice

A medium-sized strip of bacon roughly serves as one serving. Here is the nutritional profile of Bacon:

• 32 calories
• 2 grams of fat
• 9 milligrams of cholesterol
• 3 grams of protein
• 115 milligrams sodium

Carbs in Bacon

Bacon has 0.6 grams of carbohydrates. Although sugar is not a component of bacon, some brands do so to enhance flavor. For instance, bacon with a brown sugar or maple label frequently has sugar added to it. Bacon contains no fiber.

Calories in Bacon: Turkey bacon has comparatively less calories. (Image via Pexels/ Nicolas Postigiloni)

Calories in Bacon

Three slices of bacon have 161 calories in them. This serving provides 48 calories from protein, 2.4 from carbohydrates, and 108 calories from fat.

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What is Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon is a food item that is created by combining smoked turkey that has been minced or diced with flavors, colors, and preservatives, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The mixture is then shaped into strips that resemble bacon.

Moreover, certain turkey bacon products may also contain other meats, like pork, according to the UDSA. Therefore, if you're looking for gobbler-only strips, pay close attention to the ingredients list.

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Turkey Bacon Nutrition Facts: Calories in Turkey Bacon

In terms of nutrients, turkey bacon isn't all that different from regular bacon. One slice of microwaveable turkey bacon contains the following nutrients:

• 30 calories
• 2 grams of fat
• 2 grams protein
• 0 grams fiber

Moreover, 164 milligrams (mg) of salt, or roughly 7% of the maximum daily consumption for healthy adults, are present in one slice of turkey bacon.

Comparatively, a similar-sized serving of pig bacon has 162 mg of sodium, 40 calories, 3 g of fat, 3.5 g of protein, and no carbohydrates or fiber. The primary nutritional distinction between the two is that, while turkey is not red meat, pork is.

Calories in bacon are quite more than that from turkey bacon. There really isn't a clear-cut answer as to whether turkey bacon is healthier than pork bacon or vice versa, like so many other things in life. Each type has benefits and drawbacks.