Calories in Bacon
One slice of cooked bacon has about 43 calories. See calories in bacon per slice and serving, fat and protein, turkey vs pork bacon, plus a full macros table.
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Quick answer
One slice of cooked pork bacon has about 43 calories. A typical 2 to 3 slice serving has roughly 90 to 130 calories, mostly from fat and protein with no carbs.
How Many Calories Are in Bacon?
One slice of cooked, pan-fried pork bacon has about 43 calories. A standard breakfast serving of 2 to 3 slices runs roughly 90 to 130 calories. Bacon is calorie-dense for its size because it is mostly fat, but a single slice is actually fairly modest — the count climbs with thick-cut slices and larger portions.
A key point: these figures are for cooked bacon, after much of the fat has rendered out during frying. Raw bacon weighs more and shows higher calories per gram because it still holds that fat.
Bacon Calories by Serving
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (regular cut) | ~8 g cooked | ~43 |
| 2 slices | ~16 g | ~86 |
| 3 slices | ~24 g | ~130 |
| 1 thick-cut slice | ~12 g | ~60 |
| 100 g cooked | ~12 slices | ~540 |
Thick-cut and “applewood” style slices carry more fat and can be 50 to 70 calories each. Microwaving on a rack renders out a bit more fat than pan-frying, shaving a few calories per slice.
Macros in Bacon
| Nutrient | Per slice (cooked) | Per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~43 | ~540 |
| Protein | ~3 g | ~37 g |
| Fat | ~3.3 g | ~42 g |
| Saturated fat | ~1.1 g | ~14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | ~137 mg | ~1,700 mg |
Bacon has zero carbs, which makes it a staple of low-carb and keto eating. The trade-offs are its saturated fat and high sodium — even a couple of slices contribute meaningfully to your daily salt intake.
Pork Bacon vs. Turkey Bacon
| Type | Calories per slice | Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Pork bacon (regular) | ~43 | ~3.3 g |
| Pork bacon (thick-cut) | ~60 | ~4.5 g |
| Turkey bacon | ~30 | ~2.4 g |
| Center-cut pork bacon | ~30 | ~2.5 g |
Turkey bacon and center-cut pork bacon are the lighter options, saving about 13 calories and a gram of fat per slice. Turkey bacon can be just as high in sodium, though, so check the label if salt is a concern.
Fitting Bacon Into Your Diet
At about 43 calories a slice, bacon can fit a balanced diet in moderation — a couple of slices add flavor and protein to a meal for under 90 calories. The bigger picture matters more than the calorie count: bacon is a processed red meat that is high in saturated fat and sodium, which health organizations link to higher risk when eaten frequently. Enjoying it occasionally, choosing center-cut or turkey varieties, and rendering out the fat while cooking are simple ways to keep bacon in a sensible place on your plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a slice of bacon?
One slice of cooked pan-fried pork bacon has about 43 calories, with around 3.3 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. Thick-cut slices can run 50 to 70 calories each.
How many calories are in 2 slices of bacon?
Two slices of cooked pork bacon have about 86 to 90 calories. A standard breakfast serving of 2 to 3 slices is roughly 90 to 130 calories, depending on thickness.
Does bacon have carbs?
No, plain pork bacon has essentially zero carbohydrates. Its calories come from fat and protein, which is why bacon is popular on low-carb and keto diets despite being calorie-dense.
Is turkey bacon lower in calories than pork bacon?
Yes, slightly. A slice of turkey bacon has about 30 calories versus 43 for pork bacon, with less fat. The difference is modest, and turkey bacon can be high in sodium.
Is bacon bad for you?
Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium and is a processed red meat, which health bodies link to higher risk when eaten often. In moderation it can fit a balanced diet.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)