The Calorie Breakdown: Two Slices of Applewood Bacon
When trying to determine the calories in two pieces of applewood bacon, it is crucial to recognize that the exact number is not fixed. It is influenced by the brand, the cut (regular vs. thick-cut), and the cooking method. While the flavor is derived from the smoking process using applewood chips, the core nutritional profile comes from the pork belly itself.
Standard Cut Applewood Bacon
For many brands that offer a standard-cut, non-thick version of applewood bacon, the calorie count for a two-slice serving often falls on the lower end of the spectrum. For example, brands like Dutch Farms and H-E-B typically report around 80 calories per two cooked slices. This provides approximately 5 to 7 grams of fat and 4 to 5 grams of protein, making it a moderately high-fat, high-protein food.
Thick Cut Applewood Bacon
Thick-cut bacon, as the name implies, has more mass per slice. This means more fat and more calories. Brands offering thick-cut applewood bacon, such as Smithfield and Dietz & Watson, often list their two-slice serving size at 100 calories. This higher calorie count reflects the increase in total fat content, which can be around 8 to 10 grams per two-slice serving.
How Cooking Method Affects Your Bacon's Calories
The way you prepare your bacon can significantly alter its final calorie and fat content. As the bacon cooks, a portion of its fat is rendered, or cooked out. The key is how much of this rendered fat you remove before eating.
- Pan-Frying: This is one of the most common methods but can result in the highest calorie count if the bacon is not drained properly. The fat released during cooking pools in the pan, and the bacon reabsorbs some of it as it fries. For a leaner outcome, be sure to drain the bacon on paper towels after cooking.
- Baking: Baking bacon on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet allows the fat to drip away from the bacon as it cooks. This can result in a crispier slice with a lower fat content, and therefore, a slightly lower calorie count.
- Microwaving: Using a microwave with paper towels is an efficient way to absorb a significant amount of rendered fat. This method can produce a crispier bacon with one of the lowest possible calorie counts, depending on the starting thickness.
Applewood vs. Regular vs. Turkey Bacon: A Nutritional Comparison
To put the calories of applewood bacon into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other common bacon varieties. Here is a comparison table based on a typical two-slice serving:
| Bacon Type | Calories (per 2 slices) | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Applewood Bacon | 80 | ~7 | ~300 |
| Thick-Cut Applewood Bacon | 100 | ~8-10 | ~280-320 |
| Standard Pork Bacon | 80-100 (depending on brand) | ~7-9 | ~160-320 (varies) |
| Turkey Bacon | ~60 | ~4-5 | ~300-350 |
As the table shows, the primary nutritional difference is between pork bacon and turkey bacon. The applewood flavor itself does not add significant calories or fat, but the cut (thick vs. standard) does. Note that turkey bacon, while lower in fat and calories, can sometimes be higher in sodium to enhance flavor.
Health Considerations and Making a Better Choice
While bacon is a delicious addition to many meals, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high fat, sodium, and cholesterol content. Excessive consumption can contribute to health issues, and the curing process often involves nitrates and nitrites, which can form compounds called nitrosamines when cooked at high heat. For individuals concerned about this, uncured, nitrate-free bacon is an alternative.
Tips for healthier consumption:
- Control Portions: Limit yourself to one or two slices to keep calories and sodium in check.
- Drain the Fat: As mentioned, using methods that drain more fat, such as baking on a wire rack or microwaving with paper towels, is recommended.
- Pair with Nutrients: Balance your bacon with nutrient-dense foods. A few slices alongside a large portion of scrambled eggs with vegetables provides a more balanced meal.
- Choose Lower-Sodium Options: Read nutrition labels carefully to compare sodium content between brands, as it can vary significantly.
For more comprehensive nutritional data on different foods, you can refer to the USDA FoodData Central database. The USDA provides a wealth of information that can help you make informed decisions about your dietary intake.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Applewood Bacon Calories
To answer the question of how many calories are in 2 pieces of applewood bacon, the most accurate answer is a range of 80 to 100 calories. This variation is mainly driven by whether the bacon is standard-cut or thick-cut. Ultimately, the applewood smoking process adds flavor, but the core nutritional details come from the pork itself. For those watching their calorie or fat intake, focusing on portion control, choosing leaner cuts, and using effective cooking methods to drain fat are the most impactful strategies. Always check the nutrition facts label of your specific brand for the most precise information.
