How many calories are in a rasher of bacon?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

A single, average rasher of back bacon can contain as few as 54 calories, but this number varies significantly based on the cut and how it's prepared. Understanding how many calories are in a rasher of bacon requires looking beyond a single number to consider all the influencing factors.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a rasher of bacon depends on the cut and cooking method. Back bacon is leaner than streaky bacon, and baking or microwaving reduces fat more effectively than frying.

Key Points

Cut Matters: Back bacon from the loin is leaner and has fewer calories than streaky bacon from the belly.
Cooking Method is Key: Baking or microwaving removes more fat than pan-frying, leading to a lower calorie count in the finished product.
Fat Affects Calories: The amount of fat on the rasher and how much of it renders during cooking directly impacts the calorie total.
Thin vs. Thick: Thicker rashers contain more calories than thin ones due to their higher overall mass and fat content.
Portion Control is Important: Even small servings of bacon are calorie-dense, so being mindful of portion sizes is crucial for managing intake.
Alternative Options: Leaner options like Canadian bacon or turkey bacon offer a lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon.

Understanding the 'Rasher' of Bacon

Before diving into the calorie counts, it's important to understand what a "rasher" of bacon is, as the term's meaning can differ by region. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a rasher typically refers to a thin slice of bacon, and the most common form is back bacon, which comes from the loin of the pig. In contrast, what is commonly called "bacon" in North America is generally streaky bacon, cut from the fattier pork belly. This difference in cut is the primary reason for the variation in calories and fat content per rasher.

Back Bacon vs. Streaky Bacon

Back Bacon: This cut includes a lean, meaty eye and a small rim of fat. As it comes from the loin, it's generally a leaner option than streaky bacon. A single, grilled rasher of trimmed back bacon (approx. 25g) contains about 54 calories and 3.1g of fat. An untrimmed back bacon rasher of the same size could be higher, around 72 calories.
Streaky Bacon: Made from the pork belly, streaky bacon features alternating layers of fat and meat. It has a higher fat content, which gives it a crispier texture and richer flavor. Because of its higher fat content, it also packs more calories. For instance, two typical streaky bacon rashers (approx. 43g) might contain 115 calories, averaging around 57.5 calories per rasher.

How Cooking Method Influences Calories

The way bacon is cooked significantly impacts its final calorie count, primarily by affecting how much fat is rendered during the process.

Common Cooking Methods and Their Calorie Impact:

Pan-Frying: This is a popular method that yields a crispy, flavorful result. However, the bacon cooks in its own rendered fat, and if not drained, it can retain a higher calorie count. One medium pan-fried strip (approx. 8g) is typically around 43 calories.
Baking: Cooking bacon in the oven on a wire rack allows the fat to drip away, producing a crispy slice with fewer calories. A baked slice might be closer to 40 calories per slice, depending on fat rendering. This is often the preferred method for those aiming to reduce fat intake.
Microwaving: This method is effective for removing a significant amount of fat, especially when using paper towels to absorb the grease. Microwaved bacon can reduce the calorie count per slice to the lower end of the range, around 37-40 calories.

Factors That Affect the Calorie Count

The final calorie count of a bacon rasher is not fixed and is subject to several variables:

Cut and Thickness: A thicker cut of bacon will, naturally, have more calories per slice due to its increased weight and fat content. A center-cut rasher, which has less fat, will be lower in calories than a standard or thick-cut slice.
Fat Rendering: As mentioned, the amount of fat that cooks out affects the final calorie count. The more fat that drains away, the fewer calories remain in the cooked bacon.
Curing Process: The method of curing (wet or dry) and whether it is smoked or unsmoked can also subtly impact the nutritional values, including sodium levels.

Comparison of Bacon Types and Cooking Methods


Bacon Type	Cut	Cooking Method	Approx. Calories per Rasher/Slice	Approx. Fat per Rasher/Slice
Back Bacon	Loin	Grilled, Fat Trimmed	54 kcal (25g rasher)	3.1g (25g rasher)
Back Bacon	Loin	Grilled, Untrimmed	72 kcal (25g rasher)	5.4g (25g rasher)
Streaky Bacon	Belly	Pan-fried	57.5 kcal (approx. per 21.5g rasher)	5.1g (approx. per 21.5g rasher)
Pork Bacon	Belly	Pan-fried	43 kcal (medium slice, 8g)	3.1g (medium slice, 8g)
Turkey Bacon	Turkey	Microwaved	30 kcal (thin slice)	2.1g (thin slice)
Canadian Bacon	Loin	Pan-fried	31 kcal (one slice)	1.0g (one slice)

Making Healthier Bacon Choices

For those watching their calorie or fat intake, several strategies can help make bacon a less calorific option:

Choose the Leanest Cut: Opt for back bacon over streaky bacon, and choose center-cut varieties, which are typically leaner. Canadian bacon and turkey bacon are even lower-calorie alternatives.
Cook Smartly: Baking bacon on a wire rack or microwaving it with paper towels are proven ways to reduce the fat content, and thus the calorie count, compared to pan-frying.
Drain the Fat: Always drain excess fat from cooked bacon using a paper towel. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories you consume.
Mind Your Portions: The total calories add up quickly with each rasher. Sticking to a smaller serving size is an effective way to enjoy bacon in moderation while staying within your daily calorie goals.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no single answer to how many calories are in a rasher of bacon. It depends on the cut of pork, the thickness, and the cooking method. A grilled, fat-trimmed back bacon rasher can be around 54 calories, while a streaky rasher will be higher. For those looking to reduce calories, leaner cuts like back bacon or turkey bacon, combined with smarter cooking methods like baking or microwaving, are the best choices. By understanding these variables, you can make informed decisions and enjoy bacon in a way that fits your dietary needs. For more general nutrition information, consult a resource like WebMD, which offers detailed nutritional breakdowns for various foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Streaky bacon, which comes from the pork belly, contains more fat and therefore more calories than back bacon, which is a leaner cut from the loin. For example, a single streaky rasher can be higher in calories than a single back bacon rasher of comparable weight.

Yes, cooking significantly changes the calorie count of bacon by rendering out some of the fat. A cooked rasher has fewer calories than a raw rasher, as much of the fat has dripped away.

To reduce calories, consider baking bacon on a wire rack or microwaving it with paper towels. Both methods allow fat to drain away more effectively than pan-frying.

Yes, Canadian bacon is a significantly lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. A single slice contains far fewer calories and less fat.

An exact calorie number is difficult because bacon varies widely based on cut, thickness, brand, and preparation method. The final weight and fat content of the cooked rasher are the main factors.

Bacon fat is calorie-dense, containing approximately 38.57 calories per teaspoon, though this can vary slightly. Using methods that remove this rendered fat helps reduce the calories consumed.

Generally, yes. Turkey bacon is a leaner option and typically contains fewer calories per thin slice compared to a standard slice of pork bacon.