The exact number of calories you consume from a slice of Jimmy Dean bacon is not a single, fixed number. Several different products are sold under the Jimmy Dean brand, and each has its own unique nutritional information. The most significant factor is whether you are eating the standard raw bacon that you cook yourself, or the fully cooked varieties that only require reheating. Understanding these differences is key to accurately counting your calories.
Calories by Jimmy Dean Bacon Type
To determine your caloric intake, you must identify the specific type of Jimmy Dean bacon you are preparing. Here is a breakdown of the calories per slice for the most common options, based on manufacturer-provided serving sizes.
Jimmy Dean Premium Hickory Smoked Bacon (Cooked from raw)
- The official website lists a serving as 2 pan-fried slices (18g) for 100 calories.
- This means a single, average-sized pan-fried slice contains approximately 50 calories.
- It also contains 9g total fat and 6g protein per two-slice serving.
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Hickory Smoked Bacon Slices
- This microwavable product has a lower calorie count per slice, as much of the fat has been rendered off during the initial cooking process.
- One serving is 4 slices (0.6 oz), containing 90 calories.
- This breaks down to approximately 22.5 calories per slice.
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Hickory Smoked Thick Sliced Bacon
- Thicker slices mean fewer slices per serving and higher calories per individual piece compared to the standard fully cooked option.
- One serving is 3 slices (0.6 oz), containing 80 calories.
- This comes out to roughly 26.7 calories per slice.
Jimmy Dean Premium Hickory Smoked Thick Cut Bacon (Cooked from raw)
- Like the regular premium version, this requires cooking and has a different calorie profile than the pre-cooked varieties.
- A serving is 2 slices (13g), containing 80 calories.
- This means each thick-cut slice has approximately 40 calories after pan-frying.
Jimmy Dean Premium Center Cut Hickory Smoked Bacon (Cooked from raw)
- This is a leaner option than the regular or thick-cut bacon.
- A serving size is 2 pan-fried slices (15g), totaling 50 calories.
- This makes each slice approximately 25 calories.
Cooking Methods and Calorie Count
Another vital factor is the cooking process itself. The calories listed on the packaging for raw bacon are based on a specific preparation method, typically pan-frying with the rendered fat drained. If you cook raw bacon differently, the calorie count may change.
- Pan-frying: This is the most common method, and the amount of fat drained off can vary. Retaining some fat will increase the calories of the final product.
- Baking: Cooking bacon on a baking sheet on a rack allows more fat to drip away, potentially resulting in a slightly lower calorie slice compared to pan-frying.
- Microwaving: Many people microwave raw bacon, which can also affect fat retention, especially if cooked on a paper towel.
Comparison Table: Jimmy Dean Bacon Calories
To make it easier to compare the nutritional information, here is a breakdown of several common Jimmy Dean bacon products and their caloric content per slice.
| Product Type | Serving Size | Calories per Serving | Approx. Calories per Slice | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Hickory Smoked (raw) | 2 pan-fried slices (18g) | 100 | 50 | 
| Fully Cooked Hickory Smoked Slices | 4 slices (0.6 oz) | 90 | 22.5 | 
| Fully Cooked Hickory Smoked Thick | 3 slices (0.6 oz) | 80 | 26.7 | 
| Premium Thick Cut (raw) | 2 pan-fried slices (13g) | 80 | 40 | 
| Premium Center Cut (raw) | 2 pan-fried slices (15g) | 50 | 25 | 
The Bottom Line: Interpreting Your Bacon Calories
Counting calories for Jimmy Dean bacon, or any bacon, requires attention to detail. First, know which product you have—raw or fully cooked, standard, thick-cut, or center-cut. Second, understand how the serving size is defined on the package, as it can be 2, 3, or even 4 slices. To get the most accurate measurement, it is best to weigh your portion on a food scale and calculate the calories based on the total calories per gram listed, if available. For general tracking, using the approximations provided here will be sufficient for most people. For the most precise nutritional data, you can always refer to the official Jimmy Dean website or the packaging of the product you are using.
Conclusion
The calorie content of a single slice of Jimmy Dean bacon is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The calorie count can be anywhere from 22.5 to 50 calories per slice, depending on the specific cut and preparation method. Fully cooked versions are generally lower in calories per slice than uncooked premium cuts. For the most accurate calorie count, always check the nutritional panel of your specific product and consider how your cooking method might alter the final result.