How Many Calories Are in a Thick Cut of Your Favorite Foods?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

A single thick-cut sirloin steak weighing 100 grams can contain around 150-200 calories, but the overall calorie count of a thick cut depends entirely on the specific food type and fat content. Understanding the variables is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a thick cut varies dramatically across different foods, influenced by density, fat content, and preparation method. Thickness increases the total mass, leading to a higher calorie count per slice or serving.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A 'thick cut' does not have a single calorie value; it depends on the specific food (e.g., steak, bacon, cheese).
More Mass, More Calories: For foods like bacon and ham, a thicker slice means more total mass and, therefore, a higher total calorie count per slice compared to a thinner cut.
Steak Calories Depend on Leanness: For steak, the calories per ounce are more influenced by the cut's leanness (e.g., sirloin vs. ribeye) than by its thickness alone.
Preparation Matters: Cooking methods impact final calorie counts, especially for fatty items like bacon where fat renders off.
Manage Portions: The most effective way to control calories when consuming thick-cut foods is by being mindful of portion sizes and balancing your meal.

The Caloric Reality of Thick-Cut Foods

The phrase "thick cut" is a marketing term, not a nutritional measurement. The calorie content is not determined solely by the thickness but by the type of food, its overall density, and fat content. The simple rule is that a thicker slice or portion means more total food mass and, consequently, more calories. This guide breaks down the numbers for several popular thick-cut items to help you make informed decisions.

Thick-Cut Bacon: More Mass, More Calories

Thick-cut bacon is a classic example where the difference is obvious. While a standard slice of cooked bacon might have 40-43 calories, a single cooked thick-cut slice can contain 60 to 80 calories or more. The calorie count varies by brand and slice weight. Importantly, this difference is due to the greater volume of meat and fat in the thicker slice. The cooking method also plays a role, as a significant amount of fat can render away, reducing the final caloric load compared to its raw state.

Thick-Cut Steaks: Calories by the Cut

For steaks, calories are more about the cut's leanness than its thickness. A thick-cut sirloin steak, for instance, is a relatively lean option. A 100-gram (about 3.5 ounces) serving of sirloin contains roughly 150-200 calories. In contrast, a similar portion of a fattier, marbled thick-cut ribeye can have nearly 300 calories. The thickness increases the overall calories of the steak as a whole, but the calories per ounce remain consistent for that specific cut. Choosing leaner, thick cuts and practicing portion control are keys to managing calories.

Other Thick-Cut Favorites: Ham and Cheese

Thick cuts aren't limited to just steak and bacon. Other popular items include ham and cheese, where thickness directly correlates with how much you consume. A single thick slice of fresh ham can contain 171 calories. Meanwhile, a one-ounce thick slice of cheddar cheese can be 80 calories. For cheese, this is slightly different from the calories in a standard one-ounce portion, which can be around 110 calories depending on the specific type. In both cases, the density and fat content of the food, combined with the larger portion size, drive up the total calories per serving.

Calorie Comparison: Thick vs. Standard Cuts


Food	Portion	Approx. Thick Cut Calories	Approx. Standard/Thin Cut Calories
Bacon	1 Cooked Slice	60-80	40-43
Sirloin Steak	100g (3.5oz)	150-200	150-200 (calorie density is similar, total calories vary with portion size)
Cheddar Cheese	1 oz Slice	80	110 (USDA data for 1 oz)
Fresh Ham	1 Slice	171 (1 cm thickness)	57 (1/3 cm thickness)
Pizza Crust	1 Slice (12-inch)	275-350	175-250

Managing Calories with Thick Cuts

Prioritize Lean Cuts: If you enjoy thick-cut meat, opt for leaner options like sirloin over fattier cuts like ribeye to minimize calorie density. Look for cuts with less visible marbling and trim any excess fat before cooking.
Control Your Portions: The biggest factor for calorie management with thick cuts is portion size. Instead of eating a whole thick steak, consider splitting it and saving the rest for a later meal.
Use Healthy Cooking Methods: For thick-cut meats, grilling, baking, or pan-searing with minimal oil are excellent choices. These methods can help render fat away without adding unnecessary extra calories.
Pair Wisely: Balance your plate by pairing high-calorie thick cuts with low-calorie, high-fiber sides. Steamed vegetables, a large salad, or roasted non-starchy vegetables are great options.
Be Mindful of Condiments and Toppings: For items like thick-cut cheese or a thick-crust pizza, be aware of the calorie contribution from toppings and extra sauces. These can quickly add a significant number of calories.

Conclusion: Weighing Your Options

Ultimately, how many calories are in a thick cut is not a simple number but a question of context. It depends on the food type, its fat content, and your portion size. While a thick cut is not inherently unhealthy, it necessitates greater awareness of overall caloric intake. By understanding these factors and applying mindful eating habits, you can enjoy thick cuts without sabotaging your nutritional goals. For detailed nutritional data, consult the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a single slice of cooked thick-cut bacon typically has more calories than a single slice of regular cooked bacon because the thicker slice contains more total mass and more fat.

No, the calories per ounce of a steak are determined by the leanness of the cut (e.g., sirloin, ribeye), not the thickness. However, a thicker steak will have more total calories because the entire portion is larger.

Cooking thick-cut bacon by frying, baking, or air frying will render out some of the fat, which reduces the final calorie count from its raw state. Excessive oil during cooking can add calories.

Yes, a thick-crust pizza slice generally has more calories than a thin-crust slice because the thicker dough base contributes more carbohydrates and total calories.

To reduce calories, choose leaner cuts, trim visible fat, use healthy cooking methods like grilling or roasting, and practice careful portion control.

A recommended portion size for a steak is typically around 3.5 to 4 ounces (100-113 grams). Thick cuts often come in much larger portions, so consider splitting a single steak.

According to food safety guidelines, thick-cut fries absorb less fat during cooking, making them a potentially healthier option than thin, crispy fries, provided they are cooked correctly.