How many calories are in already cooked bacon? Your guide to understanding the numbers

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A single medium slice of cooked pork bacon typically contains between 40 and 43 calories, though this can change based on several factors. The question of how many calories are in already cooked bacon is more complex than it appears, with variables like cooking method and cut influencing the final count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cooked bacon varies significantly based on factors like the cut's thickness, cooking method, and whether it's pork or turkey bacon. Different preparation techniques can render more or less fat, altering the total caloric value of each slice.

Key Points

Calorie Variations: A standard slice of cooked pork bacon has 40-43 calories, but this can change based on the cut's thickness and cooking method.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking on a rack or microwaving on paper towels are the most effective ways to reduce calories by rendering more fat.
Pork vs. Turkey: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative, typically containing fewer calories and less fat per slice than pork bacon.
Drain the Fat: Always draining cooked bacon on paper towels is crucial to removing excess grease and cutting down on total calories.
Nutritional Content: Beyond calories, be mindful of bacon's high fat and sodium content, though it also provides protein and B vitamins.
Healthier Alternatives: Consider plant-based options or turkey bacon to achieve a similar flavor profile with a more balanced nutritional profile.

Understanding the Variables Affecting Cooked Bacon Calories

The calorie content of bacon is not a fixed number. Because bacon is composed of a mixture of meat and fat, the cooking process fundamentally changes its nutritional profile by rendering out a significant portion of its fat. The exact number of calories will depend on several variables. Understanding these factors is key to accurately assessing your intake.

Factors Influencing Bacon's Caloric Content

Type of Bacon: Pork bacon is the standard, but alternatives like turkey bacon offer a different fat-to-protein ratio and lower calories.
Thickness of the Cut: Thicker-cut bacon starts with more fat, so even after rendering, a single slice may have more calories than a thinner one. A single thick-cut slice can contain up to 80 calories.
Cooking Method: How you cook your bacon has a significant impact on how much fat is drained away. Baking and microwaving can be more efficient at removing fat than pan-frying.
Crispiness: Cooking bacon to a crispier texture means more fat has been rendered out, resulting in a lower calorie count per slice compared to softer bacon.
Draining of Fat: Always draining cooked bacon on paper towels is crucial to removing excess fat and, consequently, excess calories.

The Impact of Different Cooking Methods

How bacon is prepared directly influences its final caloric value. Here’s a breakdown of common methods:

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying bacon is a classic method that yields a flavorful result. However, because the bacon cooks in its own rendered fat, it can absorb some of this back, leading to a higher calorie count, especially if the excess grease isn't drained. A typical slice of pan-fried pork bacon contains around 43 calories.

Baking

Baking bacon on a wire rack allows the rendered fat to drip away into a pan below. This results in a crispier texture and a slightly lower calorie count than pan-frying. Baked slices may be closer to 40 calories each.

Microwaving

For a fast, low-fat option, microwaving bacon on paper towels is highly effective. The paper towels absorb a large amount of the rendered fat, resulting in one of the leanest outcomes. This method can reduce the calorie count to around 37 to 40 calories per slice.

Pork Bacon vs. Turkey Bacon: A Nutritional Comparison

For those watching their calorie or fat intake, comparing traditional pork bacon with turkey bacon can be helpful. The following table illustrates the typical nutritional differences based on search results:


Feature	Standard Pork Bacon (1 slice)	Turkey Bacon (1 slice)
Approx. Calories	40–43 kcal	~30 kcal
Fat	~3.1g	~2.1g
Protein	~3.6g	~2.4g

As the table shows, turkey bacon is generally a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative, though the texture and flavor differ from pork bacon.

Cooking Tips to Reduce Calories in Cooked Bacon

To minimize the calorie content of your bacon, follow these simple tips:

Choose Wisely: Opt for leaner, center-cut pork bacon or switch to turkey bacon for a lower-calorie option.
Use the Right Method: Bake your bacon on a wire rack or use the microwave to maximize fat rendering.
Drain Thoroughly: Always transfer your cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining excess grease.
Start with a Cold Pan: For stove-top cooking, starting bacon in a cold pan allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, which can lead to a crispier, less greasy result.

Conclusion: How to Track Your Bacon Calories Accurately

To accurately track the number of calories in already cooked bacon, you must consider the specific type and how it was prepared. While a general estimate of 40-43 calories per medium slice of cooked pork bacon is a good starting point, this can change based on the thickness of the cut and the cooking method used. For the most precise information, use a food tracking app and weigh your cooked bacon, or consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central to find specific nutritional data for different preparation styles. Ultimately, enjoying bacon in moderation and being mindful of how you cook it can help you manage your calorie intake effectively.

Beyond the Calorie Count: Nutritional Breakdown

While high in fat and calories, cooked bacon also offers a significant amount of protein, along with other nutrients. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, one baked slice of pork bacon contains around 2.89 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of fat, and is a source of minerals like phosphorus and potassium. Bacon also provides B vitamins, including B6 and B12. However, it is also notoriously high in sodium, with a single slice containing a notable portion of the daily recommended intake. This is an important consideration for individuals monitoring their sodium levels.

Making Healthier Choices with Bacon

For those looking for healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor entirely, several options exist. As discussed, turkey bacon is a popular, lower-fat choice. You can also explore plant-based alternatives, such as tempeh bacon, mushroom bacon, or eggplant bacon, which are made by marinating and cooking vegetables or soy products to mimic the smoky, savory taste of bacon. These alternatives can provide a similar flavor profile while significantly reducing saturated fat and sodium. Incorporating these into your diet can be a way to enjoy a bacon-like flavor while pursuing a more balanced eating plan.

Ultimately, a healthy diet is about moderation and making informed choices. By understanding how the calories in cooked bacon can vary, you can better control your intake and incorporate this beloved food into your diet responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single, medium slice of cooked pork bacon contains approximately 40 to 43 calories, depending on its thickness and how it was prepared.

Yes, cooking significantly changes the calorie content. A substantial amount of fat is rendered off during the cooking process, altering the final calorie count. The more fat that is drained, the lower the calories.

Yes, baking bacon on a wire rack typically results in a slightly lower calorie count per slice compared to pan-frying. This is because the rendered fat drips away from the meat more effectively.

Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to pork bacon. A slice typically contains around 30 calories and less fat.

To reduce calories, you can choose leaner cuts, use cooking methods that promote fat drainage (like baking or microwaving), and always drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Bacon shrinks when cooked because it is losing moisture and, more significantly, the fat is rendering out of the meat. This reduction in volume is a natural part of the cooking process.

A typical strip of cooked pork bacon has a macronutrient breakdown that is roughly 69% fat, 30% protein, and 1% carbs by calories, with a high calorie density overall.