How many calories are in one piece of crispy bacon?

A single medium-sized slice of cooked pork bacon typically contains around 40 to 43 calories, though this can vary significantly. Understanding how many calories are in one piece of crispy bacon depends on factors like thickness, meat type, and cooking method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one piece of crispy bacon is influenced by thickness, meat type (pork vs. turkey), and cooking method. A standard slice ranges from 30 to over 50 calories.

Key Points

• Average Range: A standard slice of crispy pork bacon typically contains between 40 and 43 calories, though this is not a fixed number.

• Cooking Method Impact: The calorie count is affected by how the bacon is cooked; microwaving or baking on a rack typically reduces calories more than pan-frying, as more fat is drained away.

• Thickness Variation: Thicker slices of bacon will have a higher calorie count than thinner slices, even after cooking, due to their greater initial fat content.

• Leaner Alternatives: For fewer calories, opt for turkey bacon (approx. 30 kcal/slice) or Canadian bacon (approx. 31 kcal/2 slices), which are naturally leaner.

• Always Check the Label: The most accurate calorie information will be on the nutritional label of the specific brand you are using, as recipes and slice thickness vary.

• Drain the Fat: Patting cooked bacon with a paper towel is a simple and effective way to remove residual grease and reduce the overall fat and calorie content.

The question of how many calories are in one piece of crispy bacon is not as straightforward as it seems. The final number is influenced by several factors, including the type of bacon, its thickness, and the cooking method used. While a general range can be provided, understanding the variables is key to accurately tracking your intake.

The Core Factors That Influence Bacon's Calories

When calculating the calories in your breakfast meat, you need to consider three primary factors: the type of meat, the thickness of the cut, and how it is prepared. For traditional pork bacon, an average medium slice is approximately 40 to 43 calories. This figure changes based on whether you're having pork, turkey, or Canadian bacon.

Cooking Method Matters

The way you cook your bacon has a direct impact on its final calorie count. As bacon cooks, its fat is rendered out, and depending on the method, more or less of this fat is retained or absorbed by a paper towel. For instance, microwaving tends to be one of the leanest options, while pan-frying might retain more of the rendered fat if it's not properly drained.

Here is a list of common cooking methods and their effect on calorie content:

• Pan-Frying: This method can result in a slightly higher calorie count if the bacon is left to cook in its own fat. Using paper towels to drain the excess grease after cooking can significantly reduce this.
• Microwaving: Placing bacon on paper towels in the microwave is an efficient way to absorb fat. This method typically results in a lower calorie piece of bacon compared to frying.
• Baking: Cooking bacon in the oven on a wire rack allows the fat to drip away onto a sheet pan below. This is an excellent way to achieve uniform crispiness while reducing the fat content.
• Air Frying: Similar to baking, an air fryer circulates hot air to cook the bacon, allowing fat to drip away. This can produce very crispy bacon with a reduced fat and calorie count.

Thickness and Weight

The thickness of the bacon slice is another crucial variable. A thin slice will naturally have fewer calories than a thick-cut slice. While standard cuts might fall in the 40-43 calorie range, a very thin slice might be closer to 30 calories, and a thick slice could be upwards of 50-60 calories. The weight of the cooked slice is the most accurate measure for calorie counting.

Type of Bacon: Pork vs. Turkey

Turkey bacon is a popular alternative for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake. It is generally leaner and has fewer calories per slice compared to pork bacon. Canadian bacon, which is made from pork loin rather than pork belly, is another lean option.

The Effect of Added Ingredients

Some bacon products, particularly flavored or candied varieties, may contain added sugars or other ingredients that increase the calorie count. For example, a maple-flavored bacon will have a slightly higher sugar and calorie content than a plain, savory strip. Checking the nutritional label for the specific brand is always the most accurate approach.

Comparison of Different Types of Cooked Bacon

Type of Bacon (1 medium slice)	Approximate Calories	Approximate Protein (g)	Approximate Fat (g)
Standard Pork Bacon	40-43	3.6	3.1
Turkey Bacon	~30	2.4	2.1
Canadian Bacon	~31 (per 2 slices)	10 (per 2 slices)	1.5 (per 2 slices)
Thick-Cut Pork Bacon	>50	Varies	Varies

Cooking Tips for a Crispier, Lower-Calorie Piece

For those who love their bacon extra crispy and are mindful of calories, there are a few tricks to help you get the best of both worlds. The key is to render as much fat as possible without burning the meat.

1. Start Cold: Begin cooking bacon in a cold pan over low-to-medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in a crispier texture without burning the protein.
2. Use a Rack: When baking, a wire rack placed over a baking sheet ensures that the rendered fat drips away completely, preventing the bacon from frying in its own grease.
3. Pat it Down: No matter your cooking method, patting the cooked bacon with a paper towel is the easiest way to remove excess surface fat and absorb additional calories. This is especially important for pan-fried bacon.
4. Microwave with Paper Towels: Layering paper towels below and on top of bacon strips in the microwave is an effective way to absorb fat quickly and efficiently, producing a less oily product.

Conclusion

While a definitive, single number for the calories in one piece of crispy bacon is elusive, the average can be a useful guide. A typical slice of crispy pork bacon lands in the low 40s for calories. However, by understanding the variables of meat type, thickness, and cooking method, you can make more informed dietary decisions. Opting for leaner alternatives like turkey bacon or using cooking methods that minimize fat retention, such as baking or microwaving, are effective strategies for those watching their calorie intake. The most accurate way to know for sure is to check the specific brand's nutritional information and account for any fat rendered during cooking.

For more detailed nutritional information on various foods, including different types of bacon, a good source is the USDA FoodData Central database. USDA FoodData Central

Citations

• Gingin Beef. "Bacon Calories: How Many Are in Your Favorite Breakfast?". Gingin Beef. November 20, 2024. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://www.ginginbeef.com/blog/how-many-calories-in-bacon/
• Gingin Beef. "Bacon Calories: How Many Are in Your Favorite Breakfast?". Gingin Beef. November 20, 2024. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://www.ginginbeef.com/blog/how-many-calories-in-bacon/
• Healthline. "Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? Nutrition, Calories and More". Healthline. August 15, 2022. Accessed October 11, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turkey-bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pan-frying or microwaving produce crispier, lower-calorie bacon?

Microwaving bacon on a paper towel is one of the most effective methods for rendering fat, resulting in a less oily product with fewer calories. Pan-frying can also produce crispy bacon, but it tends to retain more fat if not properly drained.

Is turkey bacon healthier than pork bacon for calorie counting?

Turkey bacon generally has fewer calories and less fat per slice than pork bacon, making it a lower-calorie alternative. However, it's essential to check the label, as some brands may have higher sodium or added sugars.

Do thick-cut bacon slices have more calories than regular slices?

Yes, thick-cut bacon slices contain more calories than regular slices because they are heavier and have a higher fat content before and after cooking.

Why is it difficult to get an exact calorie number for one piece of crispy bacon?

The exact number varies because of differences in the meat itself (fat content, thickness), the specific cooking method used, and how much fat is drained away during preparation.

Does cooking remove a significant amount of calories from bacon?

Yes, cooking causes a significant amount of fat to render and drain away, which substantially reduces the final calorie count of the cooked bacon compared to its raw state.

Can the calorie content of bacon be different between brands?

Absolutely. Different brands use different curing processes, flavorings, and meat cuts, all of which affect the final nutritional profile. Always check the label for the most accurate information.

What's a good low-calorie alternative to traditional bacon?

Aside from turkey bacon, Canadian bacon is an excellent, leaner alternative. Made from the pork loin, it contains significantly fewer calories and fat while offering a good amount of protein.