How many calories are in one piece of pork roll?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for one piece of pork roll can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 60 to over 130 calories per slice, depending on the brand and thickness. This variation highlights the importance of checking specific product labels when tracking your nutritional intake.

Quick Summary

A single slice of pork roll, or Taylor Ham, contains a variable number of calories, typically ranging from 60 to 130 based on slice size and brand, with a high proportion of calories derived from its fat and protein content.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A single slice of pork roll typically contains between 60 and 130+ calories, depending heavily on the brand and thickness.
Brand Differences: Calorie counts can differ between brands like Taylor and Case's due to variations in their recipes and processing.
Thickness Matters: Thicker slices naturally contain more calories, fat, and protein compared to thinner cuts of pork roll.
Cooking Adds Calories: Frying pork roll in oil or butter increases its total calorie and fat content, so use a non-stick pan for a lighter option.
High in Fat and Sodium: Pork roll is predominantly made of fat and protein, and it is also known for being high in sodium, a factor to consider for those on restricted diets.
Check the Label: For the most accurate nutritional information, always check the specific product's nutritional label, as data online can vary by serving size.

Understanding Pork Roll and Its Nutritional Profile

Pork roll, also famously known as Taylor Ham in parts of New Jersey, is a processed meat product with a distinct taste and texture. Made from a blend of pork, curing agents, and spices, it is a regional favorite often served sliced and fried, typically on a bagel, sandwich, or with eggs. Given its regional popularity and status as a breakfast staple, many people, especially those mindful of their calorie intake, often wonder about its nutritional value.

The Calorie Calculation: Why It Varies

Determining the precise number of calories in one piece of pork roll is not as straightforward as it might seem. This is primarily due to three factors:

Brand: Different manufacturers use slightly different recipes and processing methods. For example, a slice of Taylor-brand pork roll might have a different calorie count than a slice from Case's pork roll.
Thickness: The most significant variable is slice thickness. Brands offer everything from thin-sliced options to thicker, more substantial cuts. Naturally, a thicker slice will contain more calories, fat, and protein than a thin one.
Preparation: How you cook your pork roll makes a big difference. Frying the slices, especially if you add oil or butter to the pan, will increase the total calorie and fat content.

A Closer Look at Macronutrients

Regardless of the brand or thickness, pork roll is typically high in fat and protein, with very little carbohydrates. For instance, a 1-ounce (28g) slice of generic fried cured pork roll contains about 101 calories, with the majority of those calories coming from 9.2g of fat and a good portion from 3.7g of protein. The fat content is notable, which is why cooking methods can have such a profound impact on the final nutritional information.

Comparison of Pork Roll Calories by Brand and Slice Type

Here is a comparison of calorie counts for different types and brands of pork roll based on available nutritional information. Note that serving sizes and definitions of "one piece" or "slice" can differ, so always check the product packaging for the most accurate information.


Pork Roll Product	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Calories from Fat (Approx.)	Protein (Approx.)
Case's Thick Slices	1 slice (42g/1.5oz)	130	100	6g
Trenton Sliced	1 slice	130	12g fat, ~108	7g
Generic Fried Cured	1 slice (28g/1oz)	101	9.2g fat, ~83	3.7g
Taylor Thin Slices	~1/3 of 3-slice serving	~67	~6g fat, ~54	~3.3g
Shoprite Thick Slices	1 slice (1 oz)	95	8g fat, ~72	4.5g

Tips for Enjoying Pork Roll Mindfully

If you enjoy pork roll but are concerned about its calorie content, consider these strategies:

Choose Thin Slices: Opt for thinly sliced versions of pork roll, which will naturally contain fewer calories per piece. Some brands, like Taylor, offer thin-sliced options that can significantly reduce the calorie and fat intake per serving compared to thicker cuts.
Cooking Method Matters: Instead of frying your pork roll in added oil, consider pan-searing it in a non-stick pan without any extra fat. The pork roll will release enough of its own fat to brown nicely. Another option is baking it on a rack to allow the fat to drip away.
Balanced Pairing: A pork roll sandwich on a bagel with cheese is a classic, but can be very calorie-dense. To create a more balanced meal, pair your pork roll with a healthier option like a side of eggs cooked with minimal oil, or some fresh fruit or vegetables.
Control Portion Size: Sticking to just one or two slices is a simple but effective way to control your total calorie and sodium intake.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in one piece of pork roll is not a fixed number and hinges on the brand, thickness, and how it's prepared. While a general estimate falls between 60 and 130+ calories per slice, the best practice for accurate tracking is to check the nutritional label of the specific product you're consuming. By being mindful of these factors, it is possible to enjoy this New Jersey classic as part of a balanced diet.

For additional nutritional information on a wide range of foods, you can refer to databases from authoritative sources like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thin slice of pork roll typically contains fewer calories than a thick slice. For instance, based on some products, a thin slice may be around 60 to 70 calories, but this still depends on the brand and weight of the slice.

Thicker slices of pork roll contain more calories. A thick slice, often weighing around 1.5 ounces, can have around 130 calories or more, depending on the brand.

Frying pork roll can add calories, especially if you use additional cooking oil or butter. The total calorie count will be higher than simply pan-searing it without extra fat.

Pork roll is primarily composed of fat and protein, with a very low carbohydrate content. A significant portion of its calories come from its high fat percentage.

Yes, 'Taylor Ham' is a common colloquial name for pork roll, particularly in parts of New Jersey, and refers to the Taylor brand of pork roll. The products are essentially the same, though the names might be used differently by different companies.

To minimize added calories, the best cooking method is to pan-sear the pork roll in a non-stick pan without any added oil. The meat will release its own fat for frying. Baking on a rack is another way to let excess fat drip off.

Pork roll is generally high in sodium. For example, a 1-ounce serving can contain several hundred milligrams of sodium. The amount varies by brand and slice size, so it is best to consult the nutritional information on the packaging.