How Many Calories Does Maple Bacon Have?: Your Guide to Nutritional Facts

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, the calorie count for maple bacon can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 80 to over 200 calories per serving, depending on the brand, serving size, and preparation. This variability raises the question: how many calories does maple bacon have, and what nutritional aspects should you consider when adding this sweet and savory treat to your diet?

Quick Summary

The calories in maple bacon depend on the brand, cut, and cooking method. The treat is generally high in fat and sodium, with added sugar, requiring mindful consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Maple bacon calories range from roughly 80 to over 200 per serving, depending on the brand, cut, and cooking method.
High Fat and Sodium: As a processed meat, maple bacon is high in both fat (especially saturated fat) and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation.
Added Sugar: Some maple bacon is cured with flavorings, while candied or glazed versions contain significant added sugar and higher calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking bacon on a wire rack allows fat to drip away, leading to a healthier, crispier result than pan-frying.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoying smaller portions and pairing maple bacon with balanced, nutrient-dense foods is key for a healthy diet.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition label for specific calorie, fat, sodium, and sugar content, as these can vary widely between brands.

The Calorie Confusion: Why Maple Bacon Varies

Unlike a standard apple or banana, there is no single, fixed calorie count for maple bacon. The wide range of calorie information reported across different products and preparations can be confusing. The primary reasons for this variation include the thickness of the cut, the amount of fat rendered during cooking, and the presence of added sugars from curing or glazing. Whether you purchase a thick-cut, ready-to-eat, or home-glazed version will drastically change the final nutritional profile.

Decoding Maple Bacon's Nutritional Profile

While the calorie count is a key consideration, it's equally important to understand the full nutritional picture. Maple bacon is more than just its energy content; it's also a source of protein, fat, and significant levels of sodium.

High Fat and Saturated Fat: As with regular bacon, maple bacon is high in fat, and a considerable portion of this is saturated fat. An excess intake of saturated fat can be linked to higher LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
High Sodium Content: Bacon is cured with salt, and the maple-flavored variety is no exception. This contributes to a high sodium count, which can be a concern for individuals managing blood pressure. Some brands, however, offer reduced-sodium versions.
Moderate Protein Source: Bacon does provide a moderate amount of protein, a macronutrient essential for building and repairing tissues.
The Sugar Factor: Depending on the preparation, maple bacon can contain added sugars, either from a maple-flavored cure or a direct glaze. Some brands manage to produce a maple-flavored product with 0g of sugar, while others contain several grams per serving. This addition differentiates it from traditional bacon in terms of carbohydrate content.

Cured vs. Glazed: A Key Distinction

Understanding the difference between maple-cured and maple-glazed bacon is crucial for making informed nutritional choices. This distinction explains the variation in calorie and sugar content.

Maple-Cured Bacon: In this process, maple flavoring is part of the curing mixture used on the pork belly. The sugar content is often minimal or non-existent in the final cooked product, with the maple flavor coming from additives rather than actual syrup.
Maple-Glazed or Candied Bacon: This method involves brushing the bacon with maple syrup or a sugar mixture during the cooking process. This creates a crispy, caramelized surface but significantly increases the sugar and overall calorie count of each slice.

Nutritional Comparison: Maple Bacon Brands

As seen in the search results, nutrition information varies by brand. The following table illustrates the differences based on available data, though readers should always check the specific product label.


Brand	Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Sodium	Added Sugar	Source
Hormel Black Label	2 pan-fried slices (24g)	110	8g	3g	410mg	Present	Smithsfoodanddrug
Great Value	1 fully cooked slice	90	7g	3g	270mg	No value stated	Eat This Much
Oscar Mayer	2 skillet-cooked slices	90	7g	2.5g	370mg	0g reported	H-E-B
Compliments	2 slices (54g)	230	22g	8g	260mg	0g reported	Compliments.ca
Specially Selected	1 pan-fried slice	80	5g	2g	210mg	0g reported	Eat This Much

Healthier Strategies for Enjoying Maple Bacon

For those looking to enjoy maple bacon as part of a healthier diet, consider these tips:

Choose Wisely: Opt for thinner cuts or center-cut bacon, which tend to have less fat. Read labels carefully to select products with lower sodium and no added sugar.
Moderate Your Portion Size: Because maple bacon is calorie-dense, limiting consumption to a smaller number of slices is key. Pair it with nutrient-dense foods to create a balanced meal.
Cook Smart: The cooking method significantly impacts the final fat content. Baking bacon on a wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a leaner, crispier product. Draining excess grease with a paper towel can also help.
Incorporate Flavor Mindfully: If you prefer the glazed version, consider using pure maple syrup sparingly. A little bit goes a long way to provide that sweet and salty flavor.
Pair Strategically: Balance the rich flavor of maple bacon with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Suggestions include pairing it with an egg scramble, adding crumbled pieces to a fresh salad, or serving it alongside avocado toast.

Conclusion

The calorie count for maple bacon is not uniform and depends heavily on the brand, cut, and preparation method. While it can be a delicious addition to meals, it is also a processed meat high in saturated fat and sodium, and sometimes added sugar. By understanding these nutritional nuances and employing mindful cooking techniques and portion control, you can enjoy maple bacon as an occasional treat within a healthy and balanced diet.

For more detailed information on processed meats and health considerations, consult authoritative sources like the World Health Organization (WHO).

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. While the base bacon is comparable, maple-flavored versions can be slightly higher in calories due to the addition of sugars or syrup during curing or glazing. The increase depends heavily on whether it's simply flavored or fully candied.

To reduce calories, cook the bacon on a wire rack in the oven so that excess fat can drip away. For glazed varieties, blot the cooked bacon with paper towels to absorb residual fat before adding the syrup.

The sugar content varies greatly by product. Maple-flavored bacon can have 0g of sugar, while candied or glazed versions will contain added sugars from the syrup. Check the nutrition label for specifics.

Maple bacon is not typically considered a 'health food' due to its high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and potential for added sugar. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than as a daily staple.

Yes, some brands, like certain varieties from Maple Leaf, produce less-salt or lower-sodium bacon. For those monitoring sodium intake, it is recommended to compare labels and choose accordingly.

Standard, un-candied maple-flavored bacon can be keto-friendly, but glazed or candied maple bacon is not, due to the added sugar. For keto diets, it is crucial to check the ingredient list for syrups and sugar additives.

Maple-cured bacon uses a flavored cure, while maple-glazed or candied bacon is coated with maple syrup and/or brown sugar. The glazed version typically has more sugar and calories.