How Many Net Carbs Are in One Slice of Bacon?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single slice of pan-fried, cured pork bacon contains approximately 0.1 grams of net carbs, making it an extremely low-carb food choice. This means that for individuals on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, a slice of bacon barely registers on the daily carbohydrate intake.

Quick Summary

A standard slice of cooked pork bacon contains approximately 0.1 grams of net carbs, which is why it is a popular and suitable option for ketogenic and other low-carb diets. The carb count can change with different varieties, curing methods, or added sweeteners, but regular cured bacon remains consistently low in carbohydrates.

Key Points

Minimal Net Carbs: A single slice of standard cooked pork bacon contains approximately 0.1g of net carbs, which is negligible for most diets.
Net Carbs Calculation: For plain bacon, the net carb count is essentially the same as the total carb count, as it contains no fiber or sugar alcohols.
Check for Added Sugar: Some bacon varieties are cured with sugars like maple or brown sugar, slightly increasing the carbohydrate content.
Keto-Friendly Option: Bacon is an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet due to its low carb count and high-fat content.
Cooking Method Affects Fat, Not Carbs: Cooking methods like baking on a wire rack primarily impact the fat and calorie content, not the minimal carb count.
Alternative Bacon Choices: Turkey and Canadian bacon are leaner alternatives that are also very low in net carbs, though often slightly higher than regular pork bacon.

A single slice of regular, pan-fried pork bacon contains a minimal amount of net carbs—usually around 0.1 grams. This extremely low count is one of the primary reasons bacon is a staple for many following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. As a meat product, bacon is naturally high in fat and protein and contains negligible carbohydrates, as long as no sugar is added during the curing process.

The Calculation: Why Net Carbs Equal Total Carbs in Plain Bacon

To understand why bacon's net carbs are so low, it's helpful to review the definition of net carbs. The formula is simple: net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber and, in some cases, sugar alcohol content from the total carbohydrate count.

Net Carbs Formula

$Net Carbs = Total Carbs - Fiber - (some) Sugar Alcohols$

Most plain, cured bacon varieties contain zero grams of dietary fiber and zero grams of added sugar alcohols. Therefore, for a product with 0.1g total carbohydrates, the calculation is:

$0.1g (Total Carbs) - 0g (Fiber) = 0.1g (Net Carbs)$

This simple math explains why standard bacon is such a reliable low-carb choice. The American Diabetes Association notes that the term 'net carbs' is not regulated by the FDA, but for foods without added sweeteners, the value is straightforward.

Factors That Influence Bacon's Carb Count

While a basic slice of bacon is consistently low in carbs, certain factors can slightly alter its nutritional profile. Being mindful of these details can help you choose the best option for your dietary needs.

Curing Process: Some bacon is cured with added sugars, such as brown sugar or maple syrup, to enhance flavor. While the amount of sugar absorbed is often minimal, these varieties will have a slightly higher carb count than sugar-free options. Always check the nutrition label for ingredients if you are following a very strict carbohydrate limit.
Thickness and Slice Size: The total carbohydrate count is dependent on the serving size. A thicker or larger slice of bacon will contain a proportionate increase in all macros, including any trace carbohydrates. Nutritional information is typically provided per cooked slice, but the weight of that slice can vary by brand.
Added Flavorings: Beyond curing, some specialty bacon products may include extra glazes or seasonings that contain carbohydrates. Always read the ingredient list carefully to avoid unexpected sugars.
Processing: Uncured bacon, which uses natural sources like celery powder for preservation, is often sugar-free and a clean, low-carb choice.

Comparison of Bacon Types

To see how different bacon options compare in terms of net carbs and other macros, here is a helpful table. These values are approximate and can vary by brand and cooking method.


Bacon Type	Serving Size	Approximate Net Carbs	Approximate Protein	Approximate Fat	Notes
Standard Pork Bacon	1 slice cooked (~8g)	0.1g	3g	3.3g	A classic, very low-carb choice.
Turkey Bacon	1 slice cooked	0.3g	Higher	Lower	A leaner alternative, check for added sugar.
Canadian Bacon	1 slice pan-fried	0.3g	Higher	Lower	A leaner, ham-like product from pork loin.
Thick-Cut Bacon	1 slice cooked	>0.1g	Higher	Higher	Larger size means slightly more macros overall.
Meatless Bacon Bits	1 tbsp	1.3g	Varies	Varies	Can contain noticeable carbs; best to make your own.

Healthier Bacon Preparation and Consumption

Cooking method primarily affects the fat and calorie content, not the minimal carb count, but it's still a factor for overall health. Baking bacon on a wire rack allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a crispier texture and potentially lower final saturated fat content than pan-frying. Another option for quick cooking is microwaving between paper towels, which also helps absorb rendered fat. For the lowest-carb option, always choose an uncured, sugar-free variety. Portion control is also key to a balanced diet, as bacon is high in fat, sodium, and calories. Instead of having it as a main component, consider using it as a flavorful topping on salads or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

In summary, one slice of standard, cooked pork bacon contains approximately 0.1 grams of net carbs, making it an exceptionally low-carb food suitable for many diets, including ketogenic plans. It is important to be mindful of specialty varieties that may contain added sugars during the curing process, as this can increase the carbohydrate content. When choosing bacon, checking the ingredients list for sugar and opting for sugar-free or uncured options will ensure the lowest possible carb count. By understanding the nutritional profile and cooking methods, you can confidently include this flavorful ingredient in your diet while effectively managing your carbohydrate intake.

For more detailed nutritional information on different foods, including bacon, visit the official USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a standard slice of cooked pork bacon contains a trace amount, approximately 0.1 grams, of net carbs. However, this amount is so minimal that it is often considered virtually carb-free for most dietary purposes.

Yes, bacon varieties cured with added sugars like brown sugar or maple will contain a slightly higher carbohydrate count. It is crucial to read the ingredients and nutrition label for those on a strict low-carb or keto diet.

The carb content is generally the same if no sugar is added during the curing process. However, uncured bacon (preserved with natural celery powder) is often a safer bet for avoiding added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients.

Yes, bacon is highly compatible with the ketogenic diet. Its low carbohydrate and high fat content make it an ideal food to help meet your daily macros and stay in ketosis, provided it is consumed in moderation.

The cooking method, whether frying, baking, or microwaving, has virtually no impact on the net carb content. It primarily influences the fat and calorie levels by altering how much fat is rendered off.

Yes, both turkey bacon and Canadian bacon are low-carb options, with Canadian bacon and turkey bacon typically containing around 0.3 grams of net carbs per slice. They are generally leaner than pork bacon.

Thick-cut bacon will have a slightly higher net carb count per slice than regular-cut simply because each slice is larger and heavier. Always check the nutrition facts for the specific serving size to get an accurate number.