How much does one slice of bacon have?

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, one medium slice of cooked pork bacon (about 8g) contains approximately 44 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 2.9 grams of protein. The precise amount for one slice of bacon depends on its thickness, brand, and cooking method, making it a variable but calorie-dense food.

Quick Summary

An average slice of cooked pork bacon typically contains around 40-45 calories, with roughly 3-4 grams of fat and 3-4 grams of protein. Specific nutrition facts vary based on slice thickness, preparation, and brand, with sodium being a key consideration.

Key Points

Calories per slice: A medium, cooked slice of pork bacon has approximately 40-45 calories, though this can vary by cooking method and thickness.
Fat content: A single slice contains about 3.1-4 grams of fat, with the amount influenced by how well the fat is drained during cooking.
Protein source: One slice provides a decent source of protein, typically around 3-4 grams.
Significant sodium: Bacon is high in sodium, with one slice potentially containing over 190 milligrams, depending on the brand.
Cooking method matters: Microwaving bacon on paper towels or baking on a rack can help reduce fat and calorie content compared to pan-frying.
Leaner options available: Turkey bacon is a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon.

The Nutritional Profile of a Single Slice of Bacon

While the specific nutritional content can vary, a single medium slice of cooked pork bacon provides a general snapshot of what you're consuming. The main components are fat, protein, and sodium. Calories typically range between 40 and 45 per slice, with variations depending heavily on how it is prepared. The thickness of the cut also plays a significant role; a thicker slice will naturally contain more overall mass and therefore higher calorie and fat content. Understanding these variables is key to accurately assessing your intake.

How Cooking Methods Impact Bacon's Nutrition

The way bacon is cooked is one of the most critical factors influencing its final nutritional value. The primary difference lies in how much of the rendered fat is retained or drained away. Here's a breakdown of common cooking methods:

Pan-Frying: This is a popular method that can lead to a higher calorie count if the bacon is cooked in its own fat and not drained. While it produces a crispy, flavorful result, the fat that is not drained is retained in the food.
Microwaving: Cooking bacon on paper towels in a microwave is a method that can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content. The paper towels absorb a considerable amount of the rendered fat, resulting in a leaner slice.
Baking: Baking bacon on a rack allows the fat to drip away into a pan below, leading to a crispier texture and a lower fat content in the final product compared to pan-frying.

Other Nutritional Aspects: Sodium and Saturated Fat

Beyond just calories, a single slice of bacon also contains notable amounts of sodium and saturated fat. The average sodium content for a single cooked slice can be anywhere from 162 to 194 milligrams, depending on the brand. For those on a low-sodium diet, this can be a significant contribution to their daily intake. Similarly, bacon is a source of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total daily calories for those consuming 2,000 calories a day.

A Comparison of Bacon Varieties

Not all bacon is created equal. Different types of bacon have varying nutritional profiles. Here is a comparison of standard pork bacon and a popular alternative, turkey bacon.


Feature	Standard Pork Bacon	Turkey Bacon
Calories (per slice)	~40-45 kcal	~30 kcal
Fat (per slice)	~3.1-4g	~2.1g
Protein (per slice)	~3.6g	~2.4g
Saturated Fat	Higher than turkey bacon	Lower than pork bacon
Flavor Profile	Rich, smoky, and salty	Milder, less fatty flavor
Cooking Method	Frying, baking, microwaving	Frying, baking, microwaving

For those looking for a slightly leaner option, turkey bacon offers a compelling alternative. While it has a slightly different flavor and texture, it provides a lower calorie and fat count per slice while still offering a moderate amount of protein.

Conclusion: A Small Slice with Big Nutritional Nuances

Understanding how much does one slice of bacon have is more complex than a single number. Its calorie, fat, protein, and sodium content are influenced by factors such as the cut, brand, and preparation method. While a medium slice typically offers around 44 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 2.9 grams of protein, these figures are just averages. For health-conscious individuals, opting for leaner alternatives like turkey bacon or using cooking methods that drain fat, such as microwaving or baking, can help manage intake. Ultimately, a single slice can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with an understanding of its full nutritional picture.

References

Bacon Calories: How Many Are in Your Favorite Breakfast? - Gingin Beef
Calories in 1 Slice Bacon - Nutritionix - Nutritionix
Health Benefits of Bacon - WebMD
Nutrition Facts - UR Medicine - University of Rochester - University of Rochester Medical Center
How Many Calories Are in a Strip of Bacon? - Pig of the Month BBQ
Thick Cut Premium Sliced Bacon - Dutch Farms
Hilton Garden Inn Bacon (1 Slice) Nutrition Facts - Eat This Much
Bacon calories : r/CICO - Reddit
How many calories/macros ACTUALLY in bacon after it is pan ... - Reddit
Bacon - Wikipedia - Wikipedia
Bacon - 1 slice cooked from USDA - Nutritionix - Nutritionix
Calories in Bacon - fatsecret - Fatsecret

This list of references has been compiled by analyzing the search results provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium, cooked slice of standard pork bacon typically contains between 40 and 45 calories. However, this number can fluctuate depending on its thickness, brand, and how it is prepared.

One medium slice of cooked pork bacon usually has around 3 to 4 grams of fat. The final fat content is heavily influenced by how much of the rendered fat is drained off during cooking.

Yes, the cooking method significantly affects the nutritional value. Methods that help drain more fat, such as microwaving or baking on a rack, result in a lower-calorie and lower-fat slice compared to traditional pan-frying.

Turkey bacon is often a leaner, lower-calorie alternative to pork bacon, with approximately 30 calories and 2.1 grams of fat per slice compared to pork bacon's higher values. While it offers a different flavor, it can be a good choice for those watching their fat and calorie intake.

A single cooked slice of bacon generally provides about 3 to 4 grams of protein. While it contains protein, it is also a source of fat and sodium.

To reduce the calories in bacon, you can choose leaner cuts, blot excess fat with paper towels after cooking, or use cooking methods like microwaving or baking on a wire rack that allow fat to drip away.

Bacon is high in sodium because it is cured, a preservation process that involves salt. Salt is a key ingredient for both flavor and preservation, leading to a high sodium content in the final product.