How much salt is in a slice of smoked bacon? Your nutrition guide

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of smoked bacon can contain up to 370mg of sodium, representing a notable portion of the daily recommended intake. The exact amount of salt in a slice of smoked bacon, however, is not a fixed number and can vary dramatically depending on the brand and how it is processed.

Quick Summary

The sodium content in a single slice of smoked bacon varies widely, with typical ranges between 270mg and 370mg depending on brand, processing, and thickness. Reading nutrition labels is key to understanding and tracking intake.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The amount of salt in a single slice of smoked bacon varies dramatically, ranging from approximately 270mg to 370mg of sodium depending on the brand and cut.
Curing Methods Matter: How bacon is cured (wet vs. dry) and the presence of additives significantly impacts its final sodium level.
Cooking Increases Concentration: The salt concentration in bacon increases during cooking as moisture is released, so cooked values are often higher than raw ones.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition facts on the product packaging, as serving sizes and sodium content differ widely between brands and cuts, such as streaky versus back bacon.
Manage Health Risks: High sodium intake from sources like bacon can contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and water retention.

Bacon has long been a breakfast favorite, adding a savory, smoky flavor to countless dishes. However, its high salt content is a well-known concern for those monitoring their sodium intake. This high saltiness is not accidental; salt is a critical component of the curing process that transforms pork belly into bacon, acting as both a preservative and a flavor enhancer. While the terms "salt" and "sodium" are often used interchangeably in conversation, nutrition labels specify the sodium content. One teaspoon of table salt contains approximately 2,300mg of sodium, the maximum daily recommended intake for many adults.

The Salt Content Varies Significantly

Unlike whole foods with a more consistent nutritional profile, the sodium level in smoked bacon varies dramatically across brands and preparation methods. This is primarily due to different curing processes and formulations. The Action on Salt organization has highlighted this, noting the vast variation even within products from the same retailer. A bacon's final sodium concentration can also change during cooking, as water is lost and the remaining salt becomes more concentrated.

Factors Influencing Bacon's Salt Level

Processing Method: Bacon can be either wet-cured (soaked in or injected with a brine solution) or dry-cured (rubbed with a salt mixture). Wet-curing, which is common for mass-produced bacon, often results in a higher sodium product.
Cut of Meat: The specific cut of pork also plays a role. Smoked streaky bacon, derived from the fattier pork belly, often differs in sodium content from leaner smoked back bacon or medallions. Leaner medallion cuts, with more meat and less fat, may sometimes have lower sodium.
Serving Size and Thickness: Manufacturers can lower the sodium per serving by reducing the size and thickness of each slice. This is why reading the label's serving size is crucial; a single "slice" can differ greatly between brands.

A Comparative Look at Smoked Bacon Sodium

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison of different smoked bacon products based on available nutrition information. This table highlights how essential it is to check the specific product label.


Brand/Product	Serving Size	Sodium per Serving	% Daily Value (based on 2300mg)
Dutch Farms Applewood Smoked	1 slice (approx. 12g)	290mg	12%
Dutch Farms Hickory Smoked Fully Cooked	1 slice (approx. 12g)	320mg	13%
Great Value Smoked Bacon	1 slice (approx. 12g)	270mg	12%
Our Family Slow Smoked	1 slice (approx. 12g)	300mg	13%
Tesco Smoked Back Bacon	2 rashers (60g)	1.68g (1680mg)	28%
Selection Naturally Smoked	1 slice (approx. 14g)	370mg	16%

Note: Serving sizes can vary, so always check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Health Implications of High Sodium Intake

Consuming too much sodium, especially from processed foods like bacon, can have adverse effects on your health. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that most populations consume more sodium than recommended. Chronic high sodium intake is a major risk factor for several conditions:

High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium can cause water retention and increase blood pressure, which puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Kidney Disease and Stones: High sodium can interfere with kidney function and contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Osteoporosis: Excessive salt intake can lead to increased calcium excretion, potentially weakening bones.
Stomach Cancer: Some studies have linked high salt consumption to a higher risk of stomach cancer.

How to Manage Your Bacon Intake

For those who love bacon but want to reduce their sodium consumption, there are several strategies you can employ:

Read Nutrition Labels: Compare sodium content per serving between different brands and products. Look for low-sodium or reduced-fat options.
Portion Control: Limit yourself to one or two slices per serving. Combining it with other lower-sodium ingredients helps keep your overall meal's sodium in check.
Pair with Low-Sodium Foods: Balance out your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are naturally low in sodium. Eating potassium-rich foods can also help mitigate the effects of sodium.
Try Alternatives: Consider low-sodium varieties or plant-based alternatives like tempeh or turkey bacon. Turkey bacon often has lower fat and sodium but can still be highly processed.
Cook at Home: When you prepare your own bacon, you control the amount of salt added. Opting for a low-sodium homemade recipe gives you complete oversight of the ingredients.

Conclusion

Understanding how much salt is in a slice of smoked bacon is the first step toward making informed dietary choices. As our analysis shows, the sodium content is highly variable, ranging from about 270mg to over 370mg per slice, and can exceed 16% of your daily recommended intake for a single serving. By reading labels, practicing portion control, and pairing bacon with low-sodium foods, you can still enjoy this flavorful treat while keeping your overall sodium intake in check. For those concerned about managing chronic conditions, exploring low-sodium alternatives is a prudent step. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional guidance on managing dietary sodium.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average sodium content is not a single number but typically ranges between 270mg and 370mg per slice. Factors like brand, thickness, and cut can cause this amount to fluctuate significantly.

Generally, yes, smoked bacon tends to have a slightly higher salt content than unsmoked bacon. However, the difference can be small and is less significant than the variation between different brands or cuts of bacon.

To find a low-sodium option, check the nutrition labels and look for products explicitly marked as 'reduced sodium' or 'low sodium'. Often, leaner cuts like medallions are also lower in salt and fat.

Salt is used in bacon production primarily for curing and preservation. It draws moisture out of the meat, which helps prevent spoilage and contributes to the characteristic flavor and texture.

Since the recommended daily sodium limit is 2,300mg and a single slice can contain 270-370mg, consuming 6 to 9 slices could meet or exceed your daily limit. This doesn't account for sodium from other foods.

Yes, cooking bacon concentrates its sodium content. As the bacon cooks and loses water, the salt remains, resulting in a higher sodium-per-gram measurement in the final cooked product.

Some plant-based bacon alternatives are designed to be lower in sodium. However, they can still be highly processed, so it is important to read the nutrition label to confirm their sodium content.

To reduce the sodium in a meal, pair bacon with fresh, low-sodium foods like eggs, vegetables, and fruit. You can also use a minimal amount of high-sodium condiments or rinse canned foods to remove some salt.