How much sodium is in Oscar Mayer bacon? A Complete Guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Oscar Mayer's official nutrition facts, a standard 2-slice serving of their Naturally Hardwood Smoked Original Bacon contains 350 mg of sodium. This figure can vary significantly across the brand's different product lines, so checking labels is crucial.

Quick Summary

The sodium in Oscar Mayer bacon ranges depending on the specific product, with options like Center Cut and Lower Sodium having reduced amounts per serving compared to the Original version.

Key Points

Original Bacon: Oscar Mayer Original Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon contains 350mg of sodium per 2-slice cooked serving.
Lower Sodium Options: Varieties like Lower Sodium and Center Cut bacon offer reduced salt content, with 240mg of sodium per two cooked slices.
Check Product Labels: Sodium levels differ across the brand's product range, so reading the specific package's nutrition label is essential for accurate information.
Contribution to Daily Value: A single serving of Original bacon provides 15% of the 2,300 mg FDA Daily Value for sodium.
Moderation is Key: Portion control is an effective way to manage sodium intake when consuming bacon, with a standard serving being two slices.
Curing Process: Bacon's high sodium level is primarily due to the curing process, which uses salt for preservation and flavor.

Unpacking the Sodium Content in Oscar Mayer Bacon

For consumers monitoring their salt intake, understanding the sodium content of a food product is essential. Oscar Mayer, a popular brand of bacon, offers several varieties, and the sodium levels differ for each. Bacon's inherently high sodium comes from the curing process, which uses salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Knowing the specific breakdown per product allows for more mindful eating and dietary planning.

Oscar Mayer Original Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon

The most widely recognized version of Oscar Mayer bacon, the Original Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, contains a significant amount of sodium. A standard serving size of two skillet-cooked slices (approximately 19g) provides 350 mg of sodium. For context, this amount represents 15% of the FDA's 2,300 mg Daily Value (DV) for sodium. While a small portion can add delicious flavor, it's easy for multiple slices to contribute a substantial portion of your daily sodium allowance.

Oscar Mayer Lower Sodium and Center Cut Varieties

Oscar Mayer acknowledges consumers' interest in reducing sodium and offers lower-salt alternatives. The Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon with 30% Lower Sodium has significantly less salt. A two-slice cooked serving contains 240 mg of sodium, a notable reduction from the original. Similarly, the Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut Bacon also boasts a lower sodium level, with 240 mg per two skillet-cooked slices. This lower-sodium option comes from a leaner, hand-trimmed cut of pork.

Comparison Table: Oscar Mayer Bacon Sodium Levels


Bacon Variety	Sodium per 2-Slice Serving (Cooked)	Percentage of 2300mg DV
Original Naturally Hardwood Smoked	350 mg	15%
Lower Sodium Naturally Hardwood Smoked	240 mg	10%
Original Center Cut	240 mg	10%
Fully Cooked Thick Cut	340 mg	14%

Factors Influencing Bacon Sodium Content

Beyond the specific product variety, several factors can affect the final sodium concentration in your bacon. It's not just about the recipe, but also how the product is prepared and consumed.

Curing Method: The primary reason for bacon's high sodium is the curing process, where salt and other agents like sodium nitrite are used for preservation and to enhance the flavor profile.
Cut of Pork: As demonstrated by the Center Cut bacon, leaner cuts of pork can sometimes result in lower sodium and fat content overall.
Preparation Method: The amount of grease drained after cooking can have a small effect, as some sodium is released with the fat.
Serving Size: Adhering to the recommended two-slice serving is important for managing intake. Eating more will, of course, increase the total sodium consumed.

The Role of Sodium in Bacon and Your Health

Sodium plays a vital role in bacon production, but its impact on health, particularly for individuals sensitive to salt, cannot be overlooked. The Institute of Medicine suggests an adequate sodium intake of 1,500 mg per day for most adults, though the current FDA Daily Value is set higher at 2,300 mg. The average American consumes significantly more, making conscious choices about high-sodium foods like bacon important for heart health. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Navigating Your Options: Tips for Healthier Choices

For those who love bacon but need to watch their sodium intake, there are ways to enjoy the flavor while making healthier choices. These strategies can help you manage your consumption without sacrificing taste entirely.

Choose Lower-Sodium Varieties: Opt for Oscar Mayer's Lower Sodium or Center Cut versions, which have 110mg less sodium per serving compared to the Original.
Mind Your Portions: Stick to the recommended serving size of one or two slices. A single slice of Original bacon contains 175mg of sodium, making it easier to fit into a restricted diet.
Rinse Before Cooking: Some sources suggest briefly rinsing bacon strips under water before cooking to remove surface salt. While this may remove a small amount, it's not a foolproof method and the majority of sodium is deeply embedded in the cured meat.
Pair with Low-Sodium Foods: Balance out your high-sodium bacon by serving it with low-sodium side dishes, like unsalted eggs, fresh vegetables, or whole-grain toast without added salt.
Read the Label: Always check the most up-to-date nutrition label on the package for the most accurate information. Formulations can change, and different products can have surprisingly varied nutritional profiles.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Bacon

The sodium content in Oscar Mayer bacon is not a single, fixed number but varies by product line. The Original Naturally Hardwood Smoked version contains 350 mg per serving, while the Lower Sodium and Center Cut varieties offer a reduced-salt option at 240 mg. Knowing these figures empowers consumers to make choices that align with their dietary needs. By choosing the right product, controlling portion sizes, and being mindful of your overall daily intake, you can enjoy bacon's flavor as part of a balanced and healthy diet. For more information on managing sodium, consult a health resource like the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Oscar Mayer's product line includes several varieties with different sodium levels, such as the Original, Center Cut, and specifically marked Lower Sodium options, so checking the label is important.

The Lower Sodium version has 30% less sodium than the Original. The Original has 350mg per 2-slice serving, while the Lower Sodium variety contains 240mg per serving.

Oscar Mayer Original Center Cut bacon contains 240mg of sodium per two cooked slices. It is naturally leaner, which contributes to its lower sodium content compared to the traditional cut.

Health recommendations suggest an adequate intake of 1,500mg of sodium per day, although the FDA's current Daily Value is based on 2,300mg. A single serving of regular bacon can make a significant contribution to this limit.

Draining the rendered fat after cooking can help slightly reduce the final sodium content of the bacon, as some of the salt is released during the cooking process along with the fat.

Salt is a key ingredient in the curing process of bacon, where it acts as a preservative, adds flavor, and helps prevent bacterial growth. The sodium is an inherent and necessary part of the product.

While the 30% Lower Sodium bacon is the designated lower-sodium pork option, Oscar Mayer also offers gluten-free turkey bacon with a significant reduction in both fat and sodium, presenting an alternative for those seeking the lowest salt option.