Nutrition Diet: How many carbs are in one slice of fried bacon?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single cooked slice of fried bacon contains a very minimal amount of carbohydrates, often less than 0.2 grams. This is a key fact for those navigating a specific nutrition diet and asking: 'How many carbs are in one slice of fried bacon?'.

Quick Summary

A single slice of fried bacon is extremely low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets like keto. The exact carb count is influenced by slice thickness and the curing process, so checking the ingredient label is crucial.

Key Points

Minimal Carbs: One slice of standard fried bacon contains minimal carbs, often around 0.1-0.2g, a number confirmed by USDA data.
Keto-Friendly: Its extremely low-carb, high-fat profile makes bacon a staple for those following ketogenic diets.
Check Ingredients: Some cured bacons use a brine with added sugar, which may not show up on the nutritional panel due to small serving sizes, so check the ingredient list.
High in Other Macros: Be mindful that bacon is high in fat, protein, and especially sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Uncured Options: To avoid added sugars entirely, look for uncured bacon, which uses natural curing agents.
Variety Exists: Nutritional profiles differ across types; for example, Canadian and turkey bacon are leaner alternatives to traditional pork belly bacon.
Pair Smartly: For a healthy meal, combine bacon with nutrient-dense foods like avocados or leafy greens, rather than carb-heavy items.

The Low-Carb Truth: Fried Bacon and Your Diet

For many following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, bacon is a dietary staple. Unlike plant-based foods, fresh animal meats naturally contain virtually no carbohydrates. A standard slice of cured bacon, however, is a processed product, and its final carb count can vary slightly depending on the brand and how it's prepared. The good news is that even with processing, the carb content remains exceptionally low.

According to data from Nutritionix and Carb Manager, a single medium slice (around 8-12g) of cooked, pan-fried bacon contains approximately 0.1 to 0.2g of total carbohydrates. This almost negligible amount is why bacon is celebrated within the low-carb community. While the focus is often on carbohydrates, it's essential to understand the full macronutrient profile to truly fit it into a balanced nutrition diet.

A Closer Look at the Macronutrients

Beyond its low-carb nature, bacon's nutritional value is defined by its protein, fat, and sodium content. For a typical cooked slice, the breakdown looks roughly like this:

Total Fat: Around 3.5g to 4g, with a mix of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
Protein: Approximately 3g to 4g of high-quality animal protein.
Sodium: The sodium content can be significant, often around 180-200mg per slice, which varies considerably by brand and cut.

Cured vs. Uncured: The Sugar Factor

For those adhering to a strict no-added-sugar diet, like the Whole30 or a very clean keto regimen, it's vital to read the ingredient list, not just the nutrition label. The term "cured" and "uncured" offers a major clue:

Cured Bacon: Most commercially produced bacon is cured using a mixture of salt, nitrates, and often a small amount of sugar, such as dextrose or maple syrup. This sugar aids in the curing process and helps balance the salty flavor. If the amount of sugar is less than 0.5 grams per serving, regulations allow manufacturers to list it as 0g on the nutrition facts panel.
Uncured Bacon: This refers to bacon that is preserved using natural alternatives, such as celery powder (which contains natural nitrates), and often skips the added sugar. For this reason, uncured bacon is frequently the best choice for those seeking a truly sugar-free option.

To ensure you are consuming a truly sugar-free product, always check the ingredient list for terms like "sugar," "brown sugar," "maple syrup," or "dextrose".

Nutritional Comparison: Different Types of Bacon

Understanding the differences between bacon products can help you make an informed choice for your nutrition diet. Below is a comparison based on approximate values per cooked slice:


Feature	Standard Pork Bacon	Turkey Bacon	Canadian Bacon
Cut	Pork belly (fatty cut)	Cured turkey thigh and skin	Cured pork loin (leaner cut)
Carbs (per slice)	~0.1 - 0.2g	~0.3g	~0.3g
Fat (per slice)	~3.5 - 4g	Less than pork bacon	Less than pork bacon
Protein (per slice)	~3 - 4g	Slightly more than pork bacon	Significantly more than pork bacon
Keto-Friendly?	Yes, very low-carb	Yes, but check brand for sugar	Yes, but check brand for sugar

Incorporating Bacon into a Healthy Nutrition Plan

While bacon can be a delicious part of a low-carb diet, it's not a free-for-all food. Moderation is key due to its high saturated fat and sodium content. Here are some tips for incorporating bacon wisely:

Mindful Portion Sizes: Stick to one or two slices to keep your fat and sodium intake in check, especially if you have heart health concerns.
Balance with Whole Foods: Pair bacon with nutrient-dense, low-carb foods like eggs, avocado, and leafy greens. Consider a BLT stuffed avocado instead of a traditional sandwich.
Choose Wisely: Opt for uncured or sugar-free varieties to minimize added sugar. Sustainable, pasture-raised options can also offer higher quality fats and nutrients.
Alternative Preparation: While fried bacon is classic, you can bake it on a rack to allow some of the fat to drip away, potentially making it a slightly leaner option.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Bacon Carbs

The answer to "How many carbs are in one slice of fried bacon?" is definitively very few, usually under 0.2 grams, making it a fantastic fit for low-carb and keto-friendly meals. However, the nutritional story doesn't end there. By understanding the curing process, reading ingredient labels for added sugar, and practicing moderation, you can enjoy bacon as part of a balanced and healthy nutrition plan. For broader guidance on healthy eating patterns, consult resources from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key takeaways for including bacon in your diet:

Minimal Carbs: One slice of standard fried bacon contains minimal carbs, often around 0.1-0.2g.
Keto-Friendly: Its low-carb profile makes bacon a suitable choice for ketogenic diets.
Check Ingredients: Some cured bacons include added sugar in the brine, so always read the ingredients list.
High in Other Macros: While low-carb, bacon is high in fat, protein, and sodium, so moderation is key.
Uncured is Safer: For a truly sugar-free option, look for uncured bacon and check the ingredient list.
Balance Your Meal: Pair bacon with other nutritious, low-carb foods like vegetables and eggs to create a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while the natural pork belly has no carbs, the curing process for commercial bacon often adds a minimal amount of sugar, typically resulting in 0.1g to 0.2g of carbohydrates per slice.

Small amounts of sugar, like dextrose or maple syrup, are often added to the curing brine to balance the salt and enhance the flavor. It also assists in the curing process itself.

Look for products explicitly labeled "no sugar added" or "sugar-free". Always check the ingredients list for added sugars, as legally they may not be listed on the nutritional panel.

Turkey bacon is also very low-carb, typically with about 0.3g of carbs per slice, which is slightly higher than some pork bacon but still well within low-carb guidelines. However, it is generally leaner and may also contain added sugar.

Bacon can be part of a weight loss diet due to its low-carb and satiating properties. However, because it is high in fat and sodium, it must be consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods.

The primary difference lies in the curing agents. Cured bacon uses synthetic nitrates and often added sugar, while uncured bacon uses natural curing agents and is more likely to be sugar-free.

Yes, thicker slices of bacon will contain slightly more carbs, protein, fat, and calories than thinner ones simply because there is more meat per slice.

Bacon's high sodium content can be beneficial on a ketogenic diet, which sometimes causes a temporary electrolyte imbalance. However, those with blood pressure concerns should monitor their intake carefully.