Bacon Calories: How Many Calories Are in Bacon and Is It Healthy?

Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast foods worldwide but it’s also one of the most searched when it comes to calories. If you’re tracking calories, following a keto diet, or trying to lose weight, understanding bacon calories is essential.

In this guide, we break down how many calories are in bacon, how cooking methods affect calorie content, nutritional facts, and whether bacon can fit into a healthy diet.

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How Many Calories Are in Bacon?

The number of calories in bacon depends on portion size, thickness, and cooking method.

Bacon Calories Per Slice

• 1 thin slice cooked bacon: ~35–40 calories

• 1 regular slice cooked bacon: ~42–45 calories

• 1 thick-cut slice cooked bacon: ~70–90 calories

Most calories in bacon come from fat, which is why portion size matters.

Calories in Bacon Per Serving

• 2 slices cooked bacon: ~85–90 calories

• 3 slices cooked bacon: ~120–140 calories

• 100g cooked bacon: ~540–550 calories

Calories in Cooked Bacon vs Raw Bacon

Cooking significantly changes bacon’s calorie density.

• Raw bacon: Higher weight due to water and fat

• Cooked bacon: Loses moisture, becomes more calorie-dense per gram

That’s why 100g of cooked bacon has more calories than 100g of raw bacon, even though total calories per slice stay similar.

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Calories by Type of Bacon

Pork Bacon Calories

• Highest calorie and fat content

• ~42–45 calories per slice

• ~5g fat per slice

Turkey Bacon Calories

• ~25–35 calories per slice

• Lower fat, but often higher sodium

• Still processed

Canadian Bacon (Back Bacon) Calories

• ~30–35 calories per slice

• Leaner cut, higher protein

Plant-Based Bacon Calories

• ~30–60 calories per serving

• Calories vary widely by brand

• Often lower saturated fat

Bacon Nutrition Facts (Per 3 Slices Cooked)

Bacon is high in fat and sodium, moderate in protein, and contains zero carbs, which explains its popularity in low-carb and keto diets.

Are Bacon Calories Bad for You?

Bacon calories are not inherently “bad,” but context matters.

Health Considerations

• High saturated fat intake may impact heart health

• High sodium may increase blood pressure

• Bacon is a processed meat, linked to increased health risks when consumed excessively

Is Bacon Healthy in Moderation?

Yes, when eaten occasionally and in controlled portions, bacon can fit into a balanced diet.

Bacon Calories and Popular Diets

Bacon on Keto and Low-Carb Diets

• Zero carbs

• High fat

• Fits keto macros easily

Bacon and Weight Loss

You can eat bacon while losing weight if calories are controlled.
Tips:

• Limit to 1–2 slices

• Pair with high-fiber foods

• Avoid sugar-cured bacon

How to Reduce Bacon Calories

If you love bacon but want fewer calories:

• Choose center-cut or Canadian bacon

• Use air-frying or oven baking to render fat

• Pat cooked bacon with paper towels

• Swap some servings with turkey bacon

Bacon Calories vs Other Breakfast Meats

Bacon is more calorie-dense than ham, but often lower than sausage.

FAQs 

How many calories are in one slice of bacon?

A cooked slice contains about 42–45 calories, depending on thickness.

Is turkey bacon lower in calories than pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon typically has 20–30% fewer calories, but may contain more sodium.

How many calories are in 100g of bacon?

Approximately 540–550 calories for cooked bacon.

Can bacon fit into a weight-loss diet?

Yes, if eaten in moderation and tracked carefully.

Does cooking method change bacon calories?

Yes. Baking or air-frying reduces retained fat compared to pan-frying.

Conclusion

Bacon is high in calories, fat, and sodium, but it can still be enjoyed mindfully. Understanding bacon calories per slice, per serving, and by type helps you make smarter dietary choices without giving up the foods you love.