Bacon is a beloved breakfast food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s crispy, salty, and oh so delicious.
But have you ever wondered how many grams are in a slice of bacon? The weight can vary depending on how thickly it’s sliced, and there’s also a difference between the weight of raw and cooked bacon.
If you’re trying to count calories or cook with precision, it can be tricky to figure out the exact weight of your bacon. But fear not! In this article, we’ve done the research and put together charts and images to help you easily calculate the weight and calorie count of various types of bacon.
So whether you’re a bacon lover or just looking to eat in moderation, read on to find out everything you need to know about the grams in a slice of bacon.
How Many Grams In A Slice Of Bacon?
The weight of a slice of bacon can vary depending on how thickly it’s sliced. Generally speaking, a thin cut slice of bacon weighs around 12-14 grams. However, bacon slices can come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know the average weight of different types of bacon.
According to our research, an average slice of uncooked supermarket streaky bacon weighs 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), while the average weight of a slice of uncooked back bacon is 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces). It’s important to note that there’s also a difference between the weight of raw and cooked bacon.
When it comes to counting calories, it’s helpful to know the calorie count of different types of bacon as well. On average, an 8 gram slice of bacon contains between 38 and 45 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on whether the bacon is plain or seasoned, and thicker bacon will have more calories than thinner slices.
For example, three slices of bacon weighing 34.5 grams contain 161 calories, with 108 calories coming from fat, 2.4 from carbs, and 48 from protein. A single slice of pan-fried pork bacon contains about 54 calories, with approximately 65% coming from fat.
It’s important to keep in mind that while bacon is delicious, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat content. Eating a lot of foods with more than 50% calories from fat, like bacon, puts you at risk for obesity and related diseases.
The Weight Of Raw Bacon Vs. Cooked Bacon
When it comes to the weight of bacon, it’s important to understand the difference between raw and cooked bacon. Raw bacon typically weighs more than cooked bacon due to the water content that is lost during the cooking process.
According to our research, an average slice of uncooked supermarket streaky bacon weighs 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), while the average weight of a slice of uncooked back bacon is 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces). However, after cooking, the weight of bacon decreases significantly.
For example, an average slice of pork bacon weighing 49 grams before cooking yields cooked bacon with 71 calories per slice. After cooking, the same slice of bacon weighs just 16 grams, resulting in an average energy content of 4.4 calories per gram.
It’s important to note that diced, raw bacon is roughly the same weight for cup measure as liquids. One cup would be approximately 8 ounces and 225 grams; 1/2 cup is about 4 ounces or 115 grams; 1/4 cup is about 2 ounces or 55 grams, etc.
How Thickness Affects Bacon Weight
The thickness of a bacon slice can also affect its weight. Thick cut bacon, for example, is typically 0.111 inches thick and has only 10-14 slices per pound. Its thickness increases its weight and reduces its quantity. This means that while thick cut bacon may be more satisfying to eat, it also contains more calories and fat per slice compared to thinner cuts.
On the other hand, thin-cut bacon slices weigh around 12-14 grams per slice, making them a good option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of bacon without consuming too many calories or fat. Regular cut bacon falls in between the two, with slices weighing around 23-26 grams each.
It’s important to keep in mind that the weight of a bacon slice can also be affected by the amount of water it contains. This can be especially true for pre-packaged bacon that has been injected with water to increase its weight and shelf life.
Calculating Calories In Bacon
To calculate the number of calories in bacon, it’s important to know the weight of the slice and whether it’s raw or cooked. For example, an average slice of uncooked supermarket streaky bacon weighs 15-16 grams and contains between 38 and 45 calories. On the other hand, a cooked slice of bacon can weigh less due to the loss of water during cooking.
To get a more accurate calorie count, it’s best to calculate the calorie content per 100 grams of raw starting bacon. The average calorie content for four preparations of fried, ready-to-eat bacon was found to be 144 calories per 100 grams of raw bacon. This means that an average slice weighing 49 grams before cooking contains around 71 calories per slice.
It’s also important to consider the type of bacon being consumed. Sweeter bacon varieties, like Apple Pie Bacon, contain more sugar and therefore more calories. The more savory the bacon, the fewer calories it will have.
Chart: Grams Of Bacon Per Slice For Different Types
To help you better understand the weight of different types of bacon, we’ve put together a chart with the average weight per slice for various types of bacon.
Type of Bacon | Average Weight Per Slice (Uncooked)
— | —
Supermarket Streaky Bacon | 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces)
Back Bacon | 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces)
Slab Bacon | 28-30 grams (0.99-1.06 ounces)
Shingled or Wide-Shingled Bacon | 12-14 grams (0.42-0.49 ounces)
It’s important to note that these are average weights and can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the bacon slices. Additionally, the weight of cooked bacon will be less than the weight of raw bacon due to moisture loss during cooking.
By knowing the average weight per slice of different types of bacon, you can better calculate the number of slices needed for a recipe or to meet your desired calorie intake.
Tips For Measuring Bacon Accurately
Measuring bacon accurately can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re trying to count calories or cook a specific weight of bacon. Here are some tips to help you measure bacon accurately:
1. Use a kitchen scale: The easiest and most accurate way to measure bacon is by using a kitchen scale. Weigh the bacon before cooking it and record the appropriate values based on the nutrition facts label for that amount you are about to cook.
2. Measure by slice: If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can measure the bacon by slice. As mentioned earlier, an average slice of uncooked supermarket streaky bacon weighs 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces) while the average weight of a slice of uncooked back bacon is 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces). This can give you a rough idea of how much each slice weighs.
3. Measure by cup: If your recipe calls for crumbled or chopped bacon, you can measure it by cup. One cup of crumbled bacon is approximately 100 grams or 3.5 ounces.
4. Use measuring spoons: If you don’t have a kitchen scale, measuring spoons can be used to estimate the weight of bacon. One tablespoon of crumbled bacon is approximately 5 grams or 0.18 ounces.
5. Be aware of cooked weight: It’s important to note that there’s a difference between the weight of raw and cooked bacon. On average, cooked bacon weighs about 30% less than raw bacon due to moisture loss during cooking.
By using these tips, you can accurately measure your bacon and ensure that your recipes turn out perfectly every time. Remember to consume bacon in moderation due to its high fat content and always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet.
Conclusion: Enjoying Bacon In Moderation
In conclusion, bacon can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to consume it in moderation. While bacon does contain some beneficial nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, it’s also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Studies have shown that consuming too much processed meat, including bacon, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Therefore, it’s recommended to limit the amount of processed meat you consume to no more than 20 grams per day.
If you’re a bacon lover, it’s okay to indulge in a slice or two every now and then. However, it’s best to pair it with healthier options like fruits and vegetables to balance out your diet. Additionally, opting for leaner cuts of bacon or turkey bacon can also be a healthier alternative. Ultimately, the key is to enjoy bacon in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.