Bacon is a beloved breakfast food that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you prefer it crispy or chewy, bacon is a staple in many households.
But have you ever wondered how much one slice of bacon weighs? It may seem like a trivial question, but knowing the weight of your bacon can help you accurately count calories and plan your meals.
In this article, we’ll explore the weight of different types of bacon, both cooked and uncooked, and provide you with easy-to-follow charts to help you calculate weights correctly.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of bacon weights!
How Many Ounces Is One Piece Of Bacon?
The weight of one piece of bacon can vary depending on the type of bacon and whether it is cooked or uncooked. Generally, an uncooked slice of supermarket streaky bacon weighs around 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), while an uncooked slice of back bacon weighs around 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces).
It’s important to note that the weight of bacon can also vary depending on the shape and size of the slice. This can make it tricky to accurately calculate weights and calorie counts, especially if you’re trying to stick to a specific diet.
To make things easier, we’ve put together charts and images that show the average weights of various types of bacon, both cooked and uncooked. This will help you calculate the weight of your bacon more accurately and plan your meals accordingly.
The Weight Of Uncooked Bacon
When it comes to uncooked bacon, the weight can vary depending on the thickness of the slice. A thin cut slice of bacon typically weighs around 12-14 grams (0.42-0.49 ounces), while a thicker slice can weigh up to 20 grams (0.7 ounces).
For those who prefer back bacon, an uncooked slice can weigh anywhere between 30-40 grams (1.06-1.41 ounces), again depending on the thickness of the slice.
It’s important to keep in mind that the weight of bacon can also be affected by factors such as the brand and quality of the bacon, as well as how it has been processed and packaged. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging or weigh your bacon before cooking to get an accurate measurement.
Knowing the weight of uncooked bacon can be helpful for meal planning and calorie counting, as it allows you to accurately measure out portions and track your intake. Whether you’re cooking up a few slices for breakfast or using bacon as a recipe ingredient, having an understanding of its weight can help you make more informed decisions about your diet.
The Weight Of Cooked Bacon
When bacon is cooked, it loses a significant amount of weight due to the high percentage of fat and water that is rendered out during the cooking process. On average, a cooked bacon strip will weigh approximately 31% less than an uncooked bacon strip of the same size.
For example, if an uncooked slice of supermarket streaky bacon weighs around 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), then a cooked slice of the same bacon would weigh around 10-11 grams (0.35-0.39 ounces). Similarly, if an uncooked slice of back bacon weighs around 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces), then a cooked slice of the same bacon would weigh around 22-23 grams (0.77-0.81 ounces).
It’s important to keep in mind that the weight of cooked bacon can also vary depending on the cooking method used, as well as how long it is cooked for. For example, if bacon is cooked in the oven, it may retain more moisture and therefore lose less weight than if it is pan-fried.
How To Measure Bacon
If you want to measure your bacon precisely, it’s best to use a kitchen scale. Simply place the bacon on the scale and measure the weight in ounces or grams.
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can estimate the weight of your bacon using measuring cups. Diced, raw bacon is roughly the same weight for cup measure as liquids. For example, one cup of diced raw bacon is approximately 8 ounces or 225 grams, while half a cup is about 4 ounces or 115 grams.
It’s also worth noting that the weight of cooked bacon can differ from uncooked bacon due to the loss of fat during cooking. To accurately measure cooked bacon, it’s best to weigh it after cooking and remove any excess fat.
Different Types Of Bacon And Their Weights
Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork that can be made from various cuts of pork. The weight of one piece of bacon can vary depending on the type of bacon, and here are some of the most common types and their weights:
1. Streaky Bacon: This is the most common type of bacon found in supermarkets. An average slice of uncooked streaky bacon weighs around 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), while a cooked slice weighs around 3-4 grams (0.1-0.14 ounces).
2. Back Bacon: This type of bacon comes from the loin of the pig and is typically leaner than streaky bacon. An average slice of uncooked back bacon weighs around 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces), while a cooked slice weighs around 6-7 grams (0.21-0.24 ounces).
3. Canadian Bacon: This type of bacon is also known as “back bacon” in North America and is typically leaner than streaky bacon. An average slice of uncooked Canadian bacon weighs around 28-30 grams (0.98-1.06 ounces), while a cooked slice weighs around 5-6 grams (0.18-0.21 ounces).
4. Irish Bacon: This type of bacon is similar to Canadian bacon and comes from the loin of the pig. An average slice of uncooked Irish bacon weighs around 28-30 grams (0.98-1.06 ounces), while a cooked slice weighs around 5-6 grams (0.18-0.21 ounces).
It’s important to note that the weight of bacon can also vary depending on the brand, shape, and size of the slice, as well as whether it is smoked or unsmoked. To accurately calculate the weight and calorie count of your bacon, it’s best to refer to specific charts and nutritional information provided by the brand or manufacturer.
Calculating Calories In Bacon
Bacon is a popular food item that is enjoyed by many, but it’s important to be mindful of the calorie content if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. The number of calories in bacon can vary depending on the type of bacon and how it’s cooked.
For example, two cooked slices of pork bacon contain around 82 calories, while two cooked slices of turkey bacon contain around 62 calories. This means that turkey bacon is lower in calories compared to pork bacon.
It’s also important to note that the calorie content of bacon can increase significantly if it’s cooked in oil or butter. This is because these cooking methods add extra fat and calories to the bacon.
To calculate the number of calories in your bacon, you can use the nutritional information on the packaging or online resources. For example, three slices of bacon (34.5 grams) contain around 161 calories, with 108 calories from fat, 2.4 from carbs, and 48 from protein.
It’s important to remember that while bacon can be a tasty addition to your meals, it’s high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s best to opt for a lower-calorie option or limit your portions of bacon.
Tips For Accurately Measuring Bacon
If you want to measure bacon accurately, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Use a kitchen scale: A kitchen scale is the most accurate way to measure bacon. Simply place the bacon on the scale and weigh it.
2. Measure by slice: If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can also measure bacon by slice. Keep in mind that the weight of each slice can vary, so it’s best to use an average weight for the type of bacon you’re using.
3. Take into account cooked weight: Remember that the weight of bacon changes when it’s cooked. To get an accurate measurement of cooked bacon, weigh it after cooking and adjust your portion sizes accordingly.
4. Consider portion sizes: A good rule of thumb for a reasonable portion size of bacon is about one ounce per person. This will help you plan your meals and ensure that you’re not overeating.
By following these tips, you can accurately measure your bacon and make sure that you’re getting the right amount for your meals. Whether you prefer oven-baked or stovetop-cooked bacon, knowing the weight of each slice can help you plan your meals and stick to your dietary goals.