Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that has been enjoyed for centuries. Whether you prefer it crispy or chewy, there’s no denying the deliciousness of a perfectly cooked slice of bacon.
But have you ever wondered how much a slab of bacon weighs? With so many different types and cuts of bacon available, it can be difficult to know exactly how much you’re getting.
In this article, we’ll explore the weight of various types of bacon, both cooked and uncooked, and provide you with easy-to-follow charts to help you calculate your weights correctly.
So, whether you’re counting calories or just curious about the weight of your favorite breakfast food, read on to find out everything you need to know about how much a slab of bacon weighs.
How Much Does A Slab Of Bacon Weigh?
The weight of a slab of bacon can vary depending on the type and cut of the bacon. Generally, a slab of bacon refers to a large piece of bacon that has not been sliced into individual pieces.
An uncooked slab of supermarket streaky bacon typically weighs around 500-600 grams (17.6-21.2 ounces), while an uncooked slab of back bacon can weigh anywhere from 1-2 kilograms (2.2-4.4 pounds).
It’s important to note that the weight of a slab of bacon can also vary depending on the thickness of the cut. Thicker cuts will weigh more than thinner cuts, so keep this in mind when calculating your weights.
Types Of Bacon And Their Weights
There are several types of bacon available in the market, and each one has a different weight. Let’s take a closer look at the weights of various types of bacon:
1. Streaky Bacon/Belly Bacon: This is one of the most common types of bacon that you can find in nearly every shop. It is obtained from the belly of pork, which is one of the fattiest parts. The average weight of an uncooked slice of streaky bacon is 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces). However, the weight can vary depending on the thickness of the cut.
2. Back Bacon: This type of bacon comes from the back of the pig and has less fat compared to streaky bacon. The average weight of an uncooked slice of back bacon is 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces). An uncooked slab of back bacon can weigh anywhere from 1-2 kilograms (2.2-4.4 pounds).
3. American-style Bacon: This type of bacon comes from the belly or side of the pig and has as much or more fat than meat in it. It is also known as “streaky bacon” in Britain. The weight of an uncooked slice of American-style bacon can vary, but it generally has more fat than other types of bacon.
When it comes to cooked bacon, there is a significant difference in weight compared to uncooked bacon due to the loss of moisture during cooking. On average, cooked bacon weighs around 30-40% less than its original uncooked weight.
In terms of calorie count, streaky bacon has more calories due to its higher fat content compared to back bacon. However, it’s important to note that all types of bacon should be consumed in moderation due to their high sodium and nitrite content.
To help you calculate your weights and calorie counts accurately, refer to the charts and images provided in this article.
How To Weigh Uncooked Bacon
To accurately weigh uncooked bacon, it’s important to have a kitchen scale. Place the scale on a flat surface and turn it on. Next, place a plate or bowl on top of the scale and press the “tare” button to zero out the weight of the plate or bowl.
Take the slab of uncooked bacon and place it on top of the plate or bowl. Read the weight displayed on the scale. If you need to weigh a specific amount of bacon, you can cut off a portion using a sharp knife and weigh it separately.
Remember that the weight of uncooked bacon will differ from the weight of cooked bacon, so it’s important to keep this in mind when calculating your calorie intake. It’s also important to note that different types of bacon will have different weights, so refer to the packaging or do some research to determine the average weight for your specific type of bacon.
How Much Does Cooked Bacon Weigh?
After cooking, the weight of bacon can change due to fat and moisture loss. A single rasher of bacon cooked in bacon fat until crispy can reduce by half of its original weight. However, when it comes to measuring cooked bacon by volume, 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 (225 grams), while 1/2 cup is about 4 ounces (115 grams) and 1/4 cup is about 2 ounces (55 grams).
It’s important to note that the weight of cooked bacon can vary depending on the cooking method and how much fat is rendered out. Therefore, it’s best to measure cooked bacon by weight rather than volume for accuracy. A general rule of thumb is that one pound of uncooked bacon will yield around 12-16 ounces of cooked bacon, but this can vary depending on the type and cut of the bacon.
Calculating Calories In Bacon Based On Weight
When it comes to calculating the calories in bacon, it’s important to take into account the weight of the bacon before and after cooking. The nutrition information on the package can be a helpful starting point, but it may not be completely accurate since the weight of the bacon can change during cooking.
One method to calculate the calories in bacon is to cook the bacon and measure the rendered fat, then subtract the calories in the fat from the total. For example, if you have 12.9 grams of bacon grease, that would be equivalent to 115 calories.
Another factor to consider is that a significant amount of fat drips off during cooking. To get a more accurate calorie count, you can subtract the weight of the fat drippings from the pre-cooked weight of the bacon before calculating the calories.
For example, if you have a slab of bacon that weighs 500 grams before cooking and 100 grams of fat drips off during cooking, you would subtract the 100 grams from the original weight and calculate the calories based on the remaining 400 grams of cooked bacon.
It’s important to keep in mind that bacon is high in calories, with one serving containing around 161 calories. The exact calorie count will depend on factors such as the type of bacon and how it is cooked. By taking into account the weight of the bacon before and after cooking and subtracting any fat drippings, you can get a more accurate estimate of how many calories you are consuming.
Tips For Accurately Weighing Bacon
When it comes to weighing bacon, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure accuracy.
Firstly, it’s important to weigh the bacon before cooking it. This will give you a more accurate measurement of the raw weight and allow you to calculate the calories more precisely.
Secondly, if you’re using a slab of bacon, make sure to remove any packaging or wrapping before weighing. This will ensure that you’re only weighing the bacon itself and not any additional materials.
Thirdly, consider using a kitchen scale instead of relying on measuring cups or spoons. A scale will provide a more precise measurement, especially when dealing with small amounts of bacon.
Lastly, if you’re concerned about the fat drippings and their impact on the calorie count, there are a couple of options. You can either calculate based on the pre-cooked weight and leave it at that, or you can subtract the weight of the fat drippings and deduct those calories. It’s up to personal preference and dietary needs.
By following these tips, you can accurately weigh your bacon and calculate its nutritional value with confidence.