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Bacon Calories
Cured and smoked pork belly, classic breakfast meat
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
2 slice (medium) of Bacon (34 g) has 184 calories. That works out to 541 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.5 g of carbs, 12.6 g of protein, 14.3 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 583.8 mg of Sodium covers 25% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Bacon?
Bacon is pork belly that has been cured and smoked, and it is closely associated with British and North American breakfast traditions. It is usually sold in thin strips, though the cut and style vary by region. In many parts of the world, it is an occasional breakfast or cooking ingredient rather than an everyday staple.
Fried until crisp, its salty, smoky flavour and rendered fat pair well with eggs, toast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Some prefer it chewy, while others cook it until the edges curl and turn crunchy. Bacon is high in fat as well as protein: 100 g provides 541 calories and 37 g of protein. A few strips can add plenty of flavour to a meal; serve them with vegetables or use a smaller amount if you want a lighter plate.
Bacon Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
541
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
1.4g
· 1% DV
Protein
37g
· 74% DV
Fat
42g
· 54% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 1% · Protein 28% · Fat 71%
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Bacon Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.5µg · 63% DV
B1
0.7mg · 58% DV
B3
8.1mg · 51% DV
B6
0.4mg · 24% DV
Minerals
Sodium
1717mg · 75% DV
Selenium
30µg · 55% DV
Phosphorus
340mg · 49% DV
Zinc
3mg · 27% DV
Potassium ⭐
565mg · 17% DV
How Nutritious Is Bacon?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Bacon Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Bacon
To burn the 541 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Bacon Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Bacon Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Bacon Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Bacon Fat Profile
SATURATED
14g
MONOUNSATURATED
19g
POLYUNSATURATED
4g
Omega 6:3 ratio 18.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (18.5:1).
Compare Bacon
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon
Is bacon pork?
Yes, traditional bacon is pork, usually made from cured pork belly; other cuts and non-pork versions also exist. Check the package description if you need to know which meat a particular bacon product contains.
How do you cook bacon so it gets crispy?
Cook bacon in a single layer over medium to medium-low heat, turning the strips as they brown. Starting in a cold pan lets the fat render gradually, helping the bacon crisp without scorching before the center cooks.
Can you eat bacon raw?
No, don’t eat bacon raw. Curing or smoking does not always make it ready to eat, so follow the package’s cooking directions and cook it thoroughly before serving.
What is the difference between bacon and pancetta?
Bacon is commonly cured and smoked, while pancetta is Italian cured pork belly that is usually not smoked. Both can add salty, savory flavor to a dish, but pancetta does not have the same smoky taste.
Why does bacon shrink when you cook it?
Bacon shrinks because heat drives off moisture and melts some of its fat. The meat and fat contract at different rates, which can also make the strips curl; cooking over moderate heat helps them cook more evenly.
How long does opened bacon last in the refrigerator?
Opened uncooked bacon generally keeps for about a week in the refrigerator when wrapped or sealed and kept cold. Follow an earlier use-by date on the package, and discard bacon that smells sour or feels unusually slimy.
Can you freeze bacon?
Yes, bacon freezes well. Separate the slices or portion them before sealing them in a freezer-safe package; thaw them in the refrigerator and cook them soon after thawing rather than refreezing them raw.
Is bacon already cooked when you buy it?
Usually, no: most bacon sold chilled is cured but still needs cooking. Some packages are specifically labeled fully cooked or ready to eat, so follow the preparation directions on the product you have.
Why does bacon curl in the pan?
Bacon curls because its lean and fatty sections shrink differently as they heat, and the edges can tighten before the middle. A flat bacon press or a heavy spatula can keep strips flatter while they cook.
Can you cook bacon in the microwave?
Yes, bacon can be microwaved between layers of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Cook it in short intervals and check often, since slice thickness and microwave power affect how quickly it browns and crisps.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.