As a complete protein source, bacon has all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. Low in carbohydrates, a slice of bacon has three grams of protein and zero carbohydrates. It is a low-carb and low-glycemic food making it ideal for incorporating in low-carb diets.
Bacon is high in fat and is thought to be an unhealthy food that should only be eaten in small amounts to avoid health problems like heart disease and obesity. It is also very high in sodium. A slice of cured bacon cooked in the microwave contains 1. 9 grams of protein and 1. 9 grams of fat, while roasted or fried bacon contains 2. 96 grams of protein and 3. 34 grams of fat.
The fat in bacon is both saturated and unsaturated and one slice contains about 0. 6 grams of saturated fat when cooked in the microwave, and 1. 1 grams when pan-fried. A slice of bacon pan-fried contains 43 calories, 185 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium. There are 25 calories, 104 mg of sodium, and 1 mg of calcium in a slice of bacon cooked in the microwave.
There are many kinds of bacon, and some are healthier than others. 100 grams of boiled collar joint, which is what some bacon is made of, has iron, niacin, and vitamins B1 and B2. 100 grams of grilled gammon rasher, which is bacon made from the back legs’ tops, is full of iron, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. A lot of niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium can be found in 100 grams of fried streaky bacon.
Bacon in general is high in micronutrients. One slice of bacon contains 5 micrograms of selenium, 0. 9 micrograms of niacin, 43. 5 micrograms of phosphorous. Small amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, choline, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 can also be found in bacon.
Crispy strips of bacon are a breakfast staple for many, whether enjoyed alongside eggs or on a sandwich But if you’re watching your carb intake, such as when following a low-carb or keto diet, you may wonder – does bacon contain carbohydrates?
Let’s dive into the full nutritional profile of bacon, including its carb, fat, protein, and calorie contents.
What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients found in foods, along with fat and protein
There are three main types of carbohydrates:
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Sugars – Found naturally in some foods or added to products. Simple carbs that digest and absorb quickly.
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Starches – Long chains of glucose molecules found in starchy veggies, grains, rice, etc. Take longer to break down than simple sugars.
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Fiber – Indigestible carbs that pass through the body undigested. Found in plant foods.
Carbs are the primary source of energy for the body and brain. However, eating too many carbs, especially refined and processed kinds, can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues.
How Many Carbs are in Bacon?
Most bacon contains only trace amounts of carbohydrates.
According to the USDA, a typical serving of 3 bacon slices (34g) contains:
- Total carbs: 0.6g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
So one serving of bacon provides less than 1 gram of total carbs, with no sugars or fiber.
Some bacon varieties do contain slightly more carbs, such as maple-flavored bacon which has around 1g of carbs per slice due to the sugar and syrup used for flavoring.
But in general, regular smoked bacon is very low in carbs and can be enjoyed freely on low-carb diets like keto.
The Nutritional Profile of Bacon
Here is the full nutritional breakdown for 3 slices or 34g of pan-fried bacon, according to the USDA:
- Calories: 161
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 0.6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 12g
So while very low in carbs, bacon is high in both fat and protein. It provides a good balance of monounsaturated and saturated fats.
The high sodium content of bacon is one potential downside, with over 500mg per serving. But overall, bacon can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Is Bacon Keto or Low Carb Friendly?
With negligible carbs and plenty of fat and protein, bacon can absolutely fit into low-carb, keto, and other carb-conscious diets.
A few tips for keeping bacon keto include:
- Choosing regular smoked bacon over sweet varieties
- Skipping ketchup or other sugary condiments on bacon
- Pairing with other low-carb foods like eggs or avocado
- Watching portion sizes, as calories add up fast
Just be mindful of tracking any carbs from seasonings, sauces, etc. when incorporating bacon into meals.
Potential Health Benefits of Bacon
Along with its stellar nutrition stats, bacon may also offer some potential health upsides:
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Boosts energy – Provides B vitamins for energy production and fat for fuel.
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Aids vitamin D absorption – The fat in bacon can increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D.
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Promotes satiety – High protein and fat keeps you feeling fuller for longer after eating.
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Contains antioxidants – From compounds created during the smoking/curing process.
Of course, bacon is high in sodium and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. But it can be included in a balanced lifestyle.
How is Bacon Produced and Prepared?
Traditional bacon is made from pork belly or back cuts that undergo a curing process. The pork meat is cured with salt, then smoked or boiled to add flavor. Some bacons are injected with a salt brine for extra seasoning.
To prepare bacon for eating, the most popular cooking methods are:
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Pan-frying – Crispy bacon in just 10 minutes on the stovetop.
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Baking – Lays bacon flat for even cooking at 400°F for 12-20 minutes.
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Microwaving – Quick but can lead to uneven cooking. Use lower power and cook in 1-2 minute bursts.
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Grilling – Gives fun smoky flavor during summer. Keep an eye to avoid burning.
Finding Low-Carb Bacon Brands
When shopping for bacon, read labels and look for:
- No added sugars in the ingredients list
- Lower carb counts per slice
- All natural and no artificial ingredients
- Uncured/nitrate-free options
Some top low-carb bacon brands include:
- Applegate Sunday Bacon
- Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon
- Wellshire Sugar Free Uncured Bacon
- Whole Foods 365 Uncured Bacon
There are also alternative bacon styles like turkey and veggie bacons. Compare labels, as carbs vary more widely.
Is Bacon Keto-Friendly?
Bacon can absolutely be included as part of a keto diet or any low-carb eating plan. Just pay attention to total carb counts, avoid sweetened bacons, and balance intake with other healthy keto foods.
In moderation alongside eggs, avocado, and low-carb veggies, bacon can provide fat, protein, nutrients and big flavor to your daily keto goals. So enjoy those satisfying, crispy strips of pork without the guilt!
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The Ultimate Guide to Bacon
As a complete protein source, bacon has all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of protein. Low in carbohydrates, a slice of bacon has three grams of protein and zero carbohydrates. It is a low-carb and low-glycemic food making it ideal for incorporating in low-carb diets.
Bacon is high in fat and is thought to be an unhealthy food that should only be eaten in small amounts to avoid health problems like heart disease and obesity. It is also very high in sodium. A slice of cured bacon cooked in the microwave contains 1. 9 grams of protein and 1. 9 grams of fat, while roasted or fried bacon contains 2. 96 grams of protein and 3. 34 grams of fat.
The fat in bacon is both saturated and unsaturated and one slice contains about 0. 6 grams of saturated fat when cooked in the microwave, and 1. 1 grams when pan-fried. A slice of bacon pan-fried contains 43 calories, 185 milligrams of sodium, and a milligram of calcium. There are 25 calories, 104 mg of sodium, and 1 mg of calcium in a slice of bacon cooked in the microwave.
There are many kinds of bacon, and some are healthier than others. 100 grams of boiled collar joint, which is what some bacon is made of, has iron, niacin, and vitamins B1 and B2. 100 grams of grilled gammon rasher, which is bacon made from the back legs’ tops, is full of iron, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. A lot of niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium can be found in 100 grams of fried streaky bacon.
Bacon in general is high in micronutrients. One slice of bacon contains 5 micrograms of selenium, 0. 9 micrograms of niacin, 43. 5 micrograms of phosphorous. Small amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, choline, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 can also be found in bacon.
What If You Eat BACON Every Day For 30 Days?
FAQ
Do eggs or bacon have carbs?
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Keto Breakfast: Bacon & Eggs
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Calories
|
Carbs(g)
|
|
3 large eggs, room temperature
|
214
|
1.08
|
|
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
|
267
|
2.15
|
|
1 tablespoon butter
|
102
|
0.01
|
|
4 slices bacon
|
178
|
0.44
|
Does Bacon have carbs?
Yes, bacon does have a small number of carbs, depending on how it was prepared and the brand. A medium slice of cooked bacon contains 0.1 to 0.2 grams of total carbs. However, it is high-protein food and fat. This makes it a good choice for those on a ketogenic diet. Is bacon high in carbs? The answer may surprise you.
What foods are lowest in carbohydrates?
The lowest carbohydrate foods are those rich in protein such as meat, eggs, and some types of cheese. Some vegetables are also very low in carbohydrates.
Does Bacon have sugar?
Bacon contains 0.6 grams of carbs. Although bacon has no sugar, some brands add it for extra flavor. For example, bacon labeled as brown sugar or maple adds sugar content. There is no fiber in bacon. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to less than 10% of your calories.
Is Bacon a low-carb diet?
The answer is a resounding yes, but the amount of carbohydrates in bacon is minimal. A typical 3-ounce serving of cooked bacon contains approximately 0.4 grams of net carbs. This means that the majority of bacon’s nutritional profile consists of fat and protein, making it an excellent option for those following a reduced-carb diet.
How many carbs are in 3 slices of bacon?
The following nutrition information is provided for 3 slices (34.5 grams) of bacon, according to the USDA: There are 0.6 grams of carbohydrates in 3 slices of bacon. Although bacon has no sugar, some manufacturers add it for added taste. As you can see from the nutrition facts, there are very few carbs in bacon.
How much fat is in a serving of bacon?
One serving of bacon has 12 grams of fat. It is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat is one of the unhealthy fats, along with trans fat. It can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease. The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends 13 grams of saturated fat for a 2,000-calorie diet.