How Much Bacon Does the Average American Eat Per Year?

Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is a staple of the American breakfast table. But just how much bacon does the average American consume over the course of a year? With rising health consciousness, bacon consumption has declined over the past decade, but it still remains a dietary staple for many. Let’s take a closer look at the savory pork product and how much makes its way into the American diet annually.

Bacon Remains Popular Despite Health Trends

While concerns over saturated fat sodium and processed meats have impacted sales, bacon still enjoys widespread popularity in America. Some key facts

• As of 2020, over 268 million Americans, or around 80% of the population, reported eating bacon.

• From 2011 to 2020, the number of consumers eating 5 pounds or more of bacon per year rose from around 11 million to 16 million.

• Bacony flavors continue to permeate restaurant menus, recipes, and snack foods.

• Newer bacon varieties like turkey and veggie bacons cater to changing tastes.

So while the natural and organic food movements have influenced perceptions, bacon’s bold flavor profile still has mass appeal.

Annual Per Capita Bacon Consumption

According to food intake surveys by the USDA, each American consumes around 18 pounds of bacon per year on average. This has declined from a high of nearly 24 pounds per capita in the 1970s.

Some key statistics on yearly bacon consumption:

• 18 pounds equates to around 950 slices, given average slice weights.

• It translates to eating just under 3 strips of bacon per week.

• Annual consumption varies by age, with bacon intake highest among younger consumers.

• Men tend to eat more bacon than women, with 20 pounds versus 16 pounds consumed annually.

So bacon still maintains a strong, if not quite as dominant presence in the American diet as decades past. Moderation remains key for those concerned about health impacts.

How Much Bacon is 18 Pounds?

To conceptualize how much bacon 18 pounds per year really is, here are some equivalents:

• 18 pounds is about the same weight as a mid-sized bowling ball.

• It’s equivalent to just under 5 average-sized bricks.

• 18 pounds is about the same as a large winter squash or watermelon.

• It’s very close to the weight of an average housecat.

• 18 one-pound packages laid end to end would stretch around 3 feet.

So each American consumes a rather hefty amount of cured pork annually!

Nutritional Profile of 18 Pounds of Bacon

What are the nutritional implications of 18 pounds of bacon consumption per person each year? Let’s break it down:

• Fat: 18 pounds of bacon contains around 6,600 grams of fat, including about 2,700 grams saturated fat. This equals 29% of calories from fat.

• Sodium: Each pound of bacon averages around 1,500 milligrams of sodium, so 18 pounds contains about 27,000 mg sodium.

• Calories: With about 575 calories per 100 grams, 18 pounds of bacon equals around 10,300 calories.

• Protein: There are around 115 grams of protein in each pound of bacon, so 18 pounds contains 2,100 grams or 4.6 pounds of protein.

As is clear from these nutrition facts, regularly consuming such large amounts of bacon can lead to excess sodium, saturated fat, and calories if not balanced with other healthy foods. Moderation is key.

Tips for Enjoying Bacon in Moderation

For those wishing to keep enjoying bacon while maintaining balanced nutrition, here are some tips:

• Treat bacon as a weekly or occasional treat rather than a daily habit.

• Eat no more than 1-2 bacon strips per sitting.

• Use bacon crumbles or bits to add flavor, rather than whole slices.

• Pair bacon with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

• Opt for turkey or vegetarian bacon alternatives as a lower-sodium choice.

• Roast bacon slices to allow excess fat to drain off.

With some mindful moderation, bacon can still have an occasional place in a healthy diet. But limiting intake to no more than a few weekly servings is advised.

The Bottom Line on Bacon Consumption

While less ubiquitous than in previous generations, bacon remains a dietary staple for around 80% of Americans. Annual per capita consumption amounts to around 18 pounds per year on average. That translates to 950 slices and over 10,000 calories from cured pork for the average consumer. For those monitoring saturated fat, sodium, and processed meat intake, an “all in moderation” approach helps balance flavor with nutrition. But there’s no denying America’s continued love affair with bacon!