How Many Slices of Bacon is a Serving?

Bacon is a popular breakfast food that many people enjoy. But with its high fat and sodium content it’s important to be mindful of serving sizes when eating bacon. So how many slices of bacon should you eat in one serving? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Considered One Serving of Bacon?

The most common serving size for bacon is two or three slices. Here are some general bacon serving size guidelines:

• 2 slices – This is the most widely recommended serving size for bacon. Two regular slices of bacon come to around 60-80 calories and 4-7 grams of fat. This serving provides flavor and satisfaction without too many calories or large amounts of fat or sodium

• 3 slices – Some people prefer three slices of bacon as a serving. This provides more hearty bacon flavor but comes in at 90-120 calories and 6-10 grams of fat per serving. It’s still a reasonable serving for most people but provides more saturated fat and sodium than two slices.

• 1 ounce or 28 grams – This portion size is sometimes used and equals about 2 average slices of bacon.

• 1 strip or slice – Eating just one slice of bacon per serving is a good option for limiting fat, sodium and calories while still getting the tasty bacon flavor.

So in general, 2-3 slices or 1-2 ounces offers a standard bacon serving size that provides flavor without too many extras. But you can adjust up or down depending on your preferences and diet needs.

Nutrition Info Per Serving of Bacon

The nutrition information for a serving of bacon can vary a bit depending on the brand, source, cooking method and serving size. Here are some general nutrition facts for 2 slices or 1 ounce of pan-fried bacon:

• Calories: 60-80
• Total fat: 4-7g
• Saturated fat: 2-3g
• Sodium: 250-400mg
• Protein: 7-10g

As you can see, just two slices of bacon provide a good amount of fat, sodium and protein for a small serving size. Three slices would increase fat, sodium and calories further. So sticking with 2 smaller slices per serving is ideal for most people.

What Impacts Bacon Serving Sizes?

There are a few factors that can alter nutrition numbers and recommended serving sizes for bacon:

• Type of bacon – Different types like turkey, beef or veggie bacon will have different fat and calorie contents.

• Cooking method – Pan frying, baking or microwaving can alter fat and calorie amounts in prepared bacon.

• Serving size – Nutrition numbers will go up with 3 slices versus 2.

• Extra add-ons – Topping bacon with butter, sugar or other extras will increase calories.

• Brand and cut – Thicker slices or artisanal brands can alter nutrition profiles.

So serving sizes may be adjusted depending on these factors. For instance, with a turkey bacon that’s lower in fat, you may be able to go with 3 slices. If baking instead of pan frying, you may also be able to increase slice amounts.

Tips for Sticking to Proper Serving Sizes

Here are some tips to keep your bacon servings in check:

• Measure or count slices before cooking to avoid grabbing extra slices once the bacon is cooked.

• Use the nutrition label as a guide and stick to listed serving sizes.

• Cook only what you need for one meal’s portions to prevent grabbing more bacon later.

• Choose thinner bacon slices to keep fat and sodium lower per slice.

• Add other protein foods like eggs, sausage and veggies to make 2-3 bacon slices feel more satisfying.

• Flavor collard greens, Brussel sprouts or beans with bacon pieces instead of full slices.

• Crumble bacon on salads or baked potatoes instead of serving full strips on the side.

Health Impacts of Large Bacon Servings

While the occasional larger serving of 3-5 strips of bacon is fine for most people, making a habit of extra-large servings can increase your risk of certain health issues. This includes:

• Heart disease – Excess saturated fat and sodium from too much bacon can put strain on the heart and blood vessels over time, increasing risk of heart disease. Moderation is key.

• Diabetes – Heavier bacon consumption can contribute to blood sugar problems and insulin resistance.

• Cancer – The nitrites used to cure bacon are linked to increased cancer risk when eaten in high amounts frequently.

• Obesity – Larger servings boost fat and calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain and obesity if eaten regularly.

• High blood pressure – Too much sodium from large bacon servings raises blood pressure.

So try to keep your bacon servings in check by sticking with the recommended 1-2 slice or 1-2 ounce serving sizes whenever possible. This allows you to enjoy the delicious bacon flavor while limiting health risks.

Bacon Serving FAQs

Here are some common questions about bacon serving sizes:

How many calories in 2 slices of bacon? Approximately 60-80 calories.

Is 2 or 3 slices the normal amount for a bacon serving? Both 2 and 3 slices are considered a typical serving size. 2 may be better for limiting fat, sodium and calories.

What’s the nutritional difference between 2 and 3 bacon slices? Going from 2 slices to 3 adds about 30 more calories and 2-3 more grams of fat and sodium per serving.

How much bacon is 50 grams? 50 grams equals about 2 average slices or 1 ounce of bacon. This is a common bacon serving size.

Should I weigh bacon instead of counting slices? Weighing it instead of slice counting can provide more consistent serving sizes. 28 grams or 1 ounce is an easy measure.

How can I reduce fat and sodium in a bacon serving? Opt for turkey bacon, bake instead of frying, blot grease before eating, and choose thinner slices.

The Bottom Line

One or two slices of bacon makes for a tasty addition to any breakfast. But be mindful of nutrition labels and recommended serving sizes. Sticking with 1-2 lean slices per serving offers flavor without too many extras. Larger servings occasionally are fine, but make moderation your main goal if you want to enjoy bacon as part of a healthy diet. With some simple serving size tips, you can satisfy your bacon cravings and keep your health on track.