When it comes to a classic American breakfast, it’s hard to beat the combination of crispy bacon with eggs and toast. Oscar Mayer is one of the most recognized brands for bacon. But just how many calories are in their bacon slices? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Oscar Mayer Bacon
Oscar Mayer is owned by food giant Kraft Heinz They produce several varieties of bacon including original, lower sodium, turkey, and pre-cooked
The traditional Oscar Mayer bacon sold in grocery stores is their classic smoked Original recipe It comes in 16 ounce packages containing about 20-24 slices
Oscar Mayer boasts this bacon is smoked over natural hardwood chips for 10 hours to deliver authentic flavor. The bacon is cured with water, salt, sugar, and natural smoke flavoring.
For nutritional purposes, we’ll focus on the original Oscar Mayer bacon found in most households and supermarkets.
Calorie Count for 1 Slice of Oscar Mayer Original Bacon
So how many calories are in a single slice of basic Oscar Mayer Original bacon?
Each slice of Oscar Mayer Original bacon contains about 43 calories.
This calorie amount is based on a 16 ounce package containing 23 slices totaling 950 calories. But the exact count can vary slightly based on slice size and thickness.
The 43 calories per slice of Oscar Mayer bacon provides a good benchmark for nutritional tracking or meal planning purposes.
Oscar Mayer Bacon Nutrition Facts
Beyond calories, let’s look at the full nutritional profile for a slice of Oscar Mayer’s Original bacon:
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 4g
As expected, the fat and sodium are high compared to the protein and carbohydrate content. Each slice contains 15% of the recommended daily cholesterol intake.
While not a health food, bacon can be incorporated into a balanced diet in moderation. The protein provides some nutritional benefit.
Calorie Comparison to Other Bacon Brands
How does Oscar Mayer bacon compare calorie-wise to other major brands of bacon?
- Oscar Mayer Original (43 calories per slice)
- Hormel Black Label (40 calories per slice)
- Smithfield Original (40 calories per slice)
- Farmland Original (50 calories per slice)
- Great Value Original (35 calories per slice)
As you can see, popular bacon brands range 35-50 calories per slice on average. So Oscar Mayer is right in the middle calorie-wise.
Higher end artisanal bacons or thick cut versions may run slightly higher in calories. Value brands tend to be on the lower end.
Calories Based on Serving Size of Oscar Mayer Bacon
The 43 calories noted is for one slice. What about for a full serving?
The standard serving size for bacon is 2 slices based on USDA guidelines.
So for a serving of Oscar Mayer bacon, you can expect** around 80-90 calories**. This is a typical serving size you’d have at breakfast.
Of course you can customize your serving. For a veggie wrap or burger topping, 1 slice or less may suffice. While loading up a breakfast plate or sandwich, 3-4 slices provides plenty of bacon flavor and extra calories.
Impact of Cooking Method on Oscar Mayer Bacon Calories
It’s important to note nutrition data for Oscar Mayer bacon is based on pan fried.
Cooking method impacts calorie content:
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Pan fried: No change, still 43 calories per slice. This is the basis for the nutrition facts.
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Microwaved: Can decrease calories 5-10% due to less added cooking fat.
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Baked: Also loses a small amount of calories compared to fried.
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Boiled: Boiling leaches some fat out, lowering calories more significantly.
No matter which cooking method, the differences are minor. Pan frying is the most popular preparation and closest to the 43 calorie baseline.
Tips for Enjoying Oscar Mayer Bacon in a Healthy Diet
While delicious, bacon is high in sodium and saturated fat. Here are some tips for enjoying Oscar Mayer bacon more healthfully:
- Choose leaner center cut slices or turkey bacon for less fat.
- Limit to 1-2 slices max per serving.
- Bake or microwave instead of frying to reduce added fat.
- Blot fried bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Pair bacon with vegetables in meals to balance nutrition.
- Skip bacon a few days a week to prevent overindulgence.
In moderation, Oscar Mayer Original bacon can absolutely be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Just practice portion control and don’t overdo your bacon intake.
The Verdict on Oscar Mayer Original Bacon Calories
When shopping for bacon, Oscar Mayer Original is a classic choice found in most households and grocers. Each slice delivers about 43 calories, with 80-90 calories being a typical serving size.
Compare nutrition labels and select leaner bacon versions or brands to trim some calories and fat if desired. But used moderately, Oscar Mayer Original Bacon provides plenty of flavor and protein to complement any meal.
