How Many Calories Are in 5 Slices of Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. But if you’re watching your daily calorie intake, how much turkey bacon can you enjoy without going overboard? Let’s find out how many calories are in 5 slices of turkey bacon.

Calorie Counts Depend on Slice Size

When looking at nutrition info for turkey bacon, you’ll notice calorie counts are given per slice. But bacon slice sizes can vary quite a bit from brand to brand. Here are some examples

• Thin slice (0.5 oz): 31 calories
• Medium slice (0.7 oz): 42 calories
• Thick slice (0.9 oz): 53 calories
• 5 medium slices: 210 calories

So 5 average medium slices of turkey bacon contain about 210 calories. Thinner slices would be around 155 calories and thicker slices would be 265 calories for 5 strips.

As you can see, the thinner the slice, the less calories per serving. If you’re limiting calories, choose a brand with thinner, more compact slices whenever possible. Or adjust your serving size based on slice thickness.

Comparing Turkey Bacon to Pork Bacon

Ounce for ounce, turkey bacon is significantly lower in calories and fat than regular pork bacon.

For example, 5 ounces of pork bacon provides about 460 calories and 40 grams of fat compared to 210 calories and 15 grams of fat for turkey bacon.

So switching from pork to turkey bacon can slash the calories and fat in half per serving while still providing a similar rich, smoky, salty flavor. It’s an easy way to trim calories from dishes like breakfast sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more.

Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Bacon

Here are some of the nutrition perks of choosing turkey bacon:

• Lower in saturated fat and sodium than pork varieties
• Contains lean protein with about 3 grams per slice
• Provides vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, and B vitamins
• Minimal carbs with no sugar or fiber
• Makes a more diet-friendly substitution for pork bacon

Just watch the sodium content if you’re limiting your salt intake, as turkey bacon still contains over 1000 mg per 5 slices.

Tips for Picking the Healthiest Turkey Bacon

When shopping for turkey bacon, look for these signs of quality:

• Made from whole cuts of turkey, not processed meat
• No artificial preservatives or colors
• Uncured or contains celery powder, not sodium nitrite
• Higher in turkey content, less water and fillers
• Lowest sodium variety for your diet
• From a trusted natural or organic brand

Higher quality turkey bacons adhere closer to nutrition stats than cheap brands filling their slices with water, starches, and preservatives.

Ways to Enjoy Turkey Bacon Under 300 Calories

To keep your meal under 300 calories with turkey bacon, try these ideas:

• 2 slices with breakfast or brunch
• 1 slice on a turkey sandwich or wrap
• Add 2-3 crumbles to salads or soups
• Pair 1-2 slices with veggies and hummus
• Top a baked potato with turkey bacon bits
• Mix into egg bakes, omelets or quiches
• Combine with Brussels sprouts or green beans

Stick to 1-2 slices per serving and watch your portions of other foods to keep daily calories in check. Avoid frying turkey bacon in loads of oil.

Health Concerns Around Processed Meats

While turkey bacon is often considered a healthier choice, some health experts warn against eating too much processed meat. The nitrites used to cure processed meats may pose cancer risks when eaten frequently.

To enjoy bacon in moderation as part of a healthy diet, the American Institute for Cancer Research recommends:

• Having no more than 3 servings of processed meat per week
• Choosing turkey or chicken bacon over pork
• Opting for uncured turkey bacon when possible
• Eating bacon with vegetables vs. refined carbs
• Avoiding burnt or charred bacon

So sizzle up turkey bacon in moderation alongside nutritious foods and keep an eye on your portion sizes. While turkey bacon can fit into a balanced diet, it shouldn’t be treated as a free pass for eating loads of bacon every morning. Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins most often for good health.

The Bottom Line

Five medium slices of turkey bacon provide about 210 calories and 15 grams of fat. While not a diet or calorie-free food, turkey bacon can be a leaner swap for regular bacon when enjoyed carefully. Watch your portions, read labels to pick a quality brand, and incorporate turkey bacon into an overall healthy pattern of eating to keep calories and sodium in check. Moderating processed meat intake and maximizing nutrition can allow you to enjoy bacon sensibly.