Decoding How Many Points Bacon Is on WW Freestyle

As any bacon lover knows those tasty crispy strips can quickly add up on the scales and the points counter. But with WW’s Freestyle program bacon isn’t always as point-heavy as you may think. Read on to learn exactly how many points bacon costs on WW Freestyle.

An Overview of WW Freestyle

First, a quick primer on how the WW Freestyle program works. WW assigns SmartPoints to foods based on calories saturated fat, sugar and protein content. The Freestyle plan expands the number of zero SmartPoint foods to over 200 options. The goal is to encourage healthier eating patterns with a focus on lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and whole grains over sugary and fatty foods.

WW members get a daily SmartPoints budget to spend flexibly on whatever they choose. The average target is 23 points per day, but your personal daily points goal is calculated based on details like age, gender, height and weight.

So within your daily points, you can work in reasonable amounts of treats like bacon as part of an overall balanced diet. Let’s break down how bacon fits into the Freestyle points equation.

Crunching the Numbers on Bacon Points

The number of points per serving of bacon depends on a few key factors:

Bacon Type

• Regular sliced bacon has the most points due to its high fat content.

• Turkey bacon has around 1/3 fewer points compared to regular pork bacon.

• Bacon-flavored beef jerky has even fewer points than turkey bacon.

Serving Size

• A 1-ounce serving (about 2 slices) of regular bacon costs 3 points on average.

• For turkey bacon, 1 ounce costs 2 points.

• With beef bacon jerky, a 1-ounce serving runs just 1 point.

• So the more bacon you eat, the more points you spend. Stick to smaller servings to limit points.

Cooking Method

• Fried bacon has more points because cooking adds fat.

• Baked bacon costs fewer points since some fat drips away.

• Opt for grilled or microwaved to save the most points.

Brands & Flavors

• Flavored bacon like maple-glazed often has added sugars, hiking up points.

• Higher-end artisanal bacon brands pack more fat and points.

• Store brands tend to be leaner and cost fewer points per serving.

Smart Swaps to Shave Off Bacon Points

If you want to enjoy bacon on WW Freestyle without using up too many precious points, these easy swaps can help:

• Trade regular bacon for lower-point turkey or beef bacon.

• Scan labels and choose a brand with less fat and sodium.

• Opt for center-cut bacon with more lean meat and less fatty edges.

• Bake or microwave instead of frying to trim points.

• Cut servings down to 1 ounce (2 slices) to save points.

• Add a sprinkle of bacon bits instead of full slices to dishes.

• Mix in chopped bacon with veggies, beans or potatoes to make it go further.

Creative Ways to Work Bacon Into Your Freestyle Plan

Thanks to the flexibility of SmartPoints, it’s easy to incorporate bacon into your daily WW meal plan. Here are some smart ideas:

• Breakfast – Add a slice or two to omelets, breakfast tacos or sandwiches.

• Salads – Top lettuce, spinach or kale with a small handful of crumbled bacon.

• Soups & Chili – Sprinkle in some bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch.

• Burgers & Sandwiches – Layer on crispy bacon with lots of fresh veggie toppings.

• Snacks – Pair a few pieces with fruit, vegetables and dip, or light popcorn.

• Potatoes – Mix bacon bits into loaded baked potatoes.

• Pasta – Toss with bacon, peas and parmesan for a carbonara twist.

Tips for Tracking Bacon Points

To easily see how bacon fits into your daily SmartPoints budget:

• Use the WW app or website to look up point values for specific brands and portion sizes.

• Weigh bacon before cooking on a food scale for accuracy.

• When dining out, check nutrition info or estimate 2-3 points per slice.

• Log each bacon serving in your WW tracker right away before you forget.

• Adjust other items for the day if you want to splurge on bacon.

• Stick within your overall daily SmartPoints target even if bacon takes a big bite.

The Skinny on Bacon Points

While bacon isn’t free on WW Freestyle, the beauty of the SmartPoints system is that no foods are completely off limits. With some mindful tracking, substitutions, and portions control, you can work crispy, savory bacon into your day and still reach your weight loss goals. Moderation and balance is key – so sizzle up those bacon treats in a WW-friendly way.