How Many Slices Are in a Serving of Turkey Bacon?

As a tasty lower-fat alternative to regular pork bacon, turkey bacon has become a go-to breakfast food for many health-conscious eaters. But when cooking up a package of turkey bacon, how many sizzling slices make up one serving size?

In this article, we’ll break down the typical serving sizes for turkey bacon, look at nutrition info per serving, and give tips for getting the right serving amount We’ll also look at factors like slice thickness, weighing servings, and proper storage.

So read on to learn the bacon serving basics and make sure your morning meals are properly portioned!

The Standard Serving Size for Turkey Bacon

The most common recommended serving size for turkey bacon is 2 slices.

According to nutrition labels and databases, the standard serving is:

• 2 slices
• 28g
• About 1 ounce

So if you’re following package directions or counting calories and macros, 2 average slices of turkey bacon count as one serving.

Of course, this may vary slightly depending on the thickness and density of the slices. But for most brands, 2 slices per serving is the standard.

Some people may eat 3-4 slices as a serving, but 2 provides a good balance of nutrition, fat, sodium, and protein intake. Eating more than 2-3 servings per day is not recommended due to the high sodium content.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Here’s what you’ll get in a typical 2-slice, 28g serving of turkey bacon:

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated fat: 0.5g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Carbs: <1g
• Protein: 7g

Two slices provide 12% of your recommended daily sodium intake. Going over 3 servings may put you over the daily limit for healthy blood pressure.

The protein contributes nicely to your breakfast intake, while the fat and saturated fat are lower than pork alternatives.

Overall, a 2-slice serving gives a good nutritional profile within a balanced breakfast or meal.

Tips for Measuring Servings

When cooking up turkey bacon for breakfast or meals, use these tips to get accurate serving sizes:

• Use a food scale to weigh 2 slices or 28g portions
• Count out servings as you lay strips in the pan
• Separate servings on plates before cooking
• Read nutrition labels for serving sizes
• Measure thinner slices for less fat/sodium per serving

Weighing servings instead of counting slices can be more accurate, since slice sizes vary. But for most brands, counting 2 average slices per person is reasonable.

Accounting for Slice Thickness

Turkey bacon comes in different thicknesses, which affects nutrition per slice:

• Regular cut: The typical thickness, with 2 slices as a serving
• Thick cut: Heavier slices with more fat/sodium per slice
• Thin cut: Smaller slices allowing for 3-4 per serving

If you switch bacon brands or slice thicknesses, the serving amount may change slightly. Thinner slices may allow for extra pieces per serving.

Proper Storage of Turkey Bacon

To keep turkey bacon fresh, it’s important to properly store opened or unopened packages. Here are some storage tips:

• Unopened packages last 1-2 months in the fridge
• Opened packages should be used within 1 week
• Wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil
• Store on lower fridge shelves away from fresh produce
• Freeze leftovers in airtight bags for 2-3 months

Storing turkey bacon correctly prevents spoilage, bacteria growth, and loss of flavor. Make sure to check expiration or use-by dates before cooking.

Creating a Balanced Breakfast

While turkey bacon can be part of a healthy breakfast, don’t rely too heavily on it. For a balanced morning meal, aim to include:

• 1-2 servings whole grains or complex carbs
• 1-2 servings fruit
• Dairy, yogurt or milk
• 1 serving protein like turkey bacon
• Water, juice, coffee or tea

Turkey bacon fits nicely when combined with items like whole wheat toast, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt and fresh fruit.

The Takeaway – How Much Is a Serving?

So how many slices make a serving of turkey bacon? The typical serving size is 2 average slices or 28g, providing about 60 calories and 7g of protein. This may vary slightly depending on slice thickness.

Weighing or measuring servings provides the most accuracy, but counting slices works for most brands. Store turkey bacon properly in the fridge and add it to a balanced breakfast to start your day off right!