How Many Strips of Bacon Are Typically in a Package?

Bacon is a breakfast staple that many people look forward to cooking up on weekend mornings. But when you grab a package of bacon off the shelf, do you know exactly how many tasty strips you’ll be getting? Bacon package sizes can vary between brands, so it’s good to know the average strip count you can expect.

The Most Common Package Sizes

The number of strips in a typical bacon package can range anywhere from 8 strips up to 40 strips. Here are some of the most frequently seen bacon package sizes:

• 12 ounce package – Contains around 15-20 strips
• 1 pound package – Contains around 18-24 strips
• 30 ounce package – Contains around 35-40 strips
• 500g package (16-18oz) – Contains around 20-25 strips

As you can see, 1 pound packages containing 18-24 strips of bacon are very common at grocery stores and supermarkets But package sizes can vary based on the brand, cut, thickness and type of bacon

Factors That Impact Strip Counts

There are a few factors that can alter how many strips come in a bacon package:

• Thicker vs thinner slices – Thicker cut bacon will have fewer strips per pound than thinner sliced bacon.

• Brands – Premium artisanal bacons may come in smaller 12oz packages. Large bulk packs have more strips.

• Meat source – Turkey or beef bacon strips tend to be smaller than pork bacon strips

• Cooking method – Pre-cooked bacon shrinks so you get less per pound versus raw bacon.

• Cuts – Specialty bacon cuts like ends and pieces contain irregular strip counts.

• Curing – Heavily cured commercial bacon can shrink more during cooking than lightly cured bacon.

So it’s useful to pay attention to the cut, brand, source, curing and slice thickness when estimating strip counts.

Average Bacon Nutrition Per Strip

Knowing nutrition numbers per strip can help keep serving sizes in check. Here are the approximate nutrients in a typical strip of pan-fried bacon:

• Calories: 40-60
• Fat: 2.5-5g
• Sodium: 250-400mg
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 3-4g

Nutrition will vary across brands, but this provides a rough idea of averages for a normal slice. Thicker cuts or pre-cooked bacon may have higher counts.

Tips for Storage Based on Package Size

Properly storing your bacon after opening can help it maintain freshness and flavor. Here are some storage tips based on package size:

• 12-16oz package: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or sealable bags. Use within 4-5 days.

• 1lb package: Divide into 2 portions in sealed bags and freeze one. Use opened portion within 1 week.

• 30oz+ packages: Divide into meal-size portions and tightly wrap or seal. Freeze extras for later use within 2 months.

Keep opened bacon refrigerated at all times and be diligent about use-by dates. Portioning out larger packages helps reduce waste.

Recipes Adjusted for Strip Counts

When cooking with bacon, you may need to adjust recipe ingredients based on how many strips come in your package. Here are some examples:

• Omelette with 3 eggs – 8 strips of bacon

• BLT Sandwiches for 4 – 16-20 strips

• Potato Soup for 6 – 10-12 strips

• Brussels Sprouts for 2 – 4-6 strips

• Quiche for 8 – 28-30 strips

Check your package and adapt ingredient amounts as needed to avoid shortages or excess bacon.

Common Questions About Bacon Packages

Here are some frequently asked questions about strip counts in bacon packaging:

How many strips of bacon in a 500g package? Around 20-25 strips

What is the average number of slices per pound? 18-24 strips per pound

How many strips are in a 30 ounce pack? Approximately 35-40 strips

How can I compare brands with different bacon counts? Check cost per pound and nutrition numbers rather than package sizes.

Does thinner sliced bacon have more strips? Yes, thinner sliced bacon will have a greater strip count per pound.

Should I count strips or weigh bacon for recipes? Weighing is more accurate, but you can adjust recipes based on strip counts.

Getting the Most From Your Bacon Purchase

To make the most out of your bacon buying decision, follow these tips:

• Compare cost per pound rather than package size or strips when choosing bacon brands.

• Adjust cooking times and temps for thicker or thinner sliced bacon.

• Properly store opened packages for maximum freshness and shelf life.

• Portion out large packs and freeze extras to reduce waste.

• Adapt recipes and ingredient amounts to match your package’s strip count.

Knowing approximately how many delicious strips you’ll get in that enticing bacon package can help you plan recipes, store, cook and enjoy your bacon to the fullest. So next time you’re shopping for breakfast essentials, take a closer look at the bacon label for strip count specifics.