Calories in Bacon 🥓
Per 3 slices (34g)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 slices (34g)
About Bacon
Bacon is a valuable protein source providing 12g of protein per 3 slices (34g) at 161 calories. Its smoky salty flavor makes it a popular choice in kitchens worldwide. Beyond protein, bacon is recognized for flavor enhancement, contributing essential nutrients that support muscle health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. It can be prepared in countless ways to suit any cuisine or dietary preference.
Health Benefits of Bacon
Rich in Vitamin B12
Bacon is an excellent source of vitamin B12, a nutrient essential for flavor enhancement. Including bacon in your diet regularly helps ensure you meet your daily requirements for this important nutrient.
Supports Muscle Maintenance
The high-quality protein in bacon provides essential amino acids that your body needs for muscle repair and growth. This is especially important after exercise or during periods of calorie restriction.
Important Source of Selenium
Bacon provides meaningful amounts of selenium, which plays a role in numerous bodily functions including enzyme activity, bone health, and cellular metabolism.
Dietary Versatility
Bacon can be incorporated into numerous recipes and meal preparations. Its versatility makes it easy to maintain a varied diet, which nutritionists consistently recommend for meeting all your micronutrient needs.
Calories by Serving Size
Different serving sizes of bacon and their nutritional values:
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half portion (17g) | 80 | 0.3g | 6.0g | 6.0g |
| Small serving (26g) | 121 | 0.4g | 9.0g | 9.0g |
| Regular serving (34g) | 161 | 0.6g | 12.0g | 12.0g |
| Medium serving (42g) | 201 | 0.8g | 15.0g | 15.0g |
| Large serving (51g) | 242 | 0.9g | 18.0g | 18.0g |
| Double serving (68g) | 322 | 1.2g | 24.0g | 24.0g |
Is Bacon Good for Weight Loss?
Bacon at 161 calories per 3 slices (34g) is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into a weight loss diet with proper planning. The high protein content (12g) makes it particularly useful during weight loss, as protein helps preserve muscle mass and boosts metabolism. Rather than eliminating bacon from your diet, focus on balancing it with lower-calorie vegetables and staying within your overall daily target. Complete restriction often leads to cravings and binging. Use a calorie tracking app like Calory to find the right portion that fits your goals.
Bacon and Popular Diets
How bacon fits into common eating plans:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in bacon?
Bacon (3 slices (34g)) contains approximately 161 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.
Is bacon good for weight loss?
Bacon can fit into a weight loss diet with portion awareness. At 161 calories per 3 slices (34g), it provides nutritional value and good protein for satiety. The key is accurate tracking: measure your portions and log them to stay within your daily calorie target.
How much protein does bacon have?
Bacon provides 12g of protein per 3 slices (34g). This accounts for a significant portion of the recommended daily protein intake (46-56g for most adults). It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids.
How should I prepare bacon for the healthiest option?
Grilling, baking, broiling, or air-frying bacon are the healthiest cooking methods as they require little to no added fat. Avoid deep-frying, which can more than double the calorie content. Season with herbs and spices instead of heavy sauces to keep calories in check while maximizing flavor.
Track Bacon in Calory
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