How Many Slices of Turkey Bacon Equal 3 Ounces? A Guide to Serving Sizes

Love the taste of bacon but trying to watch your fat or calorie intake? Turkey bacon can be a tasty, lighter alternative to traditional pork bacon. But how much turkey bacon makes up a typical serving size? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about turkey bacon serving sizes, weights, nutrition info and more.

An Overview of Turkey Bacon

First, let’s start with what exactly turkey bacon is. Turkey bacon is made from sliced and cured turkey, usually the breast meat. It’s seasoned with spices and smoked to take on that signature bacon flavor.

The main difference from pork bacon is that it has less fat since it doesn’t come from fatty belly meat, It also often has less sodium since it’s cured instead of brined like pork bacon

While turkey bacon does have fewer calories and less fat than pork bacon, it’s not necessarily a “health food.” It’s still a processed meat and high in sodium. But in moderation, it can be a tasty alternative.

Serving Size of Turkey Bacon

So how much turkey bacon makes up one serving? Here’s a quick rundown

• 2-3 slices of turkey bacon = 1 serving
• 1 slice of turkey bacon = around 1 ounce
• 3 ounces of turkey bacon = approximately 3 slices

The standard serving size of turkey bacon is smaller than pork bacon since it’s less calorically dense. Pay attention to serving sizes on nutrition labels, as they are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Consuming more than the recommended serving impacts your fat and sodium intake.

Weight of Turkey Bacon Slices

The weight of individual turkey bacon slices depends on the brand and thickness. Here are some general weight ranges:

• Regular sliced turkey bacon – 10-15g per slice
• Thick sliced turkey bacon – 15-20g per slice
• Turkey bacon ends and pieces – Varies greatly

As a rule of thumb, three regular slices of turkey bacon equals about 1 ounce total. Again, check the nutrition label for exact weights.

For reference, a 3-ounce serving of Butterball original turkey bacon equals approximately three slices.

Nutrition Info in 3 Ounces of Turkey Bacon

Here is the nutrition information for a 3-ounce serving of Butterball original turkey bacon:

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Protein: 12g
• Sugar: 1g

As you can see, even just 3 ounces provides a significant amount of your recommended daily sodium intake. While it’s lower in saturated fat than pork bacon, the sodium levels are still high.

This nutrition data can vary slightly between products, but a 3-ounce serving of turkey bacon will run you about 90 calories and 500+ mg of sodium on average.

Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Turkey Bacon

There are a few potential benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind when it comes to turkey bacon:

Potential Benefits:

• Lower in fat and calories than pork bacon
• Can be nitrate-free, unlike some pork bacons
• Still provides savory, bacony flavor

Potential Drawbacks:

• Still high in sodium
• Higher price tag than pork bacon
• Contains preservatives like pork bacon
• Not natural; manufactured product

Overall, turkey bacon can be a tasty substitute for pork bacon in moderation. But it shouldn’t be thought of as a health food. As part of an overall balanced diet, the occasional serving of turkey bacon is perfectly fine!

Cooking and Storing Turkey Bacon

To get the best results from your turkey bacon, follow these tips:

• Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the thinner slices
• Bake in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for crunchy bacon
• Store uncooked turkey bacon for 1 week max in the fridge
• Freeze extras if not using within 5 days; thaw fully before cooking
• Don’t microwave more than 2-3 slices at once to prevent sogginess

Buying and Pricing Turkey Bacon

You can find turkey bacon in most major grocery stores, often right next to the pork bacon. Here are some things to look out for:

• Check the ingredients list for added nitrates or excess fillers
• Calculate price per ounce to find the best deals; turkey bacon is often pricier
• Look for sales, coupons and club store packs for lower prices
• Avoid packages with excessive moisture or off smells
• For maximum freshness, check sell-by and use-by dates

In general, expect to pay around $1-3 more per pound for turkey bacon than pork bacon. Pricing varies greatly by brand, so comparison shop.

Alternatives to Turkey Bacon

If you’re looking for pork-free bacon alternatives beyond turkey bacon, here are a few options:

• Beef bacon – Uses beef instead of pork; rich, savory flavor
• Tempeh bacon – Made from fermented soybeans; crispy texture
• Coconut bacon – For plant-based diets; made from coconut flakes
• Shiitake mushroom bacon – Gets smoky flavor from mushrooms
• Eggplant bacon – Thinly sliced eggplant with spices

All of these alternatives have their own unique flavors and nutrition profiles. Experiment to find your new favorite bacon swap!

Recipes with Turkey Bacon

Ready to cook up some turkey bacon? Here are some delicious recipe ideas:

• BLT sandwiches with turkey bacon
• Turkey club wraps with bacon, lettuce, tomato
• Cheesy turkey bacon ranch potato skins
• Turkey bacon carbonara
• Grilled turkey Reubens with Russian dressing
• Turkey bacon and goat cheese omelettes
• Brussels sprouts and turkey bacon hash
• Turkey bacon mac and cheese bake

Get creative with these recipes or add turkey bacon to your usual meals for an extra savory kick.

Is Turkey Bacon Healthier than Pork?

At the end of the day, is turkey bacon truly a healthier alternative to regular pork bacon? The answer isn’t so black and white.

On one hand, turkey bacon is lower in total fat, saturated fat and calories than pork bacon. For people watching their weight or cholesterol levels, turkey bacon can be a better choice.

However, turkey bacon is still high in sodium and contains various preservatives found in processed meats. From an overall nutritional standpoint, it isn’t leaps and bounds above pork bacon.

Moderation and balance is key if you want to incorporate turkey bacon into your diet. Stick to recommended serving sizes and pair it with plenty of veggies and whole foods. Think of it more as an occasional treat food rather than a daily health food.