How Many Slices of Bacon Equal 1 Ounce? A Detailed Look at Bacon Weights

Crispy smoky bacon is a breakfast staple for many people. But if you’re watching your calories or fat intake it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes. So how much bacon makes up a typical 1 ounce serving? In this guide, we’ll break down the average weight per slice of different bacon types and give you tips for measuring portions accurately.

An Overview of Bacon Sizes

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to sizes and thicknesses Here’s a quick look at some common types

• Regular sliced bacon – Typically around 0.7mm thick per slice
• Thick cut bacon – Approximately 1mm thick per slice
• Artisanal bacon – Hand sliced to various thicknesses
• Back bacon – Cut from the pork loin with little fat
• Turkey bacon – Thinner than pork bacon at around 0.5mm

As you can see, bacon can range dramatically in thickness. This means the number of slices per ounce can vary quite a bit. Next, we’ll break it down in more detail.

How Many Regular Slices Per Ounce?

For regular sliced supermarket bacon, you can expect approximately 3-4 slices per ounce. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

• 1 regular slice = 0.7mm thick
• 1 regular raw slice = approx. 15-16g
• 1 ounce = 28g
• So 3-4 slices = 1 ounce (28g)

Of course, this is just a general guideline. The exact number of slices per ounce can fluctuate based on the brand, moisture content and other factors. But for most regular sliced bacons, 3-4 per ounce is a safe estimate.

Back Bacon Slices Per Ounce

Back bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is cut from the lean pork loin and is thicker than regular bacon. For back bacon, expect around 2 slices per ounce.

Here are the estimated weights:

• 1 slice back bacon = 1mm thick
• 1 raw slice = approx. 30-35g
• 1 cooked slice = approx. 25g
• 1 ounce = 28g raw or cooked

So you can assume 2 raw or cooked back bacon slices makes 1 ounce. Because it’s thicker, you get fewer slices per ounce compared to regular bacon.

Measuring Thick Cut Bacon

Thick cut bacon has become popular for its hearty, meaty texture. It’s typically sliced around 1mm thick. Here’s how it breaks down per ounce:

• 1 thick slice = 1mm
• 1 raw thick slice = approx. 25-30g
• 1 cooked thick slice = approx. 20g
• 1 ounce = 28g raw or cooked

That means you can expect approximately 2 thick slices of bacon per ounce. This will vary slightly depending on just how thick it’s cut.

Turkey Bacon Slices Per Ounce

Turkey bacon slices are thinner than pork bacon at around 0.5mm per slice. Here is the typical weight breakdown:

• 1 turkey bacon slice = 0.5mm
• 1 raw slice = approx 10-12g
• 1 cooked slice = approx. 8g
• 1 ounce = 28g raw or cooked

So for turkey bacon, you can expect 3-4 slices per ounce, depending on the brand. It’s the closest to regular pork bacon in terms of slices per ounce.

Tips for Measuring Bacon Accurately

To measure your bacon portions accurately, follow these tips:

• Invest in a food scale for exact weights

• Refer to nutrition labels for serving sizes

• Count slices rather than trying to eyeball weights

• Account for any shrinkage if weighing cooked bacon

• Calculate thickness if slicing bacon yourself

• Stick to the recommended serving size for your diet

• Log portions if tracking calories/macros closely

By using precise weights and measurements, you can closely monitor your bacon intake regardless of what type you’re eating.

Nutrition Info Per Ounce of Bacon

Now that you know approximate slices per ounce, let’s look at the nutrition contents in a 1-ounce serving:

• Calories: 65-80
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Sodium: 185-200mg
• Protein: 7g

As you can see, even a single ounce of bacon packs a decent amount of fat, sodium and calories. So sticking to the recommended serving size is important, especially if eating multiple times per week.

Buying and Storing Bacon

When shopping for bacon, here are some tips for maximizing freshness and value:

• Inspect packaging for an airtight seal

• Avoid discolored or excessively fatty packages

• Check the use-by date for maximum freshness

• Buy in bulk or family packs to save money per pound

• Separate bulk packs and freeze extras right away

• Store opened bacon for 7-10 days max in the fridge

With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy bacon for months while keeping it fresh.

Cooking Bacon to Perfection

To cook bacon just the way you like it, follow these tips:

• Use a thick, heavy pan like cast iron

• Cook over medium heat to prevent burning

• Pour off rendered fat as it accumulates

• Cook to your desired level of crispiness

• Blot grease from cooked bacon with paper towel

• Oven baking on a wire rack works too!

Perfectly cooked, grease-drained bacon ensures you get the full flavor in every ounce.

Healthiest Ways to Eat Bacon

While bacon isn’t exactly a “health food”, you can incorporate it into your diet in a healthier way by:

• Choosing lower-sodium options when possible

• Skipping additional high-fat ingredients like butter

• Pairing it with vegetables in dishes like BLTs

• Limiting processed bacon and opting for uncured

• Draining rendered fat after cooking

• Sticking to recommended 1-ounce portion sizes

With mindful preparation and portion control, bacon can still have an occasional place in a balanced diet.