How Many Slices of Turkey Bacon is a Serving?

Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat, lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon With less saturated fat and sodium, turkey bacon can be a healthier choice – if eaten in moderation But when cooking with turkey bacon, how much is considered one serving?

Below we’ll break down the typical serving size for turkey bacon based on weight, slice count, and volume. We’ll also look at nutrition facts, health impacts, and cooking tips for this versatile breakfast meat.

Serving Size by Weight

Nutrition facts labels on turkey bacon list the serving size by weight. usually

• 14g (about 1 slice)
• 28g (2 slices)
• 42g (3 slices)

So if a recipe calls for a certain weight of turkey bacon, like 28g, that equals approximately 2 slices.

One thing to note is that if slices vary in thickness, the weight per slice can differ slightly. Thicker cut slices generally weigh more.

Serving Size by Slice Count

While weight is most accurate, most people tend to think of turkey bacon serving sizes in terms of slice counts:

• 1 slice
• 2 slices
• 3 slices

An average slice of turkey bacon contains around 14g or 0.5oz. So 2 average slices would be 28g or 1oz.

Some nutrition experts recommend limiting even the leaner turkey bacon to no more than 1-2 slices per day as part of a healthy diet.

Serving Size by Volume

When turkey bacon is chopped up for adding to recipes, volume measurements are useful:

• 2 tablespoons crumbled = 1 slice
• 1/4 cup crumbled = 2 to 3 slices
• 1/2 cup crumbled = 4 to 6 slices

So if a recipe calls for 1/4 cup crumbled turkey bacon, that approximates 2-3 slices depending on thickness.

Nutrition Content per Serving

Understanding nutrition numbers per serving is helpful for keeping turkey bacon as part of a balanced diet. Here are the averages for 2 slices (28g) of turkey bacon:

• 60 calories
• 4g fat (0.5g saturated)
• 330mg sodium
• 4g protein

Compared to pork bacon, turkey has less fat, but still contains a good amount of sodium. Moderating portion sizes is key.

Potential Health Benefits

The main advantage of turkey bacon is its reduced calories, fat, and sodium compared to regular pork bacon. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake for heart health, and excess sodium can exacerbate high blood pressure.

Some research shows diets high in processed meats may increase certain cancer risks. Though the jury is still out on whether turkey bacon specifically has the same carcinogenic effects as pork products.

Overall, turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative, but should still be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Buying and Storing Turkey Bacon

When purchasing turkey bacon:

• Check the nutrition label and compare brands
• Look for turkey bacon without added nitrates/nitrites if possible
• Make sure it’s sold refrigerated, not at room temperature
• Check the sell-by and use-by dates

Then store properly in the fridge:

• Once opened, use within 5-7 days
• Keep unopened packages until the use-by date
• Make sure to tightly wrap opened packages

The fridge keeps turkey bacon fresh so it’s ready when you need 1-2 quick servings.

Cooking Tips for Turkey Bacon

Some tips for cooking up tasty turkey bacon:

• Use a thick, heavy skillet
• Cook over medium heat, avoid burning
• Microwave in 30 second increments
• Bake in the oven on foil-lined sheets
• Drain on paper towels after cooking
• Adjust cook times as needed for thickness

Since turkey bacon is leaner than pork, it can overcook and become brittle if not carefully watched. Finding the right balance for crispy but not burnt takes some practice.

Get Creative with Turkey Bacon

A package of turkey bacon presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with fun recipes:

• Add crumbled turkey bacon to salads, soups, and pasta dishes
• Mix into egg scrambles along with veggies
• Top baked potatoes, avocado toast, or pizza with crispy bits
• Sprinkle over brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus before roasting
• Wrap turkey bacon around smoked sausage for an easy appetizer
• Candy turkey bacon coated with brown sugar or maple syrup

With so many possibilities, turkey bacon can inspire quick weekday meals and new family favorites.

Watching Sodium Intake

One thing to be mindful of is that turkey bacon, like regular bacon, is high in sodium. Each 2 slice serving packs over 300mg sodium, which is 10-15% of the daily recommended limit.

Those restricting sodium levels may want to limit turkey bacon to just 1 slice per serving, or find lower-sodium varieties when available. Drinking plenty of water can also help counterbalance sodium effects.

The Healthiest Serving is Moderate

At the end of the day, experts recommend treating turkey bacon as an occasional food, not an everyday staple. While it does have some nutritional advantages over pork bacon, turkey bacon is still considered a processed meat and high in sodium.

Aim for 1-2 slice servings just a couple times per week as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. This ensures you gain benefits of the lean protein without overdoing the sodium and nitrates.

So next time a recipe calls for turkey bacon, you’ll know that a typical serving is 1-2 slices, or about 14-28g. This approximates 1-2 ounces or 2-4 tablespoons crumbled. Adjust portion sizes depending on your sodium needs and medical guidance. Then enjoy the crispy, savory flavor of turkey bacon in moderation alongside wholesome meals.