Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is the ultimate ingredient for elevating eggs, burgers, sandwiches and more. But if you’ve ever tried portioning it out, you may wonder – what does 100g of bacon actually look like?
This visual guide will walk you through the weight, appearance, and health impacts of 100g bacon servings. Let’s dive in and find out what a typical 100g bacon portion looks like!
Defining 100g of Bacon
First, it helps to understand metrics. 100g is equal to:
- 3.5 ounces
- About 4 oz by volume or 1/4 cup
- A standard weight measurement used for nutrition info
For bacon specifically
- 100g is the typical nutrition label serving size
- Equates to 4-6 slices of thin-cut bacon
- 2-3 slices of thick-cut bacon
So 100g gives us a standard bacon serving to visualize. The exact look depends on the cut.
Thin-Cut Bacon at 100g
Supermarket style thin-cut bacon is about 0.5 oz per slice.
- 4 slices = 2 oz
- 5 slices = 2.5 oz
- 6 slices = 3 oz or approximately 100g
So for thin cheap bacon, 6 slices gives you a visual for 100g portion. It will fill about 3/4 of a dinner plate in a single layer.
Thick-Cut Bacon at 100g
Thicker gourmet bacon slices weigh around 1-15 oz each,
- 1 thick slice = 1 oz
- 2 thick slices = 2 oz
- 3 thick slices = 3 oz or approximately 100g
For thick-cut artisanal bacon, 3 slices makes a 100g visual portion. You can fit it in the palm of your hand.
Weight and Calories at 100g
Nutritionally. 100g of bacon contains
- 341 calories (for thin-cut pan fried)
- 100g total fat
- 30g saturated fat
- 71mg cholesterol
- 960mg sodium
So about 1/3 of daily calories in just 100g! The fat and sodium are high.
Health Risks of 100g Bacon Servings
Regularly eating 100g of bacon can increase health risks due to:
- High saturated fat, increasing heart disease risk
- Nitrates and nitrites used in curing becoming carcinogenic compounds when cooked
- WHO classifying processed meats like bacon as carcinogens (Group 1)
Studies link daily consumption of just 2 strips of bacon to a 18% increased colorectal cancer risk.
Tips for Enjoying Bacon in Moderation
While delicious, bacon is best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Here are some tips:
- Opt for leaner turkey bacon or prosciutto occasionally
- Grill or bake instead of pan frying to reduce fat
- Go for a thinner cut to minimize portions
- Crumble bacon as a garnish instead of eating whole slices
- Pair with vegetables instead of carbs like toast
In the end, savory bacon should be treated as an occasional indulgence, not an everyday breakfast staple.
Visualizing 100g Bacon Servings
- 6 slices of thin, cheap bacon
- 3 thick slices of artisanal bacon
- About a quarter cup or palm-sized amount
Use these 100g visualizations to help gauge appropriate bacon portion sizes. While delicious, remember that the high fat, salt and preservatives in bacon are best consumed in moderation.
