Calories in Bacon

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

541
kcal
per 100g
37.0
g
Protein
42.0
g
Fat
1.43
g
Carbs
0
g
Fiber
43
kcal per rasher/slice (8g)
130
kcal per 3 rashers (24g)
152
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Highest protein of any common meat✔ Zero carbs✔ Gluten free✔ Complete protein
Bacon nutrition facts and calories per 100g
⚠️541 kcal per 100g — very dense
⚠️1717mg sodium — very high
💪37g protein per 100g
🔥42g fat — 70% of calories
Potassium — 565mg per 100g
🔬Selenium — 66% Daily Value

🥩 Calculate Calories for Any Bacon Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (cooked bacon)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Bacon contains 541 calories per 100g cooked — but one rasher (8g) is only 43 calories. The high per-100g figure reflects extreme water loss. Three rashers: 130 kcal, 9g protein, 412mg sodium. Main concerns: very high sodium (1,717mg/100g) and processed meat classification. Zero sugar, fully keto-compatible.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Selenium36.5µg66%
Sodium1717mg75%
Thiamine (B1)0.60mg50%
Niacin (B3)7.2mg45%
Vitamin B120.73µg30%
Potassium565mg12%
Phosphorus266mg21%
Zinc2.5mg23%
Magnesium26mg6%
Iron1.44mg8%

Calories in Bacon by Weight

WeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs

Calories in Different Bacon Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs
Per 100g100g541 kcal37.0g42.0g1.43g
rasher/slice (8g)43 kcal
3 rashers (24g)130 kcal
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Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Protein37.0g · 27% of calories
Fat42.0g · 70% of calories
Carbohydrates1.43g · 1% of calories

Cooked bacon is 32% water — most water removed during curing and cooking, concentrating calories. Per 100g figures are misleading; typical serving is 16-32g (2-4 rashers).

Micronutrient Highlights

⚠️
Sodium
1717mg
75% DV
Very high — primary health concern
💪
Protein
37.0g
74% DV
Very high concentration
Potassium
565mg
12% DV
Partially offsets sodium
🔬
Selenium
36.5µg
66% DV
Antioxidant and thyroid
🧠
Vitamin B12
0.73µg
30% DV
Neurological function
Thiamine (B1)
0.60mg
50% DV
Energy metabolism

Bacon Nutrition Facts

Sodium — The Primary Health Concern

Bacon contains 1,717mg of sodium per 100g (75% daily limit). Three rashers (24g) contain 412mg — 18% of the daily limit. Health impact depends entirely on portion size. Uncured bacon still contains high sodium from salt cure. People with hypertension should be particularly cautious.

Nitrates and Processed Meat Research

Bacon is cured with sodium nitrate/nitrite — the WHO classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens based on increased colorectal cancer risk. Each 50g daily serving increases risk by ~18%. At occasional normal portion sizes, absolute risk increase is small but non-zero.

Per Serving vs Per 100g

The per-100g figures (541 kcal, 42g fat, 1717mg sodium) look alarming but nobody eats 100g of bacon. Three rashers (24g) provide 130 kcal, 10g fat, 412mg sodium — modest contribution to daily intake in context. Treat bacon as a flavouring agent rather than a primary protein source.

Fat Composition

Bacon's 42g fat per 100g is ~38% saturated, 46% monounsaturated (oleic acid — same as olive oil), 12% polyunsaturated. The monounsaturated component is beneficial. Saturated fat level (~16g/100g, ~4g per rasher) warrants consideration for cardiovascular-risk individuals.

Is Bacon Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
No — very calorie dense
Keto
Yes — zero carbs, high fat
Paleo
Yes
Gluten-free
Yes
Diabetic
High sodium, processed meat
Heart health
High sodium and sat fat
Vegan
No
Vegetarian
No

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in bacon?
Cooked bacon: 541 calories per 100g — but 1 rasher is only 8g (43 kcal). 3 rashers: 130 kcal. The per-100g figure is high because bacon loses most of its water during cooking.
How many calories in 3 rashers of bacon?
3 rashers (24g cooked): ~130 kcal, 9g protein, 10g fat, 412mg sodium.
Is bacon keto?
Yes — essentially zero carbs (1.4g/100g). Popular keto food for high fat and protein content.
Is bacon healthy?
Occasionally in small amounts, not significantly harmful. Concerns: high sodium, processed meat (modest cancer risk at high intake), high saturated fat. As occasional flavouring, risk is low.
Is turkey bacon healthier?
Turkey bacon: ~200 kcal/100g vs 541. Less fat but still processed meat with high sodium. Better for calories and saturated fat.
How much sodium in bacon?
1,717mg/100g. One rasher (8g): ~137mg. Three rashers: ~412mg — 18% of daily 2,300mg limit.

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.