Calories in Bacon
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selenium | 36.5µg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 1717mg | 75% | |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.60mg | 50% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.2mg | 45% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.73µg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 565mg | 12% | |
| Phosphorus | 266mg | 21% | |
| Zinc | 2.5mg | 23% | |
| Magnesium | 26mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.44mg | 8% |
| Weight | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 100g | 100g | 541 kcal | 37.0g | 42.0g | 1.43g |
| rasher/slice (8g) | — | 43 kcal | — | — | — |
| 3 rashers (24g) | — | 130 kcal | — | — | — |
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).
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 may help with. People with hypertension should be particularly cautious.
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.