Bacon slices can come in various shapes and sizes and there’s also a surprisingly big difference between the weight of raw bacon and cooked bacon. So, if you’re trying to work out the exact weights for cooking or to count calories it can be tricky.
For this article, I’ve tested various types of bacon and put together charts and s so you can easily calculate your weights and calorie counts.
An average slice of uncooked supermarket streaky bacon typically weighs between 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces). Conversely, a slice of uncooked back bacon, which is often leaner, generally weighs slightly more, coming in at about 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces). These weights provide a guideline for culinary preparations and nutritional calculations.
Read on to find out more weights of various types of bacon, both cooked and uncooked, along with calorie information for each type and easy-to-follow charts to help you calculate weights correctly.
Hey there, bacon lovers! If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen, frying up some sizzling strips, and wondered, “How much does a slice of bacon weigh in grams, anyway?”—you’re in the right spot. I’m here to break it down for ya with all the juicy details (pun intended). Whether you’re cooking up a storm, tracking calories, or just curious about that crispy goodness, I’ve got the answers straight from my own kitchen experiments and years of bacon obsession. Spoiler alert: a typical raw slice of streaky bacon weighs about 15-16 grams, but there’s a whole lotta more to unpack. Stick with me, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of bacon weights!
Why Does Bacon Weight Matter?
Before we get into the numbers, let’s chat about why this even matters. Knowing how much a slice of bacon weighs can be a game-changer if you’re
- Whipping up a recipe that calls for a specific amount of bacon.
- Counting calories or macros for your diet—trust me, I’ve been there!
- Meal prepping and need to portion out your stash for the week.
- Just plain curious about what you’re munching on.
Bacon ain’t just a tasty treat; it’s got weight variations that can mess with your plans if you’re not in the know. So, let’s get to the good stuff right away.
The Straight Answer: Average Weight of a Bacon Slice
Alright, let’s cut to the chase If you’re grabbing a pack of regular supermarket streaky bacon—the kind most of us fry up for breakfast—a single raw slice usually weighs between 15-16 grams That’s about half an ounce if you’re thinking in other units. Now, if you’re dealing with back bacon (sometimes called Canadian bacon over here), which is meatier and leaner, a raw slice clocks in heavier at around 32-34 grams.
But hold up—there’s more to this story. Not all bacon is the same, and cooking changes everything. Let’s break it down further so you’ve got the full picture.
Types of Bacon and Their Weights
Bacon comes in different cuts, thicknesses, and styles, and that totally messes with the weight. Here’s the lowdown on the main types I’ve cooked with over the years:
- Streaky Bacon (Regular Sliced): This is the fatty, thin-cut stuff most folks picture when they think “bacon.” Raw, it’s about 15-16 grams per slice. It’s got a lotta fat, so it shrinks a bunch when cooked.
- Back Bacon: More meat, less fat. A raw slice weighs in at 32-34 grams. It’s often what you see in fancy breakfast platters or sandwiches across the pond.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: If you’re splurging on the gourmet stuff or grabbing thick slices from the butcher, expect a raw weight of 20-28 grams per slice. It’s heftier and feels like a real treat.
Now these are averages based on the typical supermarket packs I’ve weighed in my own kitchen. But brands, curing methods, and even how the butcher slices it can change things up. I’ll get into that a bit later.
Raw vs. Cooked Bacon: The Big Shrink
Here’s where it gets wild—bacon loses a ton of weight when you cook it. Why? ‘Cause it’s packed with fat and water, and both of those melt away or evaporate as it sizzles in the pan. I’ve noticed that after frying, bacon drops to about half its raw weight. Let’s look at the numbers:
Type of Bacon | Raw Weight per Slice (grams) | Cooked Weight per Slice (grams) |
---|---|---|
Streaky Bacon (Regular) | 15-16 | 6-8 |
Back Bacon | 32-34 | 14-17 |
Thick-Cut Bacon | 20-28 | 10-13 |
When I fry up a batch, the fat renders out into the pan (perfect for cooking eggs, by the way), and the slice gets all crispy and light. So, if you’re weighing cooked bacon for a recipe, don’t be shocked if it’s way less than you expected. Pro tip: always weigh it raw if you want consistency, ‘cause cooking methods can change how much it shrinks.
What Affects Bacon Weight? Let’s Break It Down
Now, you might be thinkin’, “Why ain’t all bacon slices the same weight?” Great question! There’s a bunch of stuff that plays into it, and I’ve learned this the hard way after burning through many a pack. Here’s what messes with the grams:
- Type of Cut: Like I said, streaky bacon weighs less than back bacon ‘cause it’s thinner and fattier. Back bacon’s got more meat, so it’s heavier.
- Thickness: Regular slices are lighter; thick-cut ones pack more punch. Some butchers slice it real thick, and it can weigh almost double!
- Brand Differences: Not all brands cut or cure their bacon the same. Some premium or artisanal kinds weigh more per slice—think 25-28 grams for thick cuts—while cheaper supermarket stuff might be on the lighter side at 14-17 grams.
- Cooking Method: Pan-frying tends to render out more fat than baking or grilling, so the cooked weight drops more. I’ve baked bacon before, and it don’t shrink quite as much.
- How Done You Like It: If you cook it till it’s super crispy, more fat melts away, makin’ it lighter. If you keep it chewy, it holds onto a bit more weight.
- Curing Process: Some bacon gets pumped with water to bulk it up before it’s sold. That adds weight raw, but it cooks off. I stick to dry-cured bacon to avoid that nonsense.
- Portion Size: Ever notice restaurant bacon slices seem bigger? They might be serving thicker cuts or larger portions than what we cook at home.
Bottom line? If you’re needing precision—like for a diet or a big recipe—grab a kitchen scale and weigh your own bacon. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.
Brand Variations: Does It Really Matter?
I’ve tried a bunch of bacon brands over the years, and yeah, the weight per slice can differ. Some of the regular supermarket stuff I buy sticks to that 15-16 gram average for streaky bacon, but fancier brands or thick-cut options can be heavier. For example, I’ve had thick-cut packs where a single raw slice hit close to 28 grams. Meanwhile, some budget brands slice it so thin, you’re lucky to get 14 grams outta one piece.
Back bacon’s the same deal—some brands I’ve picked up were closer to 28 grams per slice, while others pushed 40 grams. It’s a bit of a crapshoot, honestly. That’s why I always peek at the pack or weigh a slice or two myself if I’m tracking stuff close.
Weighing Multiple Slices: Handy for Meal Prep
If you’re like me and love batch-cookin’ bacon for the week (hello, easy breakfasts!), you’ll wanna know the weight for multiple slices. I’ve put together a lil’ table based on my own measurements for raw bacon. Use this as a rough guide for portioning out your stash:
Number of Slices | Raw Streaky Bacon (grams) | Raw Back Bacon (grams) | Raw Thick-Cut Bacon (grams) |
---|---|---|---|
2 Slices | 30-32 | 64-68 | 40-50 |
4 Slices | 60-64 | 128-136 | 80-100 |
6 Slices | 90-96 | 192-204 | 120-150 |
8 Slices | 120-128 | 256-272 | 160-200 |
10 Slices | 150-160 | 320-340 | 200-250 |
12 Slices | 180-192 | 384-408 | 240-300 |
This helps a ton when you’re planning meals or figuring out how much to buy. Like, if I’m makin’ BLTs for the fam, I know 3 slices per sandwich is about 45-48 grams of raw streaky bacon. Easy peasy!
Calories and Bacon Weight: A Quick Peek
Alright, let’s talk calories for a hot sec, ‘cause weight ties right into this if you’re watchin’ what you eat. A couple of raw streaky bacon slices—say, 30 grams total—pack about 68 calories. That’s roughly 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein, with zero carbs. Pretty hefty for such a small amount, right?
Here’s the kicker: since bacon loses half its weight when cooked, the calorie density shoots up. You’re lookin’ at around 208 calories per cooked ounce, compared to 115 per raw ounce. So, even though you’re eatin’ less mass, the calories are more concentrated. I usually just track the raw weight for simplicity—any fat that drips off into the pan is a bonus calorie cut in my book. But if you’re super strict with macros, you might wanna adjust down by 25-50% after cooking. Up to you!
Real-Life Bacon Scenarios: Putting Weights to Use
I figured it’d be cool to toss out some everyday examples of how bacon weights come into play. These are straight from my own kitchen adventures, so you can relate:
- Makin’ a BLT Sandwich: I use about 3 raw slices of streaky bacon, which weighs around 45-48 grams. Perfect amount for that crispy, salty kick.
- Meal Preppin’ for the Week: If I want 12 cooked slices (great for quick breakfasts), I cook up 24 raw slices, weighin’ about 360-384 grams raw. Gotta account for that shrink!
- Sprinklin’ Bacon on a Salad: One raw slice, cooked and crumbled, is about a tablespoon or 8-10 grams. Just enough for flavor without overdoin’ it.
- Toppin’ Baked Potatoes: I go for 1-2 tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon per spud. That’s roughly 15-20 grams cooked weight.
- Whippin’ Up Bacon Bits: From a full pound pack, after cookin’, you get about 3/4 cup or 170 grams of bits. Awesome for soups or whatever.
- Addin’ to Biscuits and Gravy: I cook at least 4 slices, or 60-64 grams raw, to mix into the gravy. Gives it that smoky vibe.
See? Knowin’ the weight helps you plan without guessin’. No more “oops, I cooked too much” moments!
My Personal Tip: Weigh Your Own Bacon
Look, I’ve given ya all these numbers, but here’s the real talk—bacon weights vary like crazy based on what you buy. The best thing I ever did was grab a cheap kitchen scale and weigh my own slices, raw and cooked. It only takes a minute, and you’ll know exactly what you’re workin’ with. Here’s how I do it:
- Weigh it Raw: Raw weights are more consistent, so I always start there.
- Use Grams: My scale’s got a gram setting for precision. Ounces work too, but grams feel more exact.
- Check Before Cooking: I weigh right before tossin’ it in the pan for the freshest number.
- Jot It Down: I scribble the weight on the pack with a marker so I don’t forget.
- Re-Check Sometimes: Weights can shift even in the same brand over time, so I double-check now and then.
Trust me, once you start weighin’ your bacon, you’ll feel like a pro. No more guesswork for recipes or calorie apps!
Smoked vs. Unsmoked: Does It Change Weight?
A quick side note—folks often ask me if smoked or unsmoked bacon weighs different. From what I’ve seen, nah, not really. The weight and calories are usually the same for supermarket stuff. But watch out—some smoked bacon gets jazzed up with extras like maple or sugar in the cure, which can bump up the calories a smidge and maybe add a tiny bit of weight. I always peek at the pack to see what’s in there, just in case.
Which Bacon’s Got the Least Calories?
Here’s a fun tidbit if you’re calorie-conscious like I sometimes am. Even though streaky bacon’s fattier, a cooked slice of it often has fewer calories than cooked back bacon. Why? ‘Cause so much fat renders out into the pan and you don’t eat it. Back bacon, bein’ meatier, holds onto more of its weight and calories even after cookin’. So, if you’re tryin’ to cut back, crispy streaky might be your pal—just don’t go overboard!
Wrapping Up: Bacon Weights Ain’t Set in Stone
So, there ya have it—everything I know about how much a slice of bacon weighs in grams. To recap, a raw slice of regular streaky bacon is usually 15-16 grams, back bacon hits 32-34 grams, and thick-cut can be 20-28 grams. Cooked, it drops to about half that weight ‘cause of fat and water loss. But remember, these are just averages from my own messin’ around in the kitchen. Your bacon might be a lil’ different based on cut, brand, or how you cook it.
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: grab a scale and weigh your own slices. It’s the only way to know for sure, especially if you’re trackin’ calories or cookin’ up somethin’ specific. I’ve been doin’ it for years, and it’s saved me from plenty of kitchen flops. Got questions or your own bacon weight stories? Drop ‘em below—I’d love to chat more about this tasty topic! Keep fryin’, friends!
Streaky Bacon g to oz
UncookedStreaky Bacon | Weight in g | Weight in oz |
1 Slice | 15-16 | 0.53-0.56 |
2 slices | 30-32 | 1.06-1.13 |
3 slices | 45-48 | 1.59-1.69 |
4 slices | 60-64 | 2.12-2.26 |
5 slices | 75-80 | 2.65-2.82 |
6 slices | 90-96 | 3.17-3.39 |
Calories in Raw Bacon v’s Cooked Bacon
The fact that bacon reduces in weight by around 50% which is mainly fat, raises the question of should you use the raw or cooked calorie count to work out exactly how many calories you’re using.
This is a question that is surprisingly difficult to get an answer to, I’ve done a lot of looking and even Government sites don’t state clearly state which weight should be used on labeling.
The supermarket bacon packet from the bacon I weighed, (both cooked and uncooked) stated the nutritional values ‘as sold’, meaning the calories stated on the pack are the raw calories rather than the cooked amount.
If you’re using a calorie tracker such as My Fitness Pal and you’re adding bacon (and other meats) via barcode scan, then chances are it’s the uncooked values you’re using.
This value includes all of the fat which is lost in the pan or grill, which you’re probably not going to be eating.
So, it’s possible that when it comes to bacon you might actually be consuming less fat and calories than you think if you’re using the uncooked values.
Personally, I just use the raw value because any calorie saving is a bonus, but if you’re sticking to precise macros you might need to take this into consideration.
Some people reduce the calories by a certain amount such as 25%-50% of the original value.
How calorie values are listed on packaging might also vary depending on the country of origin along with other factors, so if you’re looking to be precise, it’s always good to check the packet to be sure.
How Many Grams In A Slice Of Bacon? #shorts
FAQ
How many grams of bacon is one slice?
Sizes of bacon slices varies. Weight per slice based on 35g piece (average size).
How many grams are 2 slices of bacon?
How heavy is a piece of bacon?
bacon rashers weight approximately 80-100g each.
How many slices is 100 grams of bacon?
Google is showing me, 100g is 12.5 slices (8g a slice for 3g protein) of bacon to equal 37g of protein at just over 540 calories. Which seems about right.