Quick Answer
A slice of Oscar Mayer bacon contains approximately 40-50 calories, depending on the specific variety. Oscar Mayer offers several different types of bacon, including original, thick cut, applewood smoked, and lower sodium, which can account for slight variations in calorie content per slice. However, on average, expect a slice of Oscar Mayer bacon to contain about 45 calories.
Calories Can Vary Between Bacon Types
The specific calorie count per slice of Oscar Mayer bacon depends on the variety:
- Oscar Mayer Original Bacon: 45 calories per slice
- Oscar Mayer Thick Cut Bacon: 50 calories per slice
- Oscar Mayer Applewood Smoked Bacon: 40 calories per slice
- Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon: 35 calories per slice
- Oscar Mayer Lower Sodium Bacon: 40 calories per slice
As you can see, thicker slices or more heavily smoked varieties like applewood smoked tend to be slightly higher in calories, while center cut or lower sodium contain fewer calories per slice. But in general, expect around 40-50 calories per slice across all Oscar Mayer bacon types.
Calories From Fat and Protein
The calories in Oscar Mayer bacon come primarily from fat and protein:
- Total Fat: 4-5g per slice
- Saturated Fat: 1.5-2g per slice
- Protein: 3-4g per slice
Bacon is very high in fat, which accounts for most of the calories. Each slice of Oscar Mayer bacon contains 4-5 grams of total fat and 1.5-2 grams of saturated fat. There are also 3-4 grams of protein in each slice.
Other Nutrients in Oscar Mayer Bacon
In addition to calories, fat and protein, Oscar Mayer bacon contains a number of other nutrients:
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg per slice
- Sodium: 180-380mg per slice
- Carbs: 0-1g sugars per slice
- Vitamin B12: 5% DV per slice
- Iron: 2% DV per slice
- Potassium: 2% DV per slice
- Zinc: 2% DV per slice
As you can see, bacon is very high in sodium, containing 180-380mg per slice depending on variety. It also contains cholesterol, vitamin B12, iron, potassium and zinc. However, it is very low in carbohydrates and sugar.
Calorie and Nutrition Facts Table
| Type of Oscar Mayer Bacon | Calories | Total Fat | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 45 | 5g | 3g | 380mg |
| Thick Cut | 50 | 5g | 4g | 350mg |
| Applewood Smoked | 40 | 4g | 3g | 180mg |
| Center Cut | 35 | 4g | 3g | 280mg |
| Lower Sodium | 40 | 4.5g | 4g | 200mg |
This table summarizes the calorie and key nutrition facts in a slice of the major Oscar Mayer bacon varieties. As you can see, calories, fat and sodium content can vary based on the type.
How Many Calories In a Full Package of Oscar Mayer Bacon?
Now that we know there are approximately 40-50 calories in one slice, we can estimate the total calories in a full package of Oscar Mayer bacon:
- 12 oz package (approx 24 slices): 960-1200 calories
- 16 oz package (approx 32 slices): 1280-1600 calories
A typical 12 ounce package contains about 24 slices of bacon and provides 960-1200 calories in total. A 16 ounce pack with 32 slices contains 1280-1600 calories.
So while a single slice of bacon averages around 45 calories, a whole pack can provide a substantial amount of your daily caloric intake. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes when consuming bacon.
Daily Nutrition Needs for a 2,000 Calorie Diet
To understand how the calories in Oscar Mayer bacon fit into your daily diet, here are some general nutrition guidelines for a standard 2,000 calorie diet:
- Total Fat: 44-77g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 2,300mg
- Protein: 50-175g
- Carbs: 225-325g
As you can see based on these recommendations, just a single 12 oz package of bacon may provide over half your daily allowance for saturated fat and sodium.
When building a healthy, balanced diet, it’s recommended to limit processed meats like bacon and consume them in moderation. Focus on getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats from foods like avocados, nuts and olive oil.
High in Calories, Fat and Sodium
In summary, Oscar Mayer bacon is high in calories, fat and sodium:
- There are approximately 40-50 calories in each slice
- Most calories come from fat, at 4-5g per slice
- It’s also very high in sodium at 180-380mg per slice
- A 12 oz package contains 960-1200 total calories
While bacon tastes delicious and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, it’s best consumed in moderation due to the high calorie, fat and sodium content per serving. Be mindful of portion sizes and balance bacon with plenty of nutrient-dense whole foods for good health.
Healthier Alternatives to Oscar Mayer Bacon
If you love the smoky, salty flavor of bacon but want to limit calories, fat and sodium, here are some healthier alternatives to try:
- Turkey bacon – Approximately 30% less fat and calories
- Canadian bacon – Leaner pork loin bacon alternative
- Tempeh bacon – Made from fermented soybeans
- Coconut bacon – Crispy vegetable alternative with no cholesterol
- Prosciutto – Dry-cured ham with less fat than bacon
You can also reduce the calories in regular Oscar Mayer bacon by:
- Choosing center cut or lower sodium varieties
- Baking or broiling instead of frying
- Measuring portions and eating less than a full slice
While these alternatives don’t exactly mimic the taste and texture of bacon, they can satisfy the craving with less impact on your daily calorie goals.
Cooking and Serving Tips to Reduce Calories
If you do enjoy regular Oscar Mayer bacon, there are some easy cooking and serving tips to reduce the calorie content:
- Cut bacon slices in half or thirds – Less bacon means fewer calories
- Blot fried bacon on paper towels – Removes excess grease
- Stick to one slice on burgers or sandwiches – Avoid stacking multiple slices
- Crumble bacon on salads or soups – Distributes flavor in smaller amounts
- Wrap lean meats or veggies in bacon – Less bacon than serving standalone
With mindful portioning and smart cooking methods, you can still enjoy the iconic taste of Oscar Mayer bacon as part of a balanced, lower-calorie diet.
Nutrition Comparison With Other Processed Meats
Oscar Mayer bacon has similar calorie, fat and sodium contents to other popular processed meats:
| Meat | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 slices Oscar Mayer bacon | 90 | 10g | 760mg |
| 2 oz ham deli meat | 90 | 4.5g | 910mg |
| 2 oz salami | 125 | 10g | 670mg |
| 1 hot dog (frankfurter) | 140 | 11g | 470mg |
As shown, other popular processed meats like deli ham, salami and hot dogs have comparable calorie, fat and sodium contents per serving compared to bacon. In general, processed meats are higher in calories and sodium than fresh, unprocessed red meats and should be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
The Bottom Line
In summary, a single slice of Oscar Mayer bacon contains about 40-50 calories, with most calories coming from fat. While it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, bacon is high in calories, fat and sodium so it’s best consumed in moderation. Look for lower sodium varieties or healthier substitutes to reduce your intake of calories. With mindful cooking and portioning, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of Oscar Mayer bacon without going over your daily calorie goals.
