Bacon is a popular breakfast food that is beloved for its savory, smoky flavor. It comes in a few different cuts, with the most common being sliced bacon that is ready to cook right from the package. When buying sliced bacon at the grocery store, it is typically sold in 1 pound packages. But how many actual slices of uncooked bacon are in a 1 pound package? The answer depends on a few factors.
Factors That Affect Bacon Slice Count
There are a couple of key factors that impact how many slices of bacon come in a 1 pound package:
- Thickness of the bacon slices
- Average weight of each slice
Bacon can be cut into slices of varying thicknesses. Thinner slices will yield more total slices per pound, while thicker cut bacon will have fewer slices in a 1 pound pack. The typical thickness for conventional sliced bacon is around 0.10 inches per slice.
The average weight of a single slice of bacon can also vary between brands. Bacon slices that weigh more will mean fewer slices per pound. Most bacon slices weigh approximately 0.7-0.8 ounces each on average.
Conventional Sliced Bacon
For a typical brand of conventional sliced bacon that is around 0.10 inches thick per slice and weighs approximately 0.75 ounces per slice, you can expect approximately 16 to 20 slices in a 1 pound package.
To determine a more precise count, you can take the total weight of the package, which is 16 ounces for a pound of bacon. Given an average slice weight of 0.75 ounces, if you divide 16 ounces by 0.75 ounces, you get 21.33 slices per pound.
So for standard thin sliced bacon weighing 0.75 ounces per slice, a 1 pound package contains about 21 slices of bacon.
Thicker Sliced Bacon
Some brands offer thicker sliced bacon, around 0.14 inches per slice. The thicker cut will naturally yield fewer slices per pound. If we assume the same average slice weight of 0.75 ounces, a pound of 0.14 inch thick sliced bacon would contain around 15 slices.
To determine this, at 0.14 inches per slice and 0.75 ounces per slice, if you divide 16 ounces per pound by 0.75 ounces per slice, you get approximately 15 slices in a 1 pound pack of thicker sliced bacon.
Thinner Sliced Bacon
You can also find some brands that sell thinner sliced bacon, approximately 0.08 inches per slice. With the thinner cut, you would expect to find more slices in a 1 pound pack.
Again assuming an average slice weight of 0.75oz, if each slice is 0.08 inches thick, dividing 16 ounces per pound by 0.75 ounces per slice gives us approximately 27 slices in a pound of the thinner sliced bacon.
Specialty Bacon
There are also specialty bacons that are cut thicker or thinner than conventional sliced bacon. For example, steakhouse style extra thick cut bacon can be 0.18 inches or thicker per slice. Thinner cut specialty bacon, like bacon bits, can be 0.05 inches or thinner.
The packaging for these types of specialty bacons will usually indicate approximately how many slices come in a pound so you know exactly what to expect.
Weighing Bacon Slices
To find out the exact number of slices in a 1 pound package of bacon for a specific brand, the most precise method is to simply count out and weigh the slices.
You can weigh a single slice on a kitchen scale. Then multiply the weight of one slice by 16 (the number of ounces in a pound). Finally, divide 16 by the weight of a single slice. This will give you the total slice count.
As an example, if a single slice weighs 0.8 ounces, dividing 16 ounces by 0.8 ounces per slice equals 20 slices in a 1 pound pack.
Comparing Bacon Brands
| Brand | Slices per Pound |
|---|---|
| Oscar Mayer | 20 |
| Hormel Black Label | 15 |
| Kirkland Signature | 27 |
| Wright Brand | 22 |
| Farmland | 17 |
As seen in the table, the number of slices in a pound can vary quite a bit between different brands of bacon, ranging from 15 to 27 slices per pound. This shows how the thickness and weight of the slices impacts total slice count.
Factors That Don’t Affect Slice Count
While slice thickness and weight impact the number of bacon slices per pound, some other factors do not affect the slice count.
These include:
- Curing or smoking method – This impacts flavor but not slices per pound.
- Ingredients – Applewood smoked or maple flavored bacon contain the same number of slices.
- Cooking method – You get the same slice count whether bacon is pan-fried, baked, or microwaved.
- Packaging – The type of packaging does not change the number of slices inside.
As long as the cut and weight of the slices stays the same, these other factors will not affect how many slices of bacon are in a pound.
Quick Recap
To recap the key points:
- Standard sliced bacon contains approximately 16-20 slices per pound
- Thicker sliced bacon has fewer slices, around 15 per pound
- Thinner sliced bacon yields more slices, about 27 per pound
- Specialty bacons like extra thick or thin cut will have different slice counts
- Weighing slices is the most accurate way to determine slices per pound
- Slice thickness and weight impact slice count, other factors do not
Storing Leftover Bacon
Knowing approximately how many slices of bacon come in a 1 pound package makes it easier to plan recipes. But you may sometimes have leftover bacon that needs proper storage.
Here are some tips for storing leftover raw bacon:
- Leave bacon in its original packaging as long as possible, unopened.
- Once opened, reseal the package tightly or wrap bacon slices in plastic wrap.
- Raw bacon lasts 5-7 days in the fridge from the sell-by date.
- For longer storage, bacon can be frozen for 1-2 months.
- Wrap frozen bacon extra well to prevent freezer burn.
- Cooked bacon lasts 3-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
With proper storage methods, you can enjoy every last slice from the pound!
Cooking a Pound of Bacon
A pound of bacon may sound like a lot, but the slices cook down significantly. Knowing roughly how many cooked slices you get out of a pound will help with serving sizes.
When cooking an entire pound of bacon, you can expect:
- Around 15-20 cooked slices from a pound
- Up to 1/3 pound of cooked chopped or crumbled bacon
- About 1/4 cup of bacon drippings or rendered bacon fat
- Approximately 3/4 pound of cooked bacon after factoring in fat/shrinkage
To cook a pound of bacon:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy, turning halfway.
- Blot excess grease with paper towels.
- Leave bacon in sheet and let cool before handling.
Baking yields evenly cooked bacon with less mess and splatter. Now you know about how much cooked bacon to expect from baking an entire pound.
Nutrition Facts for Bacon
Bacon is delicious, but it is also a high-fat food. Understanding the nutrition facts helps keep bacon intake in moderation.
Here are the key nutrition facts for a slice of pan-fried bacon (1 ounce):
- Calories: 43
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 3g
As you can see, just one slice of bacon contains 43 calories, half of which come from fat. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to 13g or less per day.
Just a few slices of bacon can put you over that saturated fat limit. Moderation is key when enjoying bacon to keep nutrition in balance.
Ways to Reduce Fat and Sodium in Bacon
There are a few simple tricks to reduce the fat and sodium content when cooking bacon:
- Trim excess white fatty areas before cooking.
- Blot cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up grease.
- Look for lower-sodium bacon, ideally with no more than 350mg sodium per serving.
- Bake or microwave instead of frying to cut back on added fats.
With some minor adjustments, you can still enjoy the signature bacon flavor while keeping nutrition in check.
Cost of Bacon
Bacon prices can vary by brand, type, and cut. On average though, most 1 pound packages of sliced bacon cost between $6-$8.
Here are some average prices for different types of bacon:
- Regular sliced bacon: $6-$8 per pound
- Thick-cut bacon: $7-$9 per pound
- Artisan dry-cured bacon: $9-$12 per pound
- Organic bacon: $8-$10 per pound
- Pre-cooked bacon: $6-$8 per 12 ounce package
Bacon goes on sale frequently, so watch for deals and stock up when the price drops. Coupons can also help save money on bacon purchases.
For the best value, buy bacon in bulk on sale and separate it into portions to freeze. This allows you to always have bacon on hand for pennies per slice.
Uses for Bacon
A pound of bacon allows for many creative cooking uses. Here are just some ideas:
- Breakfast – Bacon egg and cheese sandwiches or baked potatoes
- Burgers and hot dogs – Bacon cheeseburgers or BLTs
- Salads – BLT salad topped with crumbled bacon
- Soups and chilis – Add crumbled bacon as garnish
- Vegetables – Bacon wrapped asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Pasta – Toss with pasta, peas and bacon bits
- Pizza – Bacon as a meat topping
- Appetizers – Bacon wrapped dates or jalapeno poppers
A little goes a long way. Just a few bacon slices can add big flavor to all kinds of savory dishes.
Tips for Cooking Bacon
To get perfectly cooked bacon every time, follow these expert tips:
- Use a thick, heavy pan like cast iron to distribute heat evenly.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Lay bacon strips out flat in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
- Flip bacon with tongs or a fork to prevent curling slices.
- Cook to desired doneness, from pliable to crispy crunchy depending on preference.
- Blot excess grease on paper towels before serving.
- Save bacon drippings for other recipes.
With the right technique, you can fry up restaurant-worthy bacon at home every time.
Common Questions
Why does bacon shrink when cooked?
Bacon shrinks when cooked because the fat renders out. As the fat melts away, the bacon slices become smaller and more concentrated. Cooked bacon can shrink by as much as 50% from its original size.
Is turkey bacon healthier than regular bacon?
Turkey bacon is often touted as the healthier alternative to regular pork bacon. But nutrition facts show that turkey bacon is not necessarily better. An ounce of turkey bacon has around 30 calories, 1g saturated fat, and 350mg sodium. So it just edges out regular bacon in some categories but is no nutritional superstar.
Can you freeze raw bacon?
Yes, raw bacon can safely be frozen to extend its shelf life. Wrap the bacon well in freezer-safe wrapping or bags. Frozen raw bacon keeps for 1-2 months before losing quality. Defrost in the fridge before using.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Cooked bacon lasts 3-5 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. The high salt content helps preserve it. You can also freeze cooked bacon for up to 1-2 months. Reheat frozen cooked bacon in the skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that adds bold, savory flavor to all kinds of dishes. Knowing how many slices come in a standard 1 pound package, approximately 16 to 20, helps with meal planning and portion sizes. Thicker or thinner sliced bacon will have different bacon counts per pound.
While delicious, it’s smart to enjoy bacon in moderation due to the high saturated fat and sodium content. Store raw bacon properly in the fridge or freezer and use cooking methods that reduce excess fat. Follow package directions for food safety.
With its iconic taste and crispy texture, bacon is a treasured staple of the American breakfast table and so much more. Understanding the number of slices in a pound makes it easy to enjoy this popular food any time.