Are you a bacon lover but worried about its nutritional value? Look no further as we delve into the calorie count of two slices (46 g) of classic honeycured bacon. With 140 calories, let's explore its nutritional content and ways to incorporate it into a healthy diet.

Bacon is a good source of B vitamins, iron, and protein, but it also contains high amounts of saturated fats and sodium. To make the most of its nutritional benefits while staying within daily calorie intake, moderation is key.

In this article, we'll provide you with insights to understand bacon's nutritional value and how to enjoy it while maintaining a balanced diet.

Calories in Two Slices

As mentioned before, two slices of classic honeycured bacon contains 140 calories, making it an energy-dense food. For comparison, this is around 7% of the recommended daily caloric intake for an average adult. The calorie breakdown is primarily from fat (72%) and protein (28%). This suggests that consuming bacon in moderation can contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. It's important to note that the calorie count may vary according to the bacon's preparation method, thickness, and brand.

Fat Content

Fat is an essential macronutrient that provides energy and aids in hormone production, but it’s crucial to choose healthy fats to promote overall health. Two slices of bacon contain around 12 g of fat, of which 4.1 g is saturated fat. This makes up for approximately 19% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. While saturated fats are not inherently harmful when consumed in moderation, it’s essential to balance them out by incorporating healthy fats like unsaturated fatty acids found in plant-based foods, nuts, and fish. To lower the saturated fat content of your bacon, opt for leaner cuts, and follow healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or air frying.

Protein Content

Protein is a vital macronutrient that helps maintain muscle mass, repair tissues, and supports the immune system. Two slices of bacon contain around 8 g of protein, contributing to 16% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. While bacon can be a good source of protein, it should not be the sole source, as it contains limited amounts of essential amino acids. Consuming a wide range of protein sources like lean meats, eggs, legumes, and dairy products can ensure you meet your daily requirements.

Carbohydrate Content

Two slices of bacon do not contain any carbohydrates, making it a low-carb food that can be helpful for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, it's crucial to balance out the macronutrient intake and consume sufficient carbohydrates as they are the primary fuel source for the body.

Sodium Content

Sodium is an essential mineral that regulates fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, consuming excessive amounts of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Two slices of bacon contain around 670 mg of sodium, contributing to nearly 30% of the recommended daily sodium intake. To reduce sodium intake, opt for low-sodium bacon or reduce the portion size.

Calcium Content

Calcium is a vital mineral required for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. However, bacon does not contain any significant amount of calcium, with only around 4 mg per two slices. To ensure sufficient calcium intake, incorporate calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens into your diet.

Iron Content

Iron is an essential mineral required for red blood cell formation, oxygen transport, and energy production. Two slices of bacon contain around 0.4 mg of iron, contributing to nearly 5% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. While bacon can be a good source of iron, it's essential to consume a variety of iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens to meet the body's requirements.

Cholesterol Content

Cholesterol is an essential fat-like substance that plays a vital role in hormone production and cell function. However, consuming excessive amounts of dietary cholesterol can contribute to high blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Two slices of bacon contain around 15 mg of cholesterol, making up around 5% of the recommended daily intake. To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, it's recommended to limit dietary cholesterol intake and opt for leaner sources of protein like chicken, fish, and plant-based protein sources.

Vitamin A Content

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in vision, skin health, and immune function. However, bacon does not contain any significant amount of vitamin A, making it an inadequate source of this essential nutrient. To meet your daily vitamin A requirements, consume vitamin A-rich foods like liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.

Vitamin C Content

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, supports immune function, and aids in collagen production. However, bacon does not contain any significant amount of vitamin C, making it an inadequate source of this essential nutrient. To meet your daily vitamin C requirements, consume vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, peppers, and leafy greens.