It’s no secret that bacon is a delicious breakfast food, but what about its carb content? Many people are worried about the carbs in bacon, but is it something to be concerned about?
So, does bacon have carbs? Yes, bacon does have a small number of carbs. However, it is high in protein and fat. This makes it a good choice for those on a ketogenic diet.
This blog post will explore the truth about bacon and carbs. Spoiler alert: there’s not as much to worry about as you think!
Yes, bacon does have a small number of carbs, depending on how it was prepared and the brand. A medium slice of cooked bacon contains 0.1 to 0.2 grams of total carbs.
However, it is high-protein food and fat. This makes it a good choice for those on a ketogenic diet.
Is bacon high in carbs?
The answer may surprise you.
Bacon is low in carbs, with one slice containing less than one gram of carbohydrates. However, it is high in saturated fat and sodium.
This means it’s essential to enjoy bacon in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How many carbs does bacon have?
There are 0.6 grams of carbohydrates in one serving (3 slices) of bacon.
Without fiber or other ingredients influencing the carb count, net carbs in a slice of bacon are 0.1 to 0.2 grams per medium slice.
If you’re looking for a low-carbohydrate meat option, bacon is good. Just enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
How much fat is in bacon?
One serving of bacon has 12 grams of saturated fat. Saturated fat is the type of fat that can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
You should limit your saturated fat intake to 13 grams per day. Just one serving of bacon could put you over your daily limit.
Can I eat bacon on a low-carb diet?
Yes, bacon is a rich source of protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a popular choice among people on ketogenic diets.
Zero-carb foods include red meat, chicken, bacon, cold cuts, and other proteins.
When following a low-carb, high-fat diet, you should limit your intake of processed foods like bacon.
Is bacon good for losing weight?
Bacon is a zero-carb food suitable for Atkins, Paleo, and Keto diets. It was found that eating fewer carbohydrates increases the number of calories you burn.
As a result, a bacon breakfast may be an essential component of your weight reduction or maintenance program.
About Bacon
Cold-cuts bacon. Credit: canva
What is bacon?
Bacon is a type of pork that has been cured and smoked. This means that it has been treated with salt, sugar, and other chemicals, then exposed to smoke for flavor.
Mostly, bacon is one of the most popular pork products. Bacon in the U.S. comes from the pig’s belly.
However, Bacon in the U.K. and Canada is different. Their bacon is taken from the back of the pig, making it taste more similar to ham.
Both types are high in protein, saturated fat, and sodium. And it is best to enjoy it in moderation.
Other types of bacon include turkey, duck, and even chicken.
Bacon is typically sold in strips and can be eaten cooked or uncooked. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as BLT sandwiches, carbonara pasta, and quiche.
Nutrition facts
Now that we know more about bacon let’s look at the nutritional facts.
The following nutrition information is provided for 3 slices (34.5 grams) of bacon, according to the USDA:
Calories: 161
Fat: 12 grams
Sodium: 579 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 12 grams
Carbs
There are 0.6 grams of carbohydrates in 3 slices of bacon. Although bacon has no sugar, some manufacturers add it for added taste.
As you can see from the nutrition facts, there are very few carbs in bacon. A serving of bacon contains less than one gram of carbohydrates. This is good news for those who are watching their carb intake.
However, there is no fiber in bacon. This means that it will not fill you up as much as other foods that contain fiber.
Fats
One serving of bacon has 12 grams of fat. It is high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Saturated fat is one of the unhealthy fats, along with trans fat. It can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease.
The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends 13 grams of saturated fat for a 2,000-calorie diet. That might make it more difficult with a serving of bacon.
Protein
Protein is vital for building and repairing muscles, while fat helps to keep you satiated. Bacon is high in protein, with 12 grams per serving. It is also a good source of protein.
Approximately 10% to 35% of your daily calories should come from protein. That’s 46 to 56 grams of protein a day. And protein from a serving of bacon alone can serve a third of your daily protein requirement.
Calories
A serving of bacon, or 34.5 grams, contains a total of 161 calories. That one serving has 108 calories from fat, 2.4 from carbs, and 48 from protein.
Vitamins and Minerals
Bacon is a good source of potassium, selenium, and phosphorous. It also provides many B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12.
Sodium
Although bacon is not high in calories, it is high in sodium. One serving of it contains 579 milligrams of sodium.
The American Heart Association (AHA) advises most adults to strive for an ideal goal of 1,500 milligrams a day. One serving of bacon puts you a third of the way there.
Health benefits
Health Benefits
Here is a closer look at the potential benefits of bacon.
May Boost Energy Levels
Bacon is a good source of energy. It is an excellent source of thiamine, also known as vitamin B-12. This vitamin helps to convert the food you eat into energy.
A lack of thiamine can lead to fatigue and weakness.
Aids in Vitamin D Absorption
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bones.
Bacon is a good source of vitamin D. Just one slice of bacon contains 12% of the RDI for this vitamin.
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means it needs fat to be absorbed. The fat in bacon might help your body absorb this vitamin better.
May Increase Brain Function
Bacon is a good source of choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many bodily functions, including brain development and function.
Is Bacon Keto Friendly?
Is Bacon Keto Friendly?
Bacon is a nutritious source of protein and contains almost no carbs, making it an ideal food for anyone who follows the ketogenic diet.
A single slice of bacon contains 0.1 to 0.2 grams of carbs, making it suitable for the keto diet.
The naturally low-carb content of bacon makes it the perfect pick for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
Is bacon dirty keto?
“Dirty keto” is a term used to describe a ketogenic diet that includes foods usually considered unhealthy, such as processed meats like bacon. It is a fast-food version of the keto diet, loaded with high-fat processed foods that are low-carb.
So yes, bacon is dirty keto.
Keto bacon recipes: Bacon and eggs
French toast with bacon and eggs. Credit: canva
Ingredients
8 8 large egg large eggs
9 oz. 260 g bacon in slices
cherry tomatoes (optional)
fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet, and add a pinch of salt.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crisp.
Remove from the oven and cool on the pan for a few minutes.
Serve with eggs and cherry tomatoes.
How much bacon is too much?
How much bacon can I eat a day?
You should limit your intake of food items to three or four slices per day. Just one serving of bacon could put you over your daily limit.
Are 4 strips of bacon too much?
No, four strips of bacon is not too much—however, no more than that.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than three or four strips of bacon per day.
Is it OK to eat bacon every day?
Eating bacon for breakfast daily may result in extra ‘bad’ cholesterol accumulating in your blood vessels, obstructing them, and putting you at risk of developing heart-related problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and congestive heart failure.
Registered dietitian, Trista Best at Balance One Supplements, told The List, “The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that eating as little as 50 grams a day of processed meat — the equivalent of only two or three slices of bacon — can increase your risk of bowel cancer by almost 20 percent.”
So, you’ll need to keep your bacon-eating in check and limit portion size, especially if you eat other processed meats. That will reduce the cancer risk as well as other health risks.
While bacon is certainly delicious, consuming it in moderation and pairing it with other nourishing foods as part of a healthy diet is paramount for achieving optimal nutrition.
How often should I eat bacon?
Given the more recent findings, it’s advised that you reduce your consumption of all processed meats to once every two weeks or less.
As a result, consuming bacon just once every few weeks is ideal.
Why is bacon so unhealthy?
Bacon can be detrimental to your health due to its high LDL cholesterol levels, saturated fat, and sodium content. Furthermore, it does not offer any dietary fiber that could help you feel full for extended periods. Therefore, if you want healthier food choices, bacon should probably be avoided or consumed in moderation.
On the other hand, those on a ketogenic diet or who need an added energy boost may find some benefit from eating small amounts of bacon occasionally.
Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful. And if you have any concerns about your cholesterol or blood pressure, talk to your doctor before eating bacon.
FAQs
How many net carbs is bacon?
There is 0.6 gram of carbs in one serving (3 slices) of bacon.
Net carbs in a slice of bacon are 0.1 grams per medium slice, without fiber or other components to influence the carb count.
How many net carbs are in 3 slices of bacon?
Bacon 3 Slices (1 serving) contains 0.6g total carbs, 12 g fat, 12g protein, and 161 calories.
How many carbs are in eggs?
A large egg has about 0.36 grams of carbohydrates. So, if you ate two eggs for breakfast, that would be about 0.72 grams of carbs.
How many carbs are in bacon and eggs?
Bacon and eggs have a total of 0.72 grams of carbs.
