How Much Does a Slice of Bacon Cost? A Breakdown of Bacon Prices

With its savory, salty flavor, bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast meats. But with prices fluctuating, many wonder – how much does a single slice of bacon really cost? The price per slice can vary quite a bit depending on the type, brand, and where it’s purchased. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine bacon prices per slice.

Average Retail Price Per Pound

On average, a pound of bacon costs:

• Thick Sliced Bacon – $7.50
• Regular Sliced Bacon – $6.50
• Thin Sliced Bacon – $5.50

Premium artisanal bacon can run $8-$12 per pound, while generic store brands cost $4-$5 per pound. Prices are typically cheapest for thin sliced and expensive for thick cut.

Organic and preservative-free bacon costs $1-3 more per pound. Prices also tend to be a bit higher on the coasts compared to the Midwest.

Approximate Slices Per Pound

To calculate cost per slice, you need to know approximately how many slices come in a pound. This varies based on slice thickness:

• Thick Sliced – 16 slices per pound
• Regular Sliced – 20 slices per pound
• Thin Sliced – 25 slices per pound

So a $6/lb pack of regular sliced bacon contains about 20 slices

Average Single Slice Bacon Prices

Based on standard slice counts per pound, bacon slices cost:

• Thick Cut Slice – $0.45 – $0.75
• Regular Sliced – $0.30 – $0.55
• Thin Sliced – $0.20 – $0.40

Of course, slices can be irregular in size and thickness. Smaller thin slices may cost as little as $0.15 while extra thick premium slices run up to $1.

At high-end butcher shops or delis, single slices can cost $1.50-$2 when sold individually.

Buying Bacon By The Slice

You can buy bacon slices individually at:

• Butcher Counters – $0.50-$1.50 per slice
• Delis – $0.75-$1.25 per slice
• Breakfast Spots – $0.50-$1 per slice
• Fast Food – $0.25-$0.75 per slice

Purchasing individually pre-cooked and packaged bacon slices costs $0.60-$1. Buying full packs is much cheaper than getting slices at retail.

Prices At Popular Restaurants

Bacon is a popular breakfast side and burger topping at restaurants. Expect to pay:

• Fast Food – $0.50-$1 for 1-2 slices
• Family Diners – $1-$1.50 for 2-3 slices
• Hotels – $1-$1.50 for 2-3 slices
• Upscale Brunch – $3-$5 for 2-4 slices

Side orders of thick cut or artisanal bacon run $5-$8. Overall, restaurants mark up bacon prices 200-300% over grocery store prices per pound.

Savings Tips For Buying Bacon

To get the best deal on bacon, try these tips:

• Buy large 1 lb packages rather than smaller 12 oz packs
• Choose thin sliced over thick cut styles
• Look for bacon ends and pieces for irregular slices
• Check warehouse stores for bacon savings in bulk
• Compare supermarket prices and watch for sales
• Generic brands are cheaper than name brands
• Buy bacon ends for stews, soups and cooking
• Freeze extra slices to extend shelf life

With some smart shopping, you can keep the cost per slice down to $0.30-$0.50 even at higher grocery store prices.

Is Bacon Worth The Price?

For bacon lovers, the iconic meaty, salty flavor makes it well worth the moderately higher price, especially for an occasional weekend treat. Consumers on tight budgets can still enjoy bacon at just $0.20-$0.40 per slice by choosing thin cut styles and buying in bulk. With creative use of leftovers and freezing extras, a pack of bacon can be stretched a long way. Just a few crispy slices can instantly elevate any dish.

In the end, the cost per slice of bacon ranges widely – anywhere from $0.15 for thin cut store brand to $2 for artisanal butcher slices. With commodity bacon prices fairly consistent nationwide, budget-minded shoppers can easily keep per slice costs around $0.25-$0.50 with smart shopping habits. For most people, bacon’s sheer enjoyment as a protein-packed, flavorful treat makes it worth the moderately higher price – even at $1 per slice on occasion!