How Many Slices Of Turkey Bacon Equal 3 Ounces? A Detailed Look

Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. But if you’re new to cooking with turkey bacon, you may be wondering how it compares to regular bacon in terms of weight and slice count. Specifically, how many slices make up 3 ounces?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about turkey bacon slices per 3 ounce serving. We’ll also look at the nutritional profile, calories, and other turkey bacon basics. Let’s dive in!

The Standard Serving Size Of Turkey Bacon

To start, it’s helpful to understand the standard serving size for turkey bacon. According to the USDA, the recommended serving size for cooked turkey bacon is around 3 slices

This serving size equals about 1 ounce of meat or around 28 grams. The standard turkey bacon slice is roughly 1/32 inch thick and weighs approximately 9-10 grams.

So if 3 slices make up 1 ounce, this means that 3 ounces (a common weight used in recipes) equals 9 slices of turkey bacon

Verifying The Slice Count On Packages

When purchasing turkey bacon, it’s always smart to double check the nutrition label for slice count, weight, and serving size information.

Turkey bacon packagings can contain varying numbers of slices depending on the brand, thickness, and curing process. Don’t rely solely on the look of the package.

For example, you may see a pack of turkey bacon that appears to contain 10 slices. But when you check the label, you see that the serving size is actually 4 slices per 1 ounce. This means your 10 slice pack only contains around 2.5 ounces of meat.

Why The Serving Size Is Smaller Than Pork Bacon

You may notice that the recommended serving size for turkey bacon is smaller than traditional pork bacon. This comes down to differences in density, fat content, and nutritional profile.

Turkey meat is much leaner than pork. Each slice of turkey bacon contains way less fat than pork bacon – only about 1.5 grams of fat per slice compared to around 5 grams in pork bacon.

Less fat means a less dense slice. So an equivalent 1 ounce of turkey bacon contains more slices compared to an ounce of pork bacon, but is less calorically dense overall.

Total Nutrition Information Per 3 Ounces

Now that we know 3 ounces of turkey bacon is equivalent to 9 slices, let’s look at the complete nutritional information for this serving size:

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 13.5g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 810mg
• Protein: 22g
• Iron: 6% DV

While turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than pork varieties, it still packs a decent amount of sodium. It’s smart to enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Cooking 3 Ounces Of Turkey Bacon

When it comes to cooking techniques, turkey bacon can be prepared very similarly to traditional pork bacon. Here are some quick cooking tips:

• Pan frying: Cook over medium heat for 2-4 minutes per side until crispy.

• Baking: Place slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.

• Microwaving: Place slices between paper towels and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

Regardless of preparation method, allow 3 ounces or 9 slices of turkey bacon to fully cook through before eating. Tracking slice counts removes the guesswork so you can perfectly cook recipes calling for “3 ounces bacon.”

Buying The Right Amount

When shopping for turkey bacon, use the 3 slices per ounce rule to calculate how many ounces or pounds you need based on your recipe requirements or household consumption.

A few quick estimates:

• 9 slices (3 ounces) = enough for 2 full breakfast servings
• 16 ounce pack = approximately 16-20 slices = about 5-7 ounces
• 1 pound (16 ounces) = approximately 48-60 slices = about 15-20 ounces

Buying turkey bacon in bulk can save money, as long as you divide and freeze portions for later use. Properly stored frozen turkey bacon lasts 4-6 months in the freezer.

Alternatives To Turkey Bacon

While turkey bacon makes a leaner alternative to pork varieties, it may not be the best choice for all diets. Here are a few other bacon alternatives to consider:

• Beef bacon
• Vegetarian bacon (coconut, eggplant)
• Canadian bacon/back bacon
• Prosciutto
• Tempeh bacon

When exploring alternatives, pay close attention to slice count, thickness, fat and sodium content, and overall nutrition profile to find the best match for your needs.

The Bottom Line

So how much turkey bacon is 3 ounces? approximately 9 average slices. Understanding standard slice counts and serving sizes allows you to shop, cook, and eat turkey bacon properly. While it makes a leaner choice, be mindful of sodium content and enjoy as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.