Demystifying the Calorie Count: Answering How Many Calories are in 2 Strips of Bacon

As a bacon lover, I’ve found myself wondering just how many calories are packed into those sizzling, savory strips of smoked pork belly. Bacon makes everything taste better – from breakfasts to burgers and everything in between. But it’s also high in fat and sodium, so watching portion sizes is key.

If you’ve asked yourself “how many calories are in 2 strips of bacon?” before digging in, you’re not alone! In this article, I’ll break down the calorie count so you can enjoy bacon in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding Bacon Nutrition Facts

First, let’s look at the nutrition facts for bacon according to the USDA:

• One strip of pan-fried bacon (1 medium slice) contains approximately:

• 43 calories

• 35g fat

• 2g saturated fat

• 70mg sodium

• 1g protein

So 2 strips or slices would contain about double that amount. Calories, fat, and sodium can vary slightly depending on factors like the cooking method and thickness. But this gives us a helpful baseline.

Calculating Calories in 2 Bacon Strips

If one medium slice of pan fried bacon contains 43 calories, then two medium slices contain approximately 86 calories.

That’s a significant calorie addition to any meal for a small amount of food. The calories in bacon come primarily from fat.

To put 86 calories in perspective, here are some other common foods with similar calorie counts:

• 1 medium apple – 86 calories
• 1⁄2 cup ice cream – 85 calories
• 1 cup raw broccoli – 31 calories

As you can see, those 2 little strips pack a bigger calorie punch than larger amounts of many fruits, veggies, and other foods.

Why Bacon is High in Calories

Now that we know the calorie count, let’s look at why bacon is high in calories, which comes down to three main factors:

1. High Fat Content

The significant calorie count in bacon comes from its high fat content. Bacon is very low in carbs and moderate in protein.

But about 71% of its calories come from fat – mostly the saturated kind. This adds up fast calorie-wise.

2. Small Serving Size

One or two slices of bacon is a small amount of actual food. However, the compact size means those calories and fat grams are very concentrated.

3. Processing Methods

How the pork belly is processed and smoked to make bacon adds to its fat and sodium content, further driving up calories.

So when asking “how many calories in 2 bacon strips”, the answer is higher than you’d expect for such a small food item!

Tips for Enjoying Bacon in Moderation

Now that you know the calorie count, here are some tips for enjoying bacon reasonably as part of a balanced diet:

• Choose leaner bacon options like center-cut bacon

• Opt for turkey or vegetable-based bacon alternatives

• Combine bacon with veggies in dishes like a Cobb salad

• Crumble bacon as a topping instead of eating whole strips

• Limit bacon portions to 1-2 times per week

• Bake or grill bacon instead of high-fat pan frying

• Drain bacon strips on paper towels to reduce excess grease

• Balance bacon-filled meals with lighter options the rest of the day

Satisfy Your Bacon Craving the Healthy Way

So how many calories in 2 strips of bacon? Approximately 86 – certainly a significant amount packed into a tiny food. By enjoying bacon in moderation and choosing lower-fat cooking methods, you can satisfy your craving while keeping calories in check.