How Many Slices of Bacon Equals 5 Ounces? A Detailed Look

Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is one of life’s simple pleasures. Few foods evoke such delight when you get that first whiff of it sizzling in the pan. But if you’ve ever stood puzzled in the grocery aisle trying to figure out how much to buy, you may wonder just how many slices make up 5 ounces.

This tasty pork product can be tricky when it comes to portions. The number of slices per ounce varies quite a bit based on thickness and preparation method

In this article we’ll break down exactly how many slices equal 5 ounces of bacon. You’ll also learn about

• How cooked vs. raw bacon impacts slice counts
• Why it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes
• How to substitute turkey or vegetarian bacon
• Tips for measuring bacon accurately

So let’s dive into the nitty gritty details of this beloved breakfast meat!

How Thick Slices Impact 5 Ounce Counts

The first factor that affects 5 ounce bacon counts is slice thickness. Here’s a general guideline:

• Thin sliced bacon: Approximately 20 slices per 5 ounces
• Regular sliced bacon: Approximately 15 slices per 5 ounces
• Thick cut bacon: Approximately 10-12 slices per 5 ounces

As you can see, thick slices mean you get fewer per 5 ounces compared to thinner versions. When in doubt, consider 15 slices a safe average for 5 ounces, regardless of thickness.

Raw vs. Cooked Bacon Makes a Difference

It’s important to note that the above counts are for raw bacon. Once cooked, the slice count changes:

• 5 ounces raw bacon = about 4 ounces cooked
• 20 raw thin slices = about 16 cooked thin slices
• 15 raw regular slices = about 12 cooked regular slices
• 12 raw thick slices = about 9-10 cooked thick slices

As the bacon fries, the fat renders out and the meat shrinks and crisps. This reduces the total weight. So 5 ounces of packaged raw bacon ends up being about 4 ounces cooked.

Watching Portion Sizes With Bacon

While bacon tastes great, it is high in saturated fat and sodium. The American Heart Association recommends limiting processed meat intake to no more than 2 servings per week.

To keep bacon as an occasional treat, stick to 1 to 2 ounce portion sizes. That equals:

• 2-4 slices of thin cut bacon
• 2-3 slices of regular cut bacon
• 1-2 slices of thick cut bacon

Frying up a whole pound at once can lead to overeating. Pre-portion your bacon before cooking whenever possible.

Healthier Substitutions for Bacon

If you are looking to lower your sodium, fat and processed meat intake, substitute regular bacon with these healthier options:

• Turkey bacon: Roughly the same calorie and sodium count per slice
• Vegetarian bacon: Made from soy, coconut or tempeh and lower in sodium
• Prosciutto: Dry-cured Italian ham, lower in fat than bacon
• Beef jerky: Look for low-sodium options with minimal processing

Substitute measure-for-measure when swapping regular bacon for turkey or vegetarian. However, prosciutto and jerky have different cooking methods.

Tips for Measuring Bacon Accurately

When cooking bacon for a recipe or meal prep, it helps to accurately measure instead of guessing slice counts. Here are some tips:

• Use a food scale to weigh out 5 ounces raw
• Measure volume by laying raw strips next to each other in a measuring cup
• Count slices as you transfer from packaging to the pan
• Separate into ziplock bags with predetermined portion sizes
• Buy pre-portioned bacon ends or pieces for recipes

With thinner sliced bacon, you may need to layer slightly to fit a 5 ounce portion in a measuring cup.

Weighing with a food scale gives the most precision, but the volume or package count method works too.

Common Bacon Portions and Packages

To get a better idea of what 5 ounces of bacon looks like, here are some other common portions, counts and packages:

• 1 pound bacon = 16 ounces or about 60-80 raw slices
• 1 pound raw bacon = about 48-55 cooked slices
• 500 gram package = 16-20 oz. or about 55-70 raw slices
• 375 gram package = 12-16 oz. or about 40-55 raw slices
• 300 gram package = 10-12 oz. or about 35-45 raw slices
• 12 ounce package = avg. 40 thin, 30 regular or 25 thick slices

As you can see, slice counts vary quite a bit based on the preparation style, thickness and type of packaging.

Key Takeaways

So how many slices of bacon in 5 ounces? The average comes to about 15 raw or 12 cooked slices, but can range from 10-20 depending on cut thickness. Compare this visual guide the next time you’re prepping or buying bacon to become a better judge of portion sizes.

With its high sodium and fat content, bacon is best enjoyed in moderation. Stick to recommended 1-2 ounce portions to prevent overdoing it. Consider substituting with turkey bacon or prosciutto occasionally for a healthier option.