Beef

Beef, cured, breakfast strips, raw or unheated

FDC 170197slices (68 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 19 · -35 vs Beef median

These raw cured beef breakfast strips score 19 of 100, a Low band placement that ranks 52nd of 60 in the Beef category, well beneath the category median. The curing process leaves a surprising vitamin C reading of 27% DV alongside 25% DV of protein, both excellent marks for a cured beef product.

The strips are meant to be pan-fried until crisp, standing in for bacon alongside eggs and toast at breakfast. A 100 g portion carries 955 mg of sodium and 16 g of saturated fat, both high, so cooks wanting a leaner cured beef option might look to corned beef brisket instead.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beef, cured, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 12.5 g · 12%Carb 0.7 g · 1%Fat 38.8 g · 87%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories406 kcal20%
Total fat39 g50%
Saturated fat16 g80%
Cholesterol82 mg27%
Sodium955 mg42%
Carbohydrate0.7 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein13 g25%
Potassium153 mg3%
Calcium4 mg0%
Iron1.2 mg7%
Magnesium11 mg3%
Vitamin C24 mg27%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170197

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin C27% DV
Protein25% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beef median

Nutrient density19 vs 54 median
Protein / 100 g13 vs 19 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g955 vs 66 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket, cookedDensity 24 vs 19Beef, New Zealand, imported, sweetbread, rawDensity 26 vs 19Beef, New Zealand, imported, sweetbread, cooked, boiledDensity 27 vs 19

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Beef breakfast strips are a bacon alternative made from cured, thinly sliced beef, designed to be pan-fried or microwaved quickly the same way pork bacon is, until the edges crisp and the strip firms up. They're a common substitute on a breakfast plate alongside eggs and toast for anyone avoiding pork, and their thinner cut means they cook faster and more evenly than a thick-cut pork strip, making them well suited to a quick weekday breakfast or a breakfast sandwich. A short stint in a hot skillet is usually all they need, since they scorch quickly if left too long.

Keep beef breakfast strips refrigerated and cook them by the package date, since like other cured raw meats they're perishable until heated through; freezing extends their usable life if a package won't be finished right away. Per 100 g, raw strips carry 406 calories, 38.8 g of fat, and 955 mg of sodium from the curing process, alongside 12.5 g of protein, a solid 25% DV. Curing agents used in processing also account for the listed vitamin C content, at 27% DV per 100 g, since sodium ascorbate (a form of vitamin C) is a common curing ingredient added for color and preservation rather than as a fruit or vegetable source.

Frequently asked questions about beef, cured

Are beef breakfast strips a substitute for bacon?

Yes, they're a cured beef alternative meant to be pan-fried or microwaved the same way as traditional pork bacon.

Why does cured beef breakfast strips list vitamin C?

Curing agents like sodium ascorbate, a form of vitamin C, are commonly added during processing for color and preservation, which is reflected in the 27% DV figure.

How much protein is in beef breakfast strips?

Raw strips provide 12.5 g of protein per 100 g, about 25% DV.

View the USDA source record