Pork, cured, bacon, cooked, microwaved
FDC 168321slice cooked (9 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 26 · -11 vs Pork medianMicrowaving concentrates cured bacon into a small, calorie-dense strip, and the Nutrient Density Score reflects that at 26 of 100, a Low band ranking 39 of 60 in Pork. Protein is the standout here at an excellent 78% DV per 100 g, with potassium adding a smaller but still good 11% DV.
A microwaved slice is typically crumbled over salads, tucked into a sandwich, or served alongside eggs, and the small 9 g slice serving keeps portions naturally modest. The numbers behind a full 100 g are worth knowing, though: 1780 mg of sodium, 11.6 g of saturated fat, and 111 mg of cholesterol, so this reads as a garnish more than a base protein.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around pork, cured, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 476 kcal | 24% |
| Total fat | 34 g | 44% |
| Saturated fat | 12 g | 58% |
| Cholesterol | 111 mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1780 mg | 77% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.48 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 39 g | 78% |
| Potassium | 525 mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 13 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 34 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | - | |
| Vitamin E | 0.48 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 43 kcal | 2% |
| Total fat | 3.1 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 160 mg | 7% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% |
| Potassium | 47 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 3.1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | - | |
| Vitamin E | 0.04 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 168321Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the pork median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Pork, pickled pork hocksDensity 26 vs 26Pork, fresh, carcass, separable lean and fat, rawDensity 27 vs 26Pork, fresh, variety meats and by-products, tail, rawDensity 28 vs 26Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Microwaving is one of the quickest ways to cook bacon, using paper towels to absorb rendered fat and produce strips that come out crisp without needing a skillet. Cooked this way, bacon still delivers the familiar smoky, salty flavor and shattering crunch that make it a staple in a BLT, crumbled over a salad, wrapped around dates or asparagus spears, or laid alongside eggs and toast at breakfast. The fat that renders off, even in the microwave, is often saved and used to cook eggs or roast vegetables, carrying the bacon flavor into other parts of a meal. Microwaving between paper towels is also one of the easiest ways to get an evenly flat, uniformly crisp strip for a sandwich.
A single microwaved slice weighs about 9 grams, so bacon is eaten in small quantities as a flavoring and textural addition rather than a full portion of protein. Even so, it is genuinely protein-dense at 39 grams per 100 grams, roughly 78% of the Daily Value, and contributes some potassium as well. The number to watch is sodium, at 1,780 milligrams per 100 grams from the curing process, which is why a few strips are usually enough to season a dish. Keep bacon refrigerated and cook it until crisp for the best texture and easiest cleanup.
Frequently asked questions about pork, cured
How many calories are in microwaved bacon?
Cured, microwaved bacon has 476 calories per 100 grams; a single cooked slice is typically around 9 grams.
Is bacon a good source of protein?
Yes, at 39 grams of protein per 100 grams it covers about 78% of the Daily Value, though it is usually eaten in small portions.
What does bacon pair well with?
It is a classic match for eggs and toast, lettuce and tomato in a sandwich, or crumbled over salads and baked potatoes.