Turkey bacon, cooked
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Turkey bacon is a leaner, smoky alternative to traditional pork bacon, made from seasoned, cured, and sliced turkey meat. When cooked, it develops a satisfyingly crisp texture with a savory, slightly salty flavor that mimics its pork counterpart. Nutritionally, it offers a high-protein, lower-fat option for breakfast or as a versatile ingredient in various dishes.
💚 Why it's loved
People love turkey bacon for its ability to deliver a familiar, smoky bacon flavor and satisfying crunch with less fat, making it a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches, salads, and as a topping. Its versatility and perceived health benefits have made it a staple in many health-conscious and diverse kitchens.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some find turkey bacon less flavorful or fatty than pork bacon, and its high sodium content can be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. To counteract this, pair it with potassium-rich foods like avocado or spinach, use it in moderation, and choose low-sodium varieties when available.
Key benefits
- High protein content (29.5g per 100g) supports muscle maintenance.
- Significantly lower in fat (25.87g per 100g) than traditional pork bacon.
- Provides a smoky, savory flavor with fewer calories (368 kcal per 100g).
- Suitable for those reducing pork consumption for dietary or religious reasons.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Turkey bacon was first introduced in the 1980s as a lower-fat alternative to pork bacon, but it gained widespread popularity in the 1990s as part of the low-fat diet trend.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 34.5 g |
| Energy | 368 kcal |
| Protein | 29.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 25.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 163 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 30.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 416 mg |
| Potassium, K | 666 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2021 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 4.7 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.12 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 28.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.40 mg |
| Niacin | 8.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.37 mg |
| Folate, total | 15.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 15.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 87.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.9 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 19.0 ug |
| Retinol | 19.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.2 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.9 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.22 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.8 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.75 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 8.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.13 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 6.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.35 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 153 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is turkey bacon healthier than pork bacon?
Turkey bacon is generally lower in fat and calories than pork bacon, but it can be high in sodium. It's a good option for those looking to reduce fat intake, but moderation is key.
How should I cook turkey bacon for the best texture?
For crispiness, cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, or bake it on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I use turkey bacon in recipes that call for pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can often be substituted for pork bacon in most recipes, though it may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed.