Bacon is a popular breakfast food that many people enjoy. However, it is also high in fat and calories. Kirkland is a brand that sells thick cut bacon at wholesale stores like Costco. For people watching their calorie intake or following a specific diet plan, knowing the calorie count of Kirkland thick bacon can help make informed choices.
Calories in Bacon
In general, bacon is high in calories because of its high fat content. Pork belly, which is what bacon is made from, contains a lot of fat. During the curing and smoking process to make bacon, none of this fat is removed. So bacon ends up with a very high fat and calorie content.
The number of calories in bacon depends on the cut and how it is prepared. Thinner sliced bacon generally has fewer calories than thick sliced bacon. The level of fat also impacts the calorie count. Bacon graded as “lean” will have slightly less fat and calories than higher fat versions.
Cooking method also impacts the calories in bacon. Frying adds additional fat and calories vs. cooking bacon in the oven or microwave. Any glazes or seasonings added to bacon can also increase the calories.
Calories in Kirkland Thick Sliced Bacon
Kirkland Signature Thick Cut Bacon is sold at Costco stores. It comes in a 2.5 pound vacuum sealed package.
Based on the nutrition information panel, here are the calories and nutrients in Kirkland thick cut bacon:
Serving Size and Total Calories
- Serving size: 2 slices (36g)
- Total calories per serving: 90
Amounts of Key Nutrients Per Serving
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 2.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
As you can see, even two slices of the thick cut Kirkland bacon contains 90 calories and 7g of fat. The calorie count is lower than some other packaged thick cut bacons which can have up to 120 calories per serving.
Comparing Calories to Other Brands
Here is how the calorie content of Kirkland thick cut bacon compares to some other popular brands:
| Bacon Brand | Calories Per 2 Slice Serving |
|---|---|
| Oscar Mayer Thick Cut | 120 |
| Wright Brand Thick Cut | 100 |
| Farmland Thick Sliced | 80 |
| Kirkland Signature Thick Cut | 90 |
As you can see, the Kirkland thick cut bacon has a lower calorie count than Oscar Meyer and Wright thick cut brands. But it is slightly higher in calories than Farmland’s thick sliced bacon.
Nutritional Benefits
While bacon is high in calories and fat, it does provide some nutritional benefits. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals found in Kirkland thick cut bacon:
- Protein: Bacon contains 7g of protein per serving which helps build muscle and provides long lasting energy.
- Niacin: Bacon is a good source of niacin (Vitamin B3). Two slices provides 25% of the RDI for niacin which supports energy metabolism.
- Zinc: A serving of bacon provides 10% of the RDI for zinc, a mineral that boosts immunity and wound healing.
- Vitamin B12: Bacon is high in Vitamin B12 providing 18% of the RDI per serving. B12 helps make DNA and form red blood cells.
So while it is high in fat and calories, bacon does provide high quality protein, B vitamins, zinc, and other nutrients.
Lowering Calories in Bacon
If you enjoy bacon but want to limit your calorie intake, there are some ways to reduce the calories:
- Opt for thin sliced rather than thick sliced bacon to reduce calories per slice.
- Trim excess fat from bacon slices before cooking.
- Cook bacon slices on a wire rack to allow fat to drip away.
- Cook bacon in the oven or microwave instead of pan frying.
- Blot cooked bacon slices with a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Limit your portion size to 1-2 bacon slices per serving.
- Avoid adding high calorie glazes or coatings like brown sugar.
Health Risks of Too Much Bacon
While bacon does provide some nutritional benefits, eating too much can increase the risk for certain health issues. Some potential risks of excessive bacon intake include:
- Heart Disease: The high saturated fat content of bacon raises LDL cholesterol levels which increases heart disease risk.
- Cancer: Bacon contains carcinogens like nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic amines that are linked to increased cancer risk.
- Obesity: The high fat and calorie content coupled with the sodium can lead to weight gain over time.
- Diabetes: Frequent bacon intake is associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
For optimal health, the American Heart Association recommends limiting processed meat like bacon to 1-2 servings per week.
Conclusion
Kirkland Signature Thick Cut Bacon contains 90 calories and 7g of fat per two slice serving. This is on the lower end compared to other major thick cut bacon brands which range from 80-120 calories per serving. While bacon does provide some nutritional benefits, it is high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Eating too much bacon on a regular basis can potentially increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Those looking to lower their calories should opt for turkey bacon, limit portion sizes, trim excess fat, or look for lower sodium varieties.