One pan-fried slice of Applegate turkey bacon gives about 30 calories, ~5 g protein, ~1–1.5 g fat, and ~150 mg sodium, depending on slice size.
Calories
Protein
Sodium
Pan Fried Slice
- Crisps fast in 3–4 minutes
- Render a touch more fat
- Flip often for even browning
Crispy
Microwaved Slice
- Quick, even heat
- Slightly softer bite
- Good for batch prep
Fast
Two-Slice Serving
- ~60 calories
- ~10 g protein
- ~300 mg sodium
Light Meal
What These Slices Offer
People reach for these smoky strips when they want lean protein with quick cook times. You get the familiar breakfast aroma, a tidy label, and portion control that’s almost automatic. Each strip is small, so you can scale from one to three without guesswork or waste.
Common retail packs list one pan-fried strip at about 30 calories with roughly 5 grams of protein and 1–1.5 grams of fat. Microwaved pieces land in the same neighborhood. Values shift with slice thickness and heat exposure, so treat any panel number as a guide, not a promise.
Macro Snapshot You Can Use
The table rounds typical label values so you can plan meals fast. It starts with a single strip, then doubles it for a two-strip serving that fits most breakfast plates.
| Nutrient | Per 1 Slice | Per 2 Slices |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~30 | ~60 |
| Protein | ~5 g | ~10 g |
| Total Fat | ~1–1.5 g | ~2–3 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0–0.5 g | ~0–1 g |
| Carbohydrate | ~0 g | ~0 g |
| Sugars | ~0 g | ~0 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg | ~300 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~20 mg | ~40 mg |
Public databases list a microwaved slice around 30 calories with a small protein hit and near-zero carbs. Brands vary, so your package rules the final count. You can see a representative entry on MyFoodData.
Sodium can pile up once you add bread, cheese, or sauces. Federal guidance sets an adult daily cap of 2,300 milligrams, so two strips take a modest slice of that budget. The FDA sodium page explains the target and why packaged foods drive most intake.
Ingredients And “Uncured” Meaning
These strips come from turkey with water and small amounts of sea salt, celery powder, onion powder, and spices. Applewood or hickory smoke provides the familiar profile. The “uncured” wording signals no synthetic sodium nitrite added; celery powder supplies natural nitrates that still bring cured color and flavor when heated.
Labels differ by line. Some packs are organic, others aren’t. Macros look similar across the range, but sodium lines shift a bit. Read the fine print in the store and match it to your plan.
Portions, Cooking, And Texture Control
Heat changes water loss and crisp level. A microwave dries the surface quickly; a skillet renders a touch more fat and browns the edges; an oven gives even results when you need a batch. Use a rack on a sheet pan if you want less surface oil and flatter pieces.
For crisp edges, start in a cold nonstick pan and set medium heat. Flip each minute until the color deepens and the center firms up. Pull a bit earlier for a chewier bite. Paper towels help wick off surface moisture and keep slices snappy.
Method Differences You’ll Notice
The next table sets expectations across common methods using one slice as a reference. It won’t replace your label, but it helps pick a pan or microwave time without second-guessing.
| Method | Calories & Fat | Texture Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pan Fried | ~30 kcal; ~1–1.5 g fat | Crispy edge; browns fast |
| Microwaved | ~30 kcal; ~1–1.5 g fat | Even cook; softer bite |
| Baked On Rack | ~30 kcal; ~1–1.5 g fat | Flat, drier surface |
How To Build A Balanced Plate
Anchor a meal with protein, add slow carbs, and slide in produce. Two strips pair well with eggs, oats, or avocado toast at breakfast. At lunch, tuck slices into a whole-grain wrap with lettuce, tomato, and mustard. For dinner, crumble onto a salad with chickpeas and roasted veg.
To keep sodium steady, skip salty cheese on the same plate. Choose fresh fruit, yogurt without added sugar, or simple roasted potatoes as sides. Herbs, lemon, and a dab of mustard carry flavor without pushing sodium higher.
Portion Ideas For Common Goals
For a light snack, one strip next to fruit feels tidy. For a steady breakfast, two strips with eggs or tofu scramble work well. For macro-heavy training meals, build three to four strips into a bowl with rice, beans, and peppers, then salt the base sparingly.
Label Literacy That Saves Time
Start with serving size and slices per pack. Then scan calories, protein, fat, and sodium. Ingredient lists are short here, so the macros do the heavy lifting in your decision. If two packs sit side by side, pick the one that fits your plan on sodium and protein first, then weigh price.
Claims You’ll Often See
No sugar added: sweeteners don’t drive flavor in this style, so grams of sugar stay near zero. The calorie line mainly comes from protein and a small share of fat.
Gluten free: these strips are naturally free of wheat ingredients. Cross-contact risks sit low in this category, but packages still carry the callout.
Program approvals: some lines meet Whole30 or paleo checklists. If that matters to you, confirm marks on the pack you’re buying.
Smart Swaps And Pairings
If you want more protein per bite, layer strips with egg whites, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt on the side. If fat grams feel tight that day, use a dry nonstick pan and skip added oil. If sodium is your pinch point, add volume with tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens to blunt the salt hit.
For breakfast meats in general, lean patties made from turkey or chicken can offer similar protein with different sodium lines. Plant-based strips vary widely; many taste great but can land higher in sodium. Read those labels the same way and match them to your plan.
Storage, Food Safety, And Prep Rhythm
Unopened packs keep in the fridge to the date on the label. Once opened, wrap tightly and use within a week. Cooked strips hold well in a sealed container for three to four days. Freeze extras flat between sheets of parchment; thaw overnight and crisp in a dry pan.
When cooking for a crowd, bake on a rack so you can turn once and finish a whole pack in one go. Hold cooked pieces on a paper towel–lined tray to keep them crisp while you plate.
When To Choose Something Else
Those tracking sodium for medical reasons may prefer lower-sodium breakfast options. Oats with berries, yogurt bowls, and nut butter toast help keep the day’s salt in range. If you want a pork-style flavor with less processing, center the meal on eggs and sprinkle a small crumble of crisped turkey strips as seasoning instead of a full serving.
Bottom Line For Busy Mornings
This product sits in a handy spot: lean, fast, and portion-friendly. Per slice you get a modest calorie count and a clean protein bump. Salt demands a plan, so build plates with fresh sides and skip extra salty add-ons. Cook it the way you like it and let the label guide the final numbers.