- Bacon and sausage are arguably the most popular breakfast meat options.
- Bacon is the lower-calorie and lower-fat option of the two.
- A serving of sausage links contains the most protein, but the protein content of sausage patties and bacon strips is comparable.
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When it comes to breakfast foods, few are quite as common as sausage and bacon. Although most people have a preference for taste, what most people don’t actually know is which is healthier.
Whether you're looking for a more healthful breakfast (or brunch) routine, or are simply curious as to whether or not you should opt for sausage or bacon depending on your personal wellness goals and nutrient needs, we’ve compiled the important info you’ll need on these breakfast staples.
Compared to its competition, bacon is the lower-calorie option
On average, two slices of pan-fried bacon contains about 80-90 calories, depending on whether or not it’s seasoned or unseasoned and how thick the slices are. A serving of sausage on the other hand typically contains 100 calories per sausage patty and 170 calories per serving of sausage links.
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If you’re counting calories in hopes of gaining, losing, or maintaining weight,you may want to be mindful of the calories counts for these breakfast favorites.
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With more calories, comes higher fat and protein values
Using Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage products for reference, sausage contains 9-13 grams of total fat per serving, depending on whether or not your prefer sausage patties or links, with3-4.5grams of saturated fats. Yet, a two-slice serving of bacon contains only 5grams of fat, two of which are saturated fats.
Some fats in the diet are necessary but consider your goals when selecting the breakfast meat that’s best for you. Based on fat content alone, bacon is the healthier option.
If you're hoping to consume a high protein breakfast, the two meat options are comparable
A serving of bacon contains 6grams of protein, while a1.1-ounce patty of sausage generally contains 5grams of protein, and a serving of three sausage links contains 10 grams of protein.
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Karen Ansel previously told INSIDER, "You really want to start the day with some protein so that it will keep you full from breakfast until lunch, and again you want to have a decent amount at lunch too, so it will keep you full from lunch until dinner."
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Overall, it seems bacon is the healthier breakfast meat of the two, especially if you can stick to just one serving
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