Every Cut of Pork Ranked by Calories, Per Ounce Cooked (2026)

Explore the calorie content of various pork cuts and processed options.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

The leanest pork cut is tenderloin at 42 calories per ounce, while belly/bacon has the highest at 42 calories. Other notable cuts include loin chop at 60 calories and ribs at 80 calories.

This reference provides a comprehensive overview of pork cuts and processed pork items, ranked by calories per ounce cooked. Data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central, chain published nutrition, and manufacturer labels.

What Are the Caloric Values of Different Pork Cuts?

Pork cuts vary significantly in caloric content based on their fat content and preparation. Each cut has a distinct nutritional profile, impacting its calorie count.

Cut (1 oz cooked) Calories Protein (g) Fat (g)
Tenderloin 42 7 1
Loin Chop 60 8 3
Sirloin 55 8 2
Ham 46 7 2
Leg 45 7 2
Shoulder/Butt 70 8 4
Ribs 80 7 6
Belly/Bacon 120 8 10
Ground Pork 76 8 5

Tenderloin is the leanest cut, while belly/bacon is the fattiest.

What Are the Caloric Values of Processed Pork?

Processed pork products often contain added ingredients that increase their calorie counts. Understanding these values can help in making informed dietary choices.

Item Serving Calories Protein (g) Fat (g)
Bacon 1 slice (0.5 oz) 42 3 3
Sausage 1 link (1 oz) 85 5 7
Ham Deli 1 oz 30 5 1
Salami 1 oz 100 6 8
Prosciutto 1 oz 70 5 4
Chorizo 1 oz 120 7 10

Processed pork can be higher in calories due to added fats and preservatives.

Which Pork Cut Has the Fewest Calories?

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Which Pork Cut Has the Most Calories?

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Which Has the Fewest Calories?

Which Has the Most Calories?

How to Track Pork Calories Accurately

Estimating calories by eye can be challenging due to variations in cooking methods and fat content. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies pork and cooked meat from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see every bean and legume ranked by calories, every cracker ranked by calories, and every dried fruit ranked by calories.

How We Calculated These Numbers

Data was compiled using USDA FoodData Central, chain published nutrition information, and manufacturer labels. Serving sizes were standardized to one ounce cooked, and values were rounded to the nearest 5 or 10 calories. Macros were also rounded to whole grams for clarity. Figures are compiled from Nutrola's food database, which is anchored to USDA FoodData Central, chain published data, and manufacturer labels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the leanest cut of pork?

The leanest cut of pork is tenderloin, containing approximately 42 calories per ounce. It is low in fat and high in protein.

How many calories are in bacon?

Bacon contains about 42 calories per slice (0.5 oz). When cooked, its calorie density increases due to fat rendering.

Which pork cut is best for weight loss?

Pork tenderloin is ideal for weight loss due to its low calorie and fat content. It provides a good amount of protein as well.

Are processed pork products healthier?

Processed pork products can be higher in calories and fat due to added ingredients. It's important to read labels for nutritional information.

What is the calorie content of ground pork?

Ground pork contains about 76 calories per ounce cooked. It can vary based on the fat content of the meat used.

How does cooking method affect pork calories?

Cooking methods can alter the calorie content of pork. For instance, frying may add calories from oil, while baking may retain lower calorie levels.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenderloin is the leanest cut of pork.
  • Belly/bacon is the fattiest option.
  • Processed pork can have higher calorie counts.
  • Caloric values vary by cooking method.
  • Ground pork is a versatile option.
  • Understanding serving sizes is key to managing intake.

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