Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon

Woolworths Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon by Woolworths has 143 kcal, 0 g carbs, 7.1 g protein and 11.6 g fat per serving (Per 50 g serving).

Calories143kcal
Carbs0g
Protein7.1g
Fat11.6g
About it

Woolworths Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon is a high-fat, protein-rich food made from 100% South African pork, smoked with oak wood for enhanced flavor. Each 50 g serving provides 142.5 kcal, 11.6 g of fat, and 7.1 g of protein, with negligible carbohydrates. This product is suitable for athletes looking to increase dietary fat intake, but its high sodium content (341 mg per serving) should be considered in the context of overall electrolyte balance. While bacon can add flavor and fat to meals, its role in endurance nutrition is limited due to the absence of carbohydrates, which are critical for glycogen replenishment and energy during prolonged exercise. It may be used in low-carb, high-fat dietary strategies, but its utility in traditional endurance fueling is minimal.

  • High in protein for muscle repair
  • Rich smoky flavor enhances meals
  • High-fat content for ketogenic diets

On the label per serving, Per 50 g serving

Energy596 kJ
Calories143 kcal
Carbs0.0 g
Sugar0.3 g
Fibre0.1 g
Protein7.1 g
Fat11.6 g
Saturated fat4.7 g
Cholesterol23 mg
Sodium341 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density0%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal239 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density11.9 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour—How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileWith 0 g of carbs per serving, this bacon has no impact on blood sugar levels, making it suitable for low-carb diets but not for glycogen replenishment.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Streaky Bacon is not a conventional endurance fuel due to its lack of carbohydrates. Its high-fat content can be useful for athletes on ketogenic diets, but its high sodium and fat content make it unsuitable for pre-race or during-race consumption. It's best used for flavor enhancement or as a protein source in recovery meals.

Who it is for

This bacon is primarily for athletes following a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) or ketogenic diet, where fat is the primary energy source. It's also suitable for those looking to increase protein intake for muscle repair. However, endurance athletes relying on carbohydrate-based fueling strategies will find limited use for this product in their performance nutrition plan.

Best sessions

Ideal for low-intensity, long-duration sessions where fat oxidation is prioritized, or during off-season periods when carbohydrate intake is reduced.

Pros
  • High protein content aids muscle repair
  • Rich flavor enhances meal palatability
  • Suitable for ketogenic dietary strategies
  • Convenient and easy to cook
Cons
  • High sodium content may affect hydration
  • No carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment
  • High fat content may cause GI distress during exercise
Watch out for
  • High sodium intake may lead to dehydration
  • High fat content can slow gastric emptying

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended for during-workout use due to lack of carbohydrates and potential for GI distress from high fat content.

Glycaemic profile

With 0 g of carbs per serving, this bacon has no impact on blood sugar levels, making it suitable for low-carb diets but not for glycogen replenishment.

Electrolytes

Contains 341 mg of sodium per serving, which contributes to sodium intake but may require additional sources to meet 300-600 mg/hr sweat loss.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
0 g
Hourly capacity
0

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Streaky Bacon is high in fat and protein but lacks carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for pre-race, during-race, and recovery contexts where glycogen replenishment is critical. Its high sodium content requires careful electrolyte management. It may be cautiously used in everyday training for athletes on ketogenic diets.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because high fat content slows gastric emptying and lacks carbohydrates for glycogen loading.

Pair it with
  • Eggs for a protein-rich breakfast
  • Avocado for added healthy fats
  • Leafy greens for a balanced meal

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited direct evidence supports bacon's role in endurance nutrition; recommendations are based on general dietary principles.

In a carb load

Streaky Bacon has a carb density of 0 g per 100 g, making it unsuitable for carb loading. It provides no carbohydrates per serving, thus contributing nothing toward a 600 g daily target for a 70 kg athlete. The athlete would need an impractical number of servings to meet any carbohydrate loading requirement, which is not feasible given the product's composition.

Digestion and absorption

Bacon undergoes slow gastric emptying due to its high fat content, which delays digestion. The protein content is broken down by peptidases in the small intestine, but without carbohydrates, it doesn't engage SGLT1 or GLUT5 transporters. The high fat content can also slow gastric emptying further, potentially leading to GI discomfort if consumed in large quantities pre-exercise.

Recovery

Bacon provides protein, which can aid muscle repair, but the amount per serving is inadequate to meet post-exercise recovery needs. It lacks carbohydrates, essential for glycogen resynthesis, and its high sodium content requires careful management to prevent dehydration. Overall, it fails to meet the comprehensive requirements for effective recovery.

Downsides

Bacon's high sodium content can exacerbate dehydration if not balanced with adequate fluid intake. Its high fat content may slow gastric emptying, leading to GI distress during exercise. The absence of carbohydrates makes it unsuitable for pre-exercise glycogen loading or post-exercise glycogen replenishment. Additionally, frequent consumption could contribute to dietary imbalances.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions where rapid energy is needed.
  • Not suitable for athletes with sodium-sensitive hypertension.
Clinical risks
  • High sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
  • Excessive fat consumption can slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress.
  • Lack of carbohydrates makes it unsuitable for glycogen replenishment.
  • High saturated fat content may impact cardiovascular health over time.

Questions about Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon

How many carbs are in Streaky Wood Smoked Bacon by Woolworths?

0 g of carbs per serving (Per 50 g serving), with 143 kcal and 7.1 g protein.

Can I eat bacon before a race?

It's not recommended due to high fat content which slows gastric emptying and lacks carbohydrates needed for energy.

Is bacon suitable for recovery meals?

Bacon lacks sufficient carbs and protein for effective recovery, making it unsuitable as a primary recovery food.

How does bacon fit into a low-carb diet?

Bacon is high in fat and protein, making it suitable for low-carb, high-fat diets like ketogenic diets.

What are the sodium concerns with bacon?

Bacon contains high sodium levels, which can affect hydration and electrolyte balance during endurance activities.

Can bacon be used during workouts?

Bacon is not recommended during workouts due to its high fat content and lack of carbohydrates.

How should bacon be stored?

Bacon should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed by the expiration date for safety and quality.

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