Bacon vs Chicken Tenderloin
Side-by-side macro comparison. Bacon vs Chicken Tenderloin per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Tenderloin
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Bacon | Chicken Tenderloin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 86 cal | 153 cal | -44% Bacon |
| Protein | 6g | 30g | -80% Bacon |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Bacon |
| Fat | 7g | 3g | +133% Bacon |
Differences shown relative to Bacon. Positive = Bacon has more.
Quick Take
Bacon delivers 86 calories per serving with 6g protein, 0g carbs, and 7g fat. Chicken Tenderloin delivers 153 calories with 30g protein, 0g carbs, and 3g fat. The most meaningful difference: Bacon saves 67 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Chicken Tenderloin wins at 78% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Bacon gives you 67 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Chicken Tenderloin delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Chicken Tenderloin brings 153 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Tenderloin delivers 30g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Bacon and Chicken Tenderloin are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Bacon or Chicken Tenderloin?
Chicken Tenderloin has more protein: 30g vs 6g per serving. That's a difference of 24g.
Which has fewer calories, Bacon or Chicken Tenderloin?
Bacon has 86 calories per serving vs 153 calories in Chicken Tenderloin — a difference of 67 calories.
Is Bacon or Chicken Tenderloin better for keto?
Chicken Tenderloin is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Bacon.
Is Bacon or Chicken Tenderloin better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Bacon gives you more calorie flexibility (67 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chicken Tenderloin delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chicken Tenderloin.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Chicken Tenderloin
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Tenderloin
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Bacon and Chicken Tenderloin stack up:
Full Bacon guide • Full Chicken Tenderloin guide • All comparisons