Your Guide to Picking The Perfect Vegan Bacon
Whenever people talk about going vegan, one of the biggest roadblocks is…
“How could I ever live without bacon?”
There's something about bacon that we collectively go crazy over. But we're happy to report that with today's quality vegan bacon brands, we don't have to miss out on this cherished favorite anymore.
We put together a guide to picking the perfect plant-based bacon for your nutritional needs and preferences. With these innovative “fakon” creations, you can get your bacon fix without harming any sensitive, intelligent pig pals in the process.
To help you find your new vegan bacon obsession, we've divided our top picks based on their nutritional profile. Since everyone has unique dietary requirements, what works best for one person might not be the ideal fit for another. Experiment with a few of these delicious products to find what works for you.
Vegan Bacon Strips
If you're looking for standard bacon strips, you've got plenty of options. Toss these in with a tofu scramble, add them to your veggie burger, or enjoy them as a sneaky snack. In truth, you can use these substitutes however you've used bacon before.
Low Sodium
Tofurky Smoky Tempeh Vegan Bacon Strips
If you’re trying to keep your sodium down, these Tempeh Strips are one of your best options. While it’s lower in protein than our other picks, it’s one of the highest in iron with 20% per serving. In order to get that classic crispy quality, they recommend frying the strips in 1-2 tbsp of oil in a cast-iron pan.
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Low Fat
Lightlife Tempeh Smoky Bacon
With a sweet and savory marinade, Lightlife's smoky tempeh strips imitate the flavor of traditional bacon to near perfection! Add this whole foods option to your sandwiches or vegan potato hash for a breakfast of champions.
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Low In Calories
All Vegetarian Inc. Vegan Bacon Slices
These incredible plant-based bacon strips taste like a vegan turkey bacon! But best of all, they sit at just 25 calories per 20g serving. They're also low in fat and saturated fat, at under 1g of each. Enjoy them baked in the oven for soft, meaty texture, or cooked in a touch of oil for crispy bacon-y goodness!
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Highest in B12
Yves Veggie Bacon
Who couldn't use a little extra B12 in their diet? These Veggie Bacon slices offer 20% B12 per serving. They are low in fats, but high in iron and protein. Additionally, these are the lowest calorie option with only 25 calories, and 5g of protein per 20g serving. The best way to add some plant protein to your avocado toast or veggie sandwiches!
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Sweet Earth Hickory Sage Benevolent Vegan Bacon
For starters, how great is the name Benevolent Bacon? We love the reminder that vegan bacon brands like this one offers all the sizzling taste with none of the cruelty. Besides promising 4g of protein per 20g serving, it's also got 75% less fat than regular bacon. They use cumin, sage, and garlic to create that full flavor.
Meat The Mushroom Shroomacon
Looking for a plant-based bacon swap that will cook up just as crispy as the real deal? Meat The Mushroom's Shroomacon is made of sliced mushrooms and seasonings... That's it! This natural choice fits right into your whole foods diet, and is quick and easy to prepare for breakfast platters, burgers, wraps, and salads.
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Most Affordable Swap
Lightlife Smart Bacon
At 5g of protein per 20g serving, Lightlife's Smart Bacon is the perfect nutritious, low-fat addition to salads, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps! It's also one of the lowest in carbs, at less than 1g per serving. Best of all, you can find it for under $5.00 at select retailers! (Price may vary.) Just keep in mind, it does contain soy and gluten.
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Vegan Bacon Bits
Vegan bacon bits are undeniably convenient. They are perfect for sprinkling on salads, stews, or a fully loaded baked potato. Here are our top recommendations.
Accidentally Vegan
McCormick Bac’n Pieces Bacon Flavored Bits
One of the best things about “accidentally vegan” products is how easy they are to find in stores. These Bacon Flavored Bits are easily accessible and made from artificially flavored soy. On the negative side, they are the highest in sodium with 180mg per serving.
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Badia Bacon Bits Imitation
Another coincidentally vegan option, these Bacon Bits have 120mg of sodium per suggested 1 tbsp serving. Like the previous product, these are also made with soy flour. One advantage of this product is that it offers 3g of protein, the highest of all the bacon bits.
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Health-Conscious
Cool Foods Veggie Bacon Bits & Dips Hickory Style
If soy isn’t your thing, check out these Veggie Bacon Bits & Dips. Made with pinto beans, these bits also contain vitamin E. As another perk, if you add hot water to these Bacon Bits, you have an instant dairy-free, hickory smoked dip.
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Notable Mention
Umaro Foods Vegan Bacon
Although only available at select restaurants and by the case for now, Umaro Foods' signature product is everything you look for in bacon, vegan or not! It was even featured on Shark Tank, and is backed by Mark Cuban. For that unmistakable melt-in-your mouth texture, smoky flavor, and crispy exterior, you have to try this option whenever you get a chance!
Vegan Bacon Brand Nutritional Comparison Table
So, which of these vegan bacon brands has piqued your interest? Let us know your favorite in the comments!
So, which vegan bacon has piqued your interest? Let us know your favorite in the comments!
