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Bacon has to be among the unhealthiest foods I’ve ever had in my life, but one thing is certain: it is bloody delicious. If you’ve been vegan for a while now, you’re probably familiar with the first iterations of vegan bacon, also known as ‘cardboard’ bacon.
Thanks to the innovative brands launching new vegan bacon products every year, constantly improving their recipes to get the flavor and texture closer and closer to the meaty original, former bacon-eaters can now indulge in the pleasures of the past.
What Are The Best Vegan Bacon Brands?
I’ve assessed the top vegan bacon brands based on how well they can be adapted in recipes and how closely they resemble the authentic meaty flavor and feel.
Strips and rashers tend to lead the pack due to their diverse cooking applications, whereas bits tend to lag behind in versatility.
Here are six vegan bacon brands I’ve considered the best out of the bunch.
1. Louisville Vegan Jerky
Louisville’s bacon was started in the founder’s home kitchen in 2012, and it’s always been an entirely independent and family-run business.
Currently, Louisville has five different vegan bacon flavors, including maple bacon, perfect pepperoni, smoked black pepper, smoky Carolina BBQ, and buffalo dill.
The saltiness of this jerky is just about right. While certain flavors seem saltier than others, it never reaches that overbearing point where it feels like it’s sucking all the moisture out of my mouth.
That said, if you’re a fan of super dry, tear-apart kind of jerky, this might not be for you.
Louisville Vegan Jerky is on the moist side but in a good way. The texture is one of its strong points. It gives a reminiscent feel of a grilled chicken breast. Some vegan jerkies can be overly dry or get stringy when chewed, often lodging between the teeth, but not this one. And while mushroom-based versions are less prone to getting stuck, they sometimes have a rubbery texture, unlike Louisville’s, which strikes the perfect balance between being chewy and not overly so.
In terms of heat, if you’re hoping for that intense, eye-watering spiciness, this might not be the right fit. Among the flavors, Buffalo Dill stands out as the spiciest, leaving a lingering warmth in the mouth but never bordering on overpowering. Perfect Pepperoni and Smoked Black Pepper trail behind in terms of spiciness, while Maple Bacon and Southern Carolina BBQ are mild and spice-free.
Regarding sweetness, most of the flavors have a touch of it. It’s pleasant for someone who loves a hint of sweetness, but a heads up for those who might not be keen on sweeter jerkies. Still, it’s balanced enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re munching on candied meat.
Louisville Vegan Jerky definitely offers a delightful ensemble of flavors, and it’s interesting to know what they’ll do in the future with the addition of new flavors.
2. Unisoy Plant-Based Jerky
Unisoy stands out with its diverse flavor range, expertly balancing each to be low in sodium while delivering plenty of protein per bag.
The taste and texture? Spot on. If you’re the sort who can’t stop at just one (or a few) pieces, welcome to the club. The moment you grab a piece of that Pineapple Habanero – possibly the best one – you’ll find yourself on a mouth-to-bag loop until, well, the bag is empty.
However, it’s quite spicy, something that not everyone can tolerate.
Shifting gears to the texture, it’s something to write home about. I’ve delved into numerous plant-based meats, and the texture has been a consistent stumbling block.
Yet, with Unisoy, it’s as if you’re biting into the real deal. The chewiness, the genuine jerky texture, it’s all there, at least going by memory.
But, as with all great things, there’s always a small hiccup. The pricing does lean on the steeper side. I’ve had folks tell me they’d fork out even $30 for these, and while I echo the sentiment, a more wallet-friendly tag would be a sweet deal. It’s a sentiment I’ve felt with other vegan jerkies too – some even missing the mark in terms of flavor or texture.
I recall trying Gardine’s jerky, and its overpowering saltiness left me disappointed, making Unisoy’s balanced taste profile all the more commendable.
So, yes, the price may raise an eyebrow, but the quality, flavor, and sheer enjoyment it brings make it worth the money, but only if you’re able to afford it to be honest.
3. Beleaf Vegan Jerky
Yet another small business, independent business, Beleaf makes an effort to innovate in the plant-based space with its jerky imitation, which is also available in five different flavors, including Original, Jalapeno, Spicy, Thai Hot & Sour, and Wasabi.
The first thing that struck me was its consistency. It’s soft, shredded, and undeniably chewy. The mild spiciness is almost deceptive because it’s too easy to keep eating.
As for the value? In comparison to other plant-based jerkies, Beleaf offers decent bang for your buck. There’s a savory depth to it, a mild spiciness that makes it a solid choice for a snack, be it midday or late into the evening.
I appreciate that it isn’t greasy or has an overwhelmingly mushroomy flavor. Yes, there’s a hint of that distinct “vegan alternative” taste, but the Wasabi flavor, for instance, does a commendable job of masking it.
However, I’ve noticed that licorice powder is part of the ingredients list. This makes me raise an eyebrow. Licorice, in significant quantities, can be harmful. Reports even suggest instances of individuals facing adverse effects after consuming large amounts of black licorice.
Without clarity on the exact amount in each bag, I’ve chosen to err on the side of caution, and not review this brand more highly. That being said, the texture did leave an impression. So much so that you might be led to double-check the packaging, confused that there isn’t actual beef jerky in there.
4. Beans Are The New Bacon Bits
When it comes to adding that extra zing to meals, Beans Are The New Bacon Bits by Cool Foods does not disappoint.
Crafted from Pinto Beans and seasoned with hickory, they’re both plant-based and soy-free, making them a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
What truly stands out is their potential to transform into a savory bacon-flavored bean dip with just a splash of hot water.
While they do bring forth an unmistakable bean aroma, their flakey, almost popcorn-like texture is intriguing. The initial bite offers a satisfying crunch which then smoothly transitions to a softer, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
There’s a commendable balance of saltiness, giving an appreciable imitation of bacon. However, I did wish for a more pronounced smoked flavor. When I tried them in mashed potatoes, they retained their flakiness, adding a delightful textural contrast.
Alas, they don’t quite replicate the flavor of bacon to a level that can be called uncanny.
5. Moku Plant-Based Jerky
Moku is a brand that attempts to re-create different flavors of bacon using organically grown mushrooms, and a healthier choice of ingredients.
But let’s quickly address the elephant in the room: the price. When I first glanced at the price tag of Moku’s Plant-Based Jerky, I gasped. Breaking down the math, I think it’s roughly six dollars a bag, which is very expensive in my opinion.
Unless you’re in a particularly extravagant mood and not counting pennies, I don’t see the value in purchasing this often.
Taste-wise, it’s a different story. The flavors are generally pleasing, although the Hawaiian didn’t quite hit the mark as it lacks a spicier kick.
Does Moku manage to capture the essence of traditional jerky? While not perfect, they’ve done a commendable job. After all, replicating the exact taste and texture of jerky is a tough act to follow, especially in the vegan realm, but they’re on the right track, I think.
Of all the flavors, The Original is a tad underwhelming. But to be fair, “original” flavors are not usually my flavors of choice.
The best one has to be the sweet and spicy variant. It’s a flavor profile I naturally gravitate towards. While delightful, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more of a spicy kick (just a personal preference). Though I’d consider a repurchase of this flavor, I must emphasize that it doesn’t exactly mirror the taste of meat-based jerky.
6. Noble Vegan Jerky
When it comes to vegan jerky options, Noble Vegan Jerky presents itself as a fascinating alternative for those seeking a plant-based snack with a semblance to traditional meat jerky. The texture of Noble Jerky does an admirable job of mimicking that unique meaty chew, settling somewhere between soft and chewy.
Starting with the Original flavor, it stands out with its distinctly sweet profile, which might appeal to those who have a penchant for sweeter jerkies. However, some might find it a tad too sweet when drawing parallels with traditional old-fashioned meat jerkies.
The Chipotle flavor offers a hint of spice, though it predominantly leans towards a cumin taste. For those who appreciate the depth and richness of cumin, this might be a refreshing change.
Sweet BBQ delivers on its promise of sweetness. With its thick marinade, it captures the essence of a rich, sweet BBQ sauce. However, one might note that the sauce slightly alters the texture, making it a bit more tender than the other flavors.
The standout among the variety, however, is Teriyaki. Living up to the classic sweetness expected of teriyaki, it emerges as a favorite and would likely be a repurchase for many.
With that being said, Noble Jerky seems to have room for improvement, particularly when it comes to the flavor.
What is Plant-Based Bacon Made Of?
Vegan bacon, as the name suggests, is a type of bacon made without animal meat.
As an alternative to meat, it uses plant-based ingredients to recreate the familiar taste and texture of traditional bacon.
However, it’s important to note that vegan bacon is still very much a novelty that is being driven by innovation, so there isn’t a standard creation process that can be explained in steps.
Different brands have unique recipes, and based on the different ones I’ve come across, there are some of the ingredients used:
- Tempeh: Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh offers a firm texture and is often sliced thinly and marinated to give it a bacon-like flavor.
- Seitan: Sometimes called “wheat meat,” seitan is made from vital wheat gluten. It can be seasoned and shaped to resemble bacon strips. However, it contains gluten, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Tofu: This soy-based ingredient can be sliced, marinated, and then fried or baked. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it a popular choice for vegan bacon recipes.
- Coconut: Thin slices of coconut can be seasoned and baked until they’re crispy. They offer a smoky, slightly sweet bacon alternative.
- Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms, like king oyster, can be sliced and seasoned to create a bacon-like texture and flavor.
- Rice Paper: By layering and seasoning sheets of rice paper and then baking or frying them, one can achieve a crispy texture reminiscent of bacon.
To achieve the signature smoky flavor of traditional bacon, vegan bacon often incorporates ingredients like liquid smoke, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a unique combination of spices. It’s also common to use nutritional yeast for added flavor and a slight hint of cheesiness.
Naturally, each brand uses a different combination of these ingredients (or even different ingredients) to make plant-based bacon taste like the real thing.
Is Vegan Bacon Healthy?
The short answer to this question is— vegan bacon is absolutely not healthy.
While vegan bacon does not contain the cholesterol and certain fats found in traditional bacon, it doesn’t automatically qualify it as a healthy food.
Vegan bacon is a processed food. Just like many processed products, it can contain artificial additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium.
These ingredients, if consumed in excess, are dangerous. Furthermore, many vegan bacon brands use salt and soy sauce to replicate the savory flavor of traditional bacon, which can make vegan bacon quite high in sodium, and as research suggests, sodium is linked to increased blood pressure and other health concerns.
Moreover, while vegan bacon does not contain saturated animal fats, some brands might use oils that, when consumed in large quantities, can contribute to excessive calorie intake— not to mention that they might also contain saturated fat.
To goal of vegan bacon is to mimic the taste and texture of traditional bacon, meaning it does not offer as many vitamins and minerals as whole, unprocessed plant foods.
On the brighter side, vegan bacon has a few merits, for instance, it does not contain any cholesterol, and higher levels of cholesterol are linked to various health issues, including heart disease. However, I would still only eat it on a Sunday.
How To Actually Make Vegan Bacon At Home
Listen, I’m not an expert at judging vegan bacon, but the following vegan bacon recipe is super impressive:
According to most of the comments on the video, this recipe’s similarity to real bacon is uncanny, which is saying a LOT. If you wish to make vegan bacon at home, this is the one you should be trying out.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Not all vegan bacon is gluten-free. Some vegan bacon products might use vital wheat gluten (seitan) as a primary ingredient, which contains gluten— in fact, we’ve included a seitan-based bacon above. Always scan the label before you buy vegan bacon.
Yes, vegan bacon is generally considered a processed food. It’s made by taking various plant-based ingredients and transforming them to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional bacon.
Traditional bacon often contains nitrates or nitrites as preservatives. Vegan bacon might not contain these same preservatives since it doesn’t have animal meat, but it depends on the brand and product. Some vegan bacon might use nitrates or other additives for flavor or preservation purposes. Again, be sure to scan the label if you wish to avoid nitrates.
Editor’s note: The content on this website is meant to be informative, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The content of our articles is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always best to speak with your doctor or a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, or trying a new supplement.
