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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
