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If you're vegetarian or vegan there are plenty of meat substitutes. We’ve got the low-down on vegan bacon and where to buy it
If you're a committed vegan or planning to cut down on meat in 2021 supermarkets now have many more plant-based options on the shelves. If you're looking for meat substitutes, vegan bacon has come a long way in the last few years.
What is vegan bacon made out of?
Meat-substitute products can be made of pea and or soya protein with wheat or potato.
Flavourings such as smoked paprika, onion, garlic and other vegetables are also added.
Is vegan bacon healthy?
If you’re looking for a healthy option you’ll need to check the packaging. Not all vegan bacons are created equal.
Many are lower in salt than their meaty counterparts.
Some products contain well under 10% of the fat of pork back bacon and minimal to no saturated fat.
Yet, in reality you’re likely to consume a similar amount of calories and fat in some vegan bacon products as you would in a packet of back bacon.
We've included the calorie, fat, protein and salt content as per the packet for each product below in case healthy eating is your motivation.
Where to buy vegan bacon?
Alex Hale, Good Housekeeping's food expert, has picked her favourite vegan bacon products that would work well in butties, fry-ups, salads and pasta dishes.
The best products have a natural meaty, smokey aroma and flavour with a juicy texture and good bite.
If you're after a vegan mayonnaise for your buttie, look out for Rubies in the Rubble Garlic Mayonnaise for a creamy and authentic vegan mayo with a hint of garlic warmth.
1
Best for vegan bacon sandwiches
Sgaia Streaky Rashers (120g)
These thick slices of meaty-tasting vegan bacon are an absolute winner in my book. With an authentic savoury, umami flavour and genuinely smokey aroma they are the closest thing to bacon that I've tried. They have a ‘meaty’ texture with a bit of crunch, making them perfect for bacon butties.
Nutrition per 100g: 185Kcal, 31.5g protein, 1.4g fat, 2.5g salt
2
Best vegan bacon for Pasta, salads and omelettes
THIS Isn't Bacon Plant-Based Rashers (120g)
If you’re looking for a good all rounder for cooking, these chunky vegan rashers are the best bet. Whilst cooking, they have a smokey bacon-like smell, although the flavour is subtle and savoury rather than heavily smoked. The thick, texture of these slices make them perfect for omelettes, macaroni and cheese or salads.
Nutrition per 100g: 152Kcal, 24.5g protein, 1.2g fat, 2.7g salt
3
Best vegan bacon for fry ups
Morrisons V Taste Marinated Bacon (90g)
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Whilst Morrisons’ vegan bacon rashers have an unusual orange brown appearance the texture is juicy and very soft in texture. They have a subtle sweet paprika aroma and flavour. Perhaps a little soft for a bacon sandwich in my book, but great alongside a fry up and delicious in pasta dishes.
Nutrition per 100g: 339Kcal, 27g protein, 19.2g fat, 1.22g salt
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Plant Pioneers’ offering is slightly higher in fat and calories than some of the alternatives, but what it does offer is a honeyed smokey paprika aroma as it sizzles in the frying pan. The flavour and texture are slightly woody but there is a subtle sweetness alongside the paprika. The texture of this product is hard and crunchy once it gets to the plate so not ideal for a fry up or sandwich but would work well crumbled into a salad.
Nutrition per 100g: 347Kcal, 24.5g Protein, 21.1g fat, 1.08g salt
Brand new to the market, this 'Facon' from M&S looks more like streaky bacon than any of its counterparts. Itsmells smoky, subtle and meaty but with a very subtle flavour. The very soft texture of these rashers makes them better designed for a soup or casserole.
Nutrition per 100g: 199Kcal, 10g protein, 12.7g fat, 2.10g salt
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