The Best Fake Bacon Brands: Vegan and Vegetarian Bacons Taste-Tested
Discover the top-rated vegan and vegetarian bacon alternatives, complete with flavor and texture profiles, cooking tips, and shopping guidance.
The Best Fake Bacon Brands: Comprehensive Reviews & Rankings
For many breakfast lovers and sandwich aficionados, bacon is an essential part of the meal experience. But whether for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, more people are seeking out plant-based and vegetarian bacon alternatives. The good news is: today’s market offers a wide variety of delicious options that deliver on smoky, savory flavor and satisfy those crispy (or chewy) cravings. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive review of the best fake bacon brands, based on taste, texture, ingredients, cookability, and accessibility.
What Makes Plant-Based Bacon Great?
The best vegan or vegetarian bacon delivers:
- Smoky, savory notes reminiscent of classic pork bacon
- Satisfying textures, from crisp edges to a chewy bite
- Balanced salt and subtle sweetness
- Simple, recognizable ingredients, often rich in protein
- Convenience: easy to cook and widely available
This guide focuses on ready-to-cook strips designed to rival real bacon, taste-tested and compared for culinary excellence and versatility.
Top Plant-Based Bacon Brands
1. Thrilling Foods Bakon Strips: The New Benchmark
Thrilling Foods Bakon Strips have quickly developed a cult following among bacon enthusiasts craving authenticity without pork. These thick-cut strips are salt-cured and smoked, using just eight simple ingredients—like soy milk, palm oil shortening, radish, paprika, and maple syrup—that combine for a remarkably realistic flavor and mouthfeel.
- Texture: Crisp on the outside, tender inside, with pan and oven methods both delivering that coveted chew and even leaving behind bacon-like drippings.
- Flavor: Smoky, bold umami profile with sweet caramel accents. A convincing dupe for conventional bacon’s signature taste.
- Nutrition: Packs 6 grams of protein per 11.5g serving—more than real pork bacon (3.9g)—plus, it’s made without animal cruelty.
- Downsides: Limited retail availability (currently via direct order, with a three-pack minimum), and a higher price point than most slicers in its class.
Best for: BLTs, breakfast platters, snacking; anyone seeking a premium, protein-rich, and authentic bacon experience.
2. MorningStar Farms Thick Cut Bacon Strips: Crowned for Realism
MorningStar Farms is a pioneering name in the plant-based meat scene. Their Thick Cut Bacon Strips raise the bar for what vegetarian bacon can achieve, boasting a rich, smoky cured flavor reminiscent of classic applewood bacon.
- Texture: Lean and lightly crisp, with a texture close to turkey bacon. Best cooked on stovetop or in the oven for a crunchier bite; avoid microwaving to prevent chalkiness.
- Flavor: Balanced smokiness and saltiness, with hints of black pepper and applewood.
- Ingredients: Contains egg whites and dairy, so it’s vegetarian, not vegan.
- Other Options: Classic Bacon Strips are thinner, crisper, but easier to overcook and more reminiscent of bacon bits in taste. The thick-cut version is strongly preferred for realism.
Best for: Non-vegan vegetarians seeking a mainstream, widely available bacon for breakfast and sandwiches.
3. Lightlife Smart Bacon & Tempeh Bacon: High-Protein, Accessible, and Affordable
Lightlife delivers two major contenders:
Smart Bacon
- Base: Soy-based, vegan, and one of the most widely distributed brands.
- Texture: Firmer and drier than other strips, with a subtle smokiness; resembles bacon bits more than pork strips. Not greasy—oil can be brushed on before cooking for crispness.
- Nutrition: 5g protein per serving, zero saturated fat.
- Strengths: Affordable and easy to find at stores like Whole Foods, Albertsons, and Kroger. Carbon-neutral company since 2020.
Tempeh Bacon
- Base: Fermented tempeh provides an even bigger protein punch (12g per serving).
- Texture: Thicker, crumbly slices; less authentic as bacon but excellent in sandwiches, especially BLTs or veggie wraps.
Best for: Budget shoppers, those seeking soy-based or tempeh-based protein, and anyone wanting a convenient grocery store option.
4. Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon: Smoky & Distinctive
Sweet Earth’s Hickory and Sage Benevolent Bacon stands out for its unique, ingredient-rich formula: vital wheat gluten, adzuki beans, buckwheat, smoked paprika, and a touch of maple syrup.
- Appearance: Thick, flavorful-looking strips speckled with visible spices.
- Texture: Fragile before cooking, but gets crispy if pan-fried a few extra minutes.
- Flavor: Sweet, smoky, and reminiscent of BBQ—delicious, but doesn’t mimic bacon exactly (more like a sweet, soft fake brisket).
- Nutrition: Two slices = 8g protein; sodium comparable to real bacon.
Best for: Creative sandwiches or as a stand-alone treat for those who enjoy bold, sweet-and-smoky flavors.
5. Unreal Deli Bacon: Veggie Innovation with Butternut Squash
Unreal Deli brings inventiveness to plant-based bacon, using butternut squash and fava beans for their bacon slices. The result is a product that cooks up with rich sizzle and delivers a smoky, crispy finish.
- Texture: Meaty and robust, slightly softer than pork bacon but satisfying all the same.
- Flavor: Smoky, with a veggie undertone and authentic crispiness.
- Ingredients: Focuses on whole foods and uncommon veggie bases, making it appealing to health-focused eaters.
Best for: Adventurous eaters and those seeking a bacon alternative with minimal processing and inventive ingredients.
6. Umaro Foods Bacon: Seaweed-Powered Newcomer
Umaro Bacon is unique in the market, building its strips from protein-rich seaweed. Praised for bringing a dose of innovation and sustainability, Umaro is gradually carving out its own flavor niche in the plant-based category.
- Texture: Oily and rich, very different from others for its slightly marine, savory depth.
- Flavor: Not as close to classic bacon as other top contenders, but makes a delicious, fatty, umami-forward option.
Best for: Eco-conscious eaters and those interested in new, ocean-derived protein sources.
7. Upton’s Naturals Seitan Bacon: Artisan-Style Vegan Slices
Upton’s Naturals is known for bold, plant-based cuts. Their Seitan Bacon delivers an artisanal twist, boasting a hearty chew and rich, smoky flavor from wheat-based seitan.
- Texture: Firm and robust, best when crisped in the skillet.
- Flavor: Rich and savory with a pronounced smoky edge, slightly wheat-forward aftertaste.
Best for: Gourmet sandwiches, chopped salads, or as a savory crumbled topping.
Comparing Fake Bacon Brands: At-a-Glance Table
| Brand | Main Ingredients | Protein (per serving) | Texture & Taste | Vegan | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling Foods Bakon Strips | Soy milk, palm oil shortening, natural flavor | 6g | Crisp, chewy, smoky with sweet umami | Yes | Limited/Online |
| MorningStar Farms Thick Cut | Soy protein, egg whites, milk | 5g | Rich smoke, lean crisp; turkey bacon-like | No (Vegetarian) | Widespread |
| Lightlife Smart Bacon | Soy, wheat gluten | 5g | Firm, dry, smoky; bacon bit flavor | Yes | Widespread |
| Lightlife Tempeh Bacon | Tempeh (fermented soy) | 12g | Thick, crumbly; sandwich topper | Yes | Widespread |
| Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon | Wheat gluten, adzuki beans, buckwheat | 8g | Thick, sweet, BBQ-like; less bacon-y | Yes | Widespread |
| Unreal Deli Bacon | Butternut squash, fava beans | – | Meaty, smoky, veggie twist | Yes | Emerging/Online |
| Umaro Foods Bacon | Seaweed protein | – | Oily, umami, unique | Yes | Emerging/Online |
| Upton’s Seitan Bacon | Wheat gluten, natural seasonings | – | Chewy, rich, smoky | Yes | Specialty |
How to Choose & Cook Plant-Based Bacon
Choosing the Right Fake Bacon
- Check dietary requirements: Many brands are vegan, but some—like MorningStar Farms—contain dairy or egg.
- Ingredient transparency: Seek brands using clearly labeled, whole-food ingredients for the healthiest options.
- Protein content: If you want a hearty breakfast staple or sandwich base, look for higher-protein options.
- Local availability: Some brands are easier to find nationally, while others may require online ordering.
- Budget: Prices vary widely; Lightlife and Sweet Earth offer value, while artisan brands like Thrilling Foods come at a premium.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Skillet or oven is best: For most brands, pan-frying or oven-baking gives maximum crispiness (avoid microwaving unless instructed).
- Use a little oil for drier brands: Light brushing before cooking helps with non-greasy strips.
- Timing is everything: Watch thin strips closely to avoid burning; thicker strips may benefit from a bit of extra time for edge crisping.
- Layer flavors: Add to BLTs, wraps, and salads for smoky depth, or try crumbling atop soups and stews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is vegan bacon healthier than pork bacon?
Many vegan and vegetarian bacons are lower in saturated fat and calories, and often contain no cholesterol. However, some may be high in sodium and use processed ingredients, so always check nutrition labels. Brands made with whole foods like tempeh or legumes tend to be the healthiest choices.
Are all fake bacon brands vegan?
No. Some, such as MorningStar Farms’ classic and thick-cut strips, use egg whites and dairy. Always read ingredient lists for dietary compatibility.
Can I cook plant-based bacon in the microwave?
Some brands are microwave-friendly, but for best texture and flavor, stick with the oven or a skillet. Thin strips can become chalky in the microwave.
How do I store fake bacon?
Most must be kept refrigerated and used within days of opening. Some shelf-stable options exist but check labels and manufacturer’s advice.
Are there gluten-free fake bacon options?
Yes, but many vegan bacons use wheat gluten (seitan) as a base. For gluten-free needs, seek out brands using soy, tempeh, or legumes.
Final Thoughts: Why Plant-Based Bacon is Worth Trying
Skipping pork doesn’t mean giving up bacon’s flavor forever. Modern vegan and vegetarian bacon brands have evolved to provide all the smoky, salty, and crispy pleasure of traditional slices—without sacrificing ethics or taste. With ongoing innovation in ingredients and techniques, the plant-based bacon universe only keeps getting better. Try out a few top picks listed above and you’ll discover just how satisfying—and versatile—these alternatives can be in any kitchen.
