Vegan bacon—sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Yet, it’s become something of a kitchen staple for those on a plant-based diet. As more folks are turning to vegan options, the demand for alternatives to classic foods like bacon is soaring. This article will guide you through the world of vegan bacon and help you discover the best brands around. Also read why pigs need our help more than ever.
Sgaia Foods is a Scottish company founded by two Italian foodies. Made with seitan (wheat-meat) this is complicated to make yourself, but looks and tastes like the real thing.
If your council does not collect plastic packaging, recycle at supermarket bag bins. Read up on keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen (many vegan meats are unsafe near animal friends due to onion, garlic, spices etc).
Although it’s good to eat ‘natural foods’ (like lentils), most people like the taste of meat. But in a country of 60 million people, there is not enough land for everyone to eat free-range. So if you don’t want factory farms, it’s necessary for everyone to eat plant-based for at least of the time.
What is Vegan Bacon?
Vegan bacon is your bacon fix minus the meat. Made from plant-based ingredients, it captures the smoky, salty goodness of traditional bacon without harming a single pig. The delight of vegan bacon lies in its ability to mimic the texture and flavour of pork bacon while being meat-free. But what’s it actually made of?
The ingredients might surprise you! Tempeh, seitan, and coconut are some of the usual suspects. Tempeh offers a nutty texture, while seitan has a chewy, meat-like quality. Meanwhile, coconut bacon brings crunchy sweetness with a hint of savoury zest. Each ingredient offers its own twist, making vegan bacon a versatile treat.
What do you gain from switching to vegan bacon? For starters, it’s usually lower in fat and cholesterol. Traditional bacon can come with a side of guilt due to these factors. Plus, vegan bacon is often packed with fibre due to its plant-based nature, making it a healthier alternative for those watching their waistline.
Top Vegan Bacon Brands
Sgaia Foods is a Scottish company founded by two Italian foodies. Made with seitan (wheat-meat) this is complicated to make yourself, but looks and tastes like the real thing.
La Vie Bacon is a best-selling French product, also sold in a smoked version. This is part of Burger King’s vegan whoppers (alas the fast food chain still grills it on the same ones used for meat, which rather defeats the point.
THIS Isn’t Bacon is widely sold in supermarkets (the founder used to sell real meat, so knows what it tastes like). Also look out for the ready-made chicken and bacon salad with sundried-tomato, spinach & vegan mayo.
How to Cook Vegan Bacon
Frying is quick and gives a nice crisp. Baking lets you control the crispiness with ease. Simply lay the slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. For the new-age cooks, air-frying is also a great option, offering crunchy goodness with less oil.
How about a dash of nutritional yeast for some cheesy notes? Or maybe a splash of soy sauce for extra umami? Paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke can also jazz up your vegan bacon, making it a banquet of flavours.
Vegan BLT Sandwich
The classic BLT gets a vegan makeover. Toast some bread, layer with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous amount of vegan bacon. Add a spread of vegan mayo and you’ve got a sandwich that’s easy, tasty, and totally drool-worthy.
Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Start your day right with a vegan breakfast burrito. Scramble some tofu with a pinch of turmeric, add in vegan bacon strips and wrap it all in a soft tortilla. For extra tang, throw in some smashed peas and a splash of hot sauce.
