Bacon, meatless
Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Meatless bacon is a plant-based alternative crafted from soy, wheat gluten, or pea protein, engineered to replicate the savory, smoky, and salty profile of traditional pork bacon. It typically features a chewy, slightly crispy texture when pan-fried or baked, often with a pronounced umami flavor derived from liquid smoke and seasonings. Nutritionally, it is notably high in fat (29.52g per 100g) and protein (11.69g), but contains zero sugar and a modest 5.31g of carbohydrates.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its ability to deliver the satisfying, smoky crunch of bacon without animal products, making it a versatile staple for breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches. Its cultural appeal lies in offering a familiar comfort food experience to those following plant-based lifestyles.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some versions can be high in sodium and processed fats, which may be a concern for individuals monitoring blood pressure or overall fat intake. To counteract this, pair it with fiber-rich vegetables like spinach or avocado, and practice portion control by using it as a flavor accent rather than a main protein source.
Key benefits
- Provides a plant-based protein source (11.69g per 100g).
- Contains no cholesterol or animal-derived saturated fats.
- Offers a familiar smoky, savory flavor for those reducing meat intake.
- Can be a source of dietary fiber (2.6g per 100g).
- Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercial meatless bacon was patented in the 1970s, but it wasn't until the 2010s that products like those from brands such as MorningStar Farms and Lightlife gained widespread popularity due to advances in texture and flavor replication.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 49.0 g |
| Energy | 309 kcal |
| Energy | 1294 kj |
| Protein | 11.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 29.5 g |
| Ash | 4.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 23.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 70.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 170 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1465 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.42 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.20 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 7.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 4.4 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.48 mg |
| Niacin | 7.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.48 mg |
| Folate, total | 42.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 42.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 42.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 45.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 53.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 88.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 6.9 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 15.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 13.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 1.7 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.16 g |
| Threonine | 0.45 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.56 g |
| Leucine | 0.91 g |
| Lysine | 0.73 g |
| Methionine | 0.15 g |
| Cystine | 0.18 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.61 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.40 g |
| Valine | 0.59 g |
| Arginine | 0.88 g |
| Histidine | 0.30 g |
| Alanine | 0.49 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.3 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.47 g |
| Proline | 0.64 g |
| Serine | 0.63 g |
FAQ
Is meatless bacon healthier than regular bacon?
It can be lower in cholesterol and saturated fat, but it often contains similar or higher sodium levels and may include processed ingredients. Always check the label for additives and compare nutritional profiles.
How do I cook meatless bacon for the best texture?
Pan-fry in a small amount of oil over medium heat until crispy, or bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming too dry.
Can meatless bacon be used in recipes that call for regular bacon?
Yes, it can substitute in most recipes, but note that it may release less fat and have a different texture. For dishes like carbonara or quiche, you might need to adjust moisture levels or add a bit of oil for richness.