9 Plant-Based Bacon Brands for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Despite the numerous health risks associated with consuming processed meats (like global pandemics!), pork products are the most commonly consumed meats worldwide and are responsible for a total of 36 percent of all meat consumption according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Not only is this highly unfortunate for the pigs but pork consumption also comes with serious human health risks, including foodborne illnesses such as e.coli, trichinosis, and salmonella, as well as hepatitis E. Consumption of pork products might also increase the risk of multiple sclerosis, while research has also shown that pork has been linked to degenerative liver conditions such as cirrhosis and cancer. Add to that the environmental damage for which hog farms are responsible, and we don’t understand why so many people love bacon. Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem, and that answer is vegan bacon. With this in mind, we’re highlighting seven cruelty-free bacons that’ll have the hippest of hipsters reminding themselves that there’s nothing more cutting edge than a cruelty-free diet.

The Herbivorous Butchers

1. The Herbivorous Butcher Maple Glazed Bacon and Hickory Smoked Bacon

Similar to all-things Herbivorous Butcher, these faux bacons are meaty (in all the right ways). Chewy and with the ability to crisp to perfection, these bacons are great stacked in sandwiches or alongside vegan flapjacks, waffles, and French toast. Even better? Eat them over the frying pan while they’re still hot. Don’t worry—we won’t judge. If you live in Minnesota, you can pick up these plant-based treats locally. Otherwise, they ship! Find it here.

@uptonsnaturals/Instagram

2. Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan

This meaty, chewy, versatile seitan bacon makes a most excellent BLT loaded with heirloom tomatoes, vegan mayonnaise, arugula, and sprouted grain toast. Cook it long if you like your bacon super crisp or just slightly warm them in a pan if you’re a chewy bacon fan. Available in many natural food stores and Whole Foods Markets, this bacon is ideal for a quick breakfast on the go or a bountiful Sunday brunch. Find it here.

@lightlifefoods/Instagram

3. Lightlife Smart Bacon

Perfect for the meat-eater looking to go vegan, Lightlife offers a meaty plant-based bacon that cooks crisp and chewy. Similar in taste to Upton’s, Smart Bacon can be found in major supermarkets (be sure to look for coupons) … and on breakfast plates of vegans from California to Maine. Find it here.

@emilythefitfoodie/Instagram

4. Sweet Earth Foods Hickory & Sage Benevolent Bacon

Sage and smokiness give Sweet Earth’s veggie bacon a rich umami flavor that tastes great in a BLT. It’s also delicious when chopped and tossed with pasta, green peas, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkling of nutritional yeast. Find it here.

@lightlifefoods/Instagram

5. Lightlife Tempeh Smoky Bacon Strips

Lightlife’s tempeh bacon is excellent on your barbecue grill! Just be sure not to drop it through the slats. Serve alongside grilled vegetables and corn for an excellent al fresco meal. Find it here.

@the_tofurky_company/Instagram

6. Tofurky Smoky Maple Bacon Marinated Tempeh

Tofurky is best known for its holiday roast, sausages, and deli slices, but the company is one of the world’s best tempeh producers, too. This Smoky Maple Bacon Marinated Tempeh is no exception, as the product is another great cruelty-free bacon for your favorite sandwich or breakfast spread. Find it here.

@beautifitdesi/Instagram

7. Yves Veggie Bacon

Lower in fat and cholesterol than “real” bacon, Yves’ Veggie Bacon is great on sandwiches, breakfast plates, and right out of the package. Or so we’ve heard. Find it here.

@kristenjc89/Instagram

8. Be Leaf Vegan Bacon

Pioneers of the Vegan Fried Egg, Be Leaf is taking over the breakfast game. The thin, crispy strips of this meat-free favorite are sure to fool omnivores. We’re willing to bet the smoky, sweet, and salty taste will keep them coming back for more. Find it here.

@theverygoodbutchers/Instagram

9. The Very Good Butchers Very Good Bacon

The self-proclaimed bean butchers sling the finest vegan meats in Canada, including their Very Good Bacon. From classic BLTs to bacon-topped burgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs, these cruelty-free eats are a sure win at your next barbecue. Find it here. Jill Ettinger is a freelance journalist, editor, and digital strategist, as well as the voice behind Instagram’s @theveganreporter.

Photo credit: Sweet Earth Foods

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