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Vegan BaconHelping You Find the Best
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Vegan BaconHelping You Find the Best
  • 5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More) 1
  • 5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More) 2
  • 5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More) 3
  • 5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More) 4
  • 5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More) 5

5 Best Vegan Bacons of 2025 (Unmaro, LightLife, and More)

Looking for the best vegan bacon? This comprehensive guide reviews top plant-based bacon brands made from ingredients like seitan, soy, mushroom, and coconut. 

We compare taste, texture (crispy vs. chewy), nutrition (sodium, protein), and cooking methods (air fryer, oven) to help you find the perfect meatless bacon for your dietary needs and culinary creations.

Last updated 01/16/2025

Quick List - Top Vegan Bacon

1

Umaro

Smokey Black Pepper
Smokey Black Pepper

Crispy Plant-Based Bacon, Easy Storage

2

LightLife

Smart Bacon
Smart Bacon

Versatile, Non-Gmo, Plant-Based Bacon

3

MyBacon

Original Recipe
Original Recipe

Clean, Allergen-Friendly, Mycelium-Based Bacon

4

Upton’s Naturals

Bacon Seitan
Bacon Seitan

Smoky Seitan Bacon, High-Protein Option

5

LightLife

Smoky Tempeh Strips
Smoky Tempeh Strips

High-Protein, Organic Tempeh Strips

David Liambee Gbe
Guide
Content Planner at mybest
David Liambee Gbe

David is a law graduate (LL. B) with a keen eye for the specifics and a commitment to helping people make smarter decisions. Since joining mybest in 2020, he’s been creating buying guides to make finding the best products, from everyday must-haves to niche finds, easy. Whether he’s teaming up with dietitians to find the best probiotic yogurts or sharing expert tips on the top supplements, his work makes it easier for US readers to navigate the clutter of online shopping. Beyond his work with mybest, David has written for Grotto Network, a digital platform by the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These pursuits have sharpened his talent for reaching people and making explanations personal and practical. His love for nature and reflective moments keeps him grounded, adding a thoughtful touch to every piece he writes for mybest.

David Liambee Gbe's Profile
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Top Products at a Glance

Umaro
Smokey Black Pepper
Smokey Black Pepper

Crispy Plant-Based Bacon, Easy Storage

What Is Vegan Bacon Made Of?

Vegan bacon is made from plant-based ingredients designed to mimic traditional bacon's flavor, texture, and appearance. Common bases include soy, a complete protein with all essential amino acids, and seitan, which is low in fat and carbs. Vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant offer lighter, low-calorie alternatives, while coconut or rice paper creates a crispy texture.


Seasoned with smoky flavors like liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and tamari, along with sweeteners like maple syrup, vegan bacon replicates the savory-sweet balance of pork bacon. Oils such as coconut or sunflower oil add richness, and sea salt provides the signature salty bite, creating a versatile and flavorful alternative for various dietary needs.

How to Choose Vegan Bacon - Buying Guide

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best vegan bacon for you.
1

Check the Protein Content

Check the Protein Content

Checking the protein content in vegan bacon is important for those relying on it as part of a high-protein diet. Protein supports muscle repair, immune function, and energy levels, making it a vital nutrient.


Options made from ingredients like soy or chickpea protein offer a significant boost for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians aiming to meet their daily protein needs.


Reviewing the label ensures your choice of vegan bacon contributes meaningfully to your diet while adding flavor to meals. High-protein options make a functional and tasty addition to dishes like breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches.

2

Look for Ingredients That Provide the Benefits You Desire

When choosing vegan bacon, check the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your nutritional and dietary preferences.

Choose Seitan or Soy-Based Products for a Chewy, Meat-Like Texture

Choose Seitan or Soy-Based Products for a Chewy, Meat-Like Texture
Source:amazon.com
Seitan-based options are ideal for vegan bacon's chewy, meat-like texture. Made from vital wheat gluten, seitan offers a dense, fibrous texture that closely mimics traditional bacon, making it perfect for hearty dishes like BLTs or breakfast plates.

Soy-based vegan bacon also provides chewiness, especially when made with soy protein isolate or concentrate. In contrast, cultured soybeans offer a softer, more flexible texture, catering to those who prefer a gentler bite while still enjoying a mildly chewy alternative.

Tempeh, a fermented soybean food from Indonesia, is a plant-based bacon alternative. Unlike tofu, which is made from soybean milk, tempeh is made from cooked and fermented whole soybeans, forming a firm cake. While it can be cooked to resemble bacon, its flavor is nutty and earthy, not smoky.

Consider Mushroom Mycelium if You're Seeking a Sustainable, Protein-Packed Alternative

Consider Mushroom Mycelium if You're Seeking a Sustainable, Protein-Packed Alternative
Source:amazon.com

Mushroom mycelium is an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable, protein-packed vegan bacon alternative. As the root-like structure of mushrooms, mycelium grows rapidly with minimal resources, making it an environmentally friendly option. It provides a fibrous texture that mimics the chewiness of bacon while delivering a unique, earthy flavor that enhances a variety of dishes.


In addition to being a good-quality protein, mycelium is rich in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are particularly beneficial for individuals following a plant-based diet. This nutrient profile makes mycelium-based bacon a functional choice, addressing common dietary gaps while offering a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional meat.


Pick Products With Sunflower or Coconut Oils for a Crispy Texture and Mild Flavor

Pick Products With Sunflower or Coconut Oils for a Crispy Texture and Mild Flavor

Choosing vegan bacon made with sunflower or coconut oils is a great way to achieve a crispy texture and mild flavor. Sunflower oil has a neutral taste that lets the product's seasoning shine, while coconut oil adds subtle sweetness and richness. These natural oils ensure the bacon crisps up beautifully during cooking, replicating the satisfying texture of traditional bacon.


Both oils are rich in beneficial fats, making them a functional addition to plant-based diets. Sunflower oil provides omega-6 fatty acids, while coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support energy and metabolism. For individuals seeking higher fat intake in a plant-based diet, products with these oils offer a tasty, nutritious, and texturally satisfying option.

3

Go for Products Free of Allergens Like Gluten or Soy if You Have Dietary Restrictions

Go for Products Free of Allergens Like Gluten or Soy if You Have Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, choosing vegan bacon free of allergens like gluten or soy is essential to avoid potential health issues. Many vegan bacon products contain soy protein or seitan (wheat gluten), which are common allergens and can cause discomfort or serious reactions in individuals with soy allergies, gluten intolerance, or celiac disease.

To ensure your vegan bacon is safe, always check the ingredient list and allergen statements. By selecting products that cater to specific dietary needs, you can enjoy a flavorful and suitable alternative without the risk of adverse reactions. 
4

Choose Pre-Cooked or Pan-Ready Vegan Bacon for Convenience

Choose Pre-Cooked or Pan-Ready Vegan Bacon for Convenience
Choosing pre-cooked or pan-ready vegan bacon offers significant convenience, especially for busy individuals looking to save time in the kitchen. Pre-cooked options are ready to eat straight out of the package, making them ideal for quick meals or snacks. This eliminates the need for full-on baking or frying, streamlining meal prep for those with limited time or cooking skills.

Pan-ready options are great as they are pre-oiled and ready to be thrown on the pan to get crispy. Depending on how you prefer to cook them for your desired texture, make sure to check what cooking methods are okay on the package. Methods can range from pan frying to baking to air frying.
5

Check for Non-GMO Certification if You Prioritize Natural Food Options

Check for Non-GMO Certification if You Prioritize Natural Food Options

If you prioritize natural food options, checking for non-GMO certification in vegan bacon is key. Non-GMO-certified products ensure the ingredients are free from genetic modification, supporting environmentally sustainable practices.


Non-GMO vegan bacon is often made from whole, unaltered plants like soy, wheat, or mushrooms, offering a potentially more wholesome choice. This certification provides peace of mind for those who are concerned about the long-term effects of the food they eat.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Best Vegan Bacon Ranking

Here are the top best-selling vegan bacon products available on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. We independently ranked each product based on consumer popularity and our buying guide.
Popularity
Filter
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Protein Content
Sodium Content
Calories per Serving
Base Ingredients
Gluten-Free
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
1

Umaro

Smokey Black Pepper

Umaro Smokey Black Pepper 1

Crispy Plant-Based Bacon, Easy Storage

1g

420mg

180

Chickpea, Seaweed

2

LightLife

Smart Bacon

LightLife Smart Bacon 1

Versatile, Non-Gmo, Plant-Based Bacon

5g

290mg

40

Soy Protein Isolate

3

MyBacon

Original Recipe

MyBacon Original Recipe 1

Clean, Allergen-Friendly, Mycelium-Based Bacon

3g

420mg

60

Organic Mushroom Mycelium, Organic Coconut Oil

4

Upton’s Naturals

Bacon Seitan

Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan 1

Smoky Seitan Bacon, High-Protein Option

15g

400mg

80

Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Sauce

5

LightLife

Smoky Tempeh Strips

LightLife Smoky Tempeh Strips 1

High-Protein, Organic Tempeh Strips

12g

680mg

140

Cultured Organic Soybeans (Organic Soybeans, Lactic Acid From Plant Sources), Organic Tamari Soy Sauce

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Umaro
Smokey Black Pepper

Smokey Black Pepper 1
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$8.99
High
Lowest price
$8.99
High
Protein Content1g
Gluten-Free
Base Ingredients
Chickpea, Seaweed

Crispy Plant-Based Bacon, Easy Storage

Umaro's Smokey Black Pepper plant-based bacon is made with a protein blend of chickpea and seaweed, offering a crispy texture without soy or preservatives. This bacon alternative is fully cooked and can be easily crisped in an air fryer, skillet, or toaster oven. It's a convenient option for quick meals, including sandwiches and snacks, and is shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration before opening.


This product is made in the USA, and its ingredients, such as sunflower oil, coconut oil, and sea moss extracts, provide a clean alternative to traditional bacon. The flexibility in storage options—pantry, fridge, or freezer—adds to its convenience for consumers.

Sodium Content420mg
Calories per Serving180
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

LightLife
Smart Bacon

Lowest price
$5.99
Low Mid
Protein Content5g
Gluten-Free
Base Ingredients
Soy Protein Isolate

Versatile, Non-Gmo, Plant-Based Bacon

LightLife Smart Bacon is a plant-based bacon alternative made with soy protein isolate and vital wheat gluten. This certified vegan product provides a smoky flavor and a versatile texture, suitable for various dishes like sandwiches, salads, and burgers. It's made without GMOs and is part of a carbon-neutral company initiative, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.


With natural smoke flavor and a blend of spices, it mimics traditional bacon flavor while offering plant-based protein. This bacon alternative can easily be added to a wide range of meals, providing flexibility in the kitchen without compromising on taste or texture.

Sodium Content290mg
Calories per Serving40
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
View all
No.3

MyBacon
Original Recipe

Lowest price
$6.99
Mid
Protein Content3g
Gluten-Free
Base Ingredients
Organic Mushroom Mycelium, Organic Coconut Oil

Clean, Allergen-Friendly, Mycelium-Based Bacon

MyBacon is a simple, allergen-friendly plant-based bacon made with just five ingredients: organic mushroom mycelium, coconut oil, organic sugar, salt, and natural flavor. Free from gluten, soy, and dairy, it is a clean-label option ideal for those seeking minimal ingredients in their vegan products. The pre-coated coconut oil helps achieve a crisp texture when cooked in a skillet.


This product is designed for easy use, ready to cook straight from the package. It provides a unique protein source with mycelium, a whole-food mushroom root, offering a healthier alternative to more processed plant-based bacon products.

Sodium Content420mg
Calories per Serving60
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
View all
No.4

Upton’s Naturals
Bacon Seitan

Lowest price
$6.99
Mid
Protein Content15g
Gluten-Free
Base Ingredients
Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Sauce

Smoky Seitan Bacon, High-Protein Option

Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan is a smoky-flavored bacon alternative made with vital wheat gluten and soy sauce. It’s easy to cook, requiring only a few minutes on the stovetop to heat through, and is ideal for topping salads, pizzas, or making a BLT. The product contains no artificial additives, with natural hickory smoke providing a savory flavor.


Seitan is a high-protein meat substitute, and this product offers 15g of protein per serving, making it a substantial option for those following a plant-based diet. It’s also free from preservatives, adding to its appeal as a simple, clean product.

Sodium Content400mg
Calories per Serving80
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
View all
No.5

LightLife
Smoky Tempeh Strips

Lowest price
$5.29
Low Mid
Protein Content12g
Gluten-Free
Base Ingredients
Cultured Organic Soybeans (Organic Soybeans, Lactic Acid From Plant Sources), Organic Tamari Soy Sauce

High-Protein, Organic Tempeh Strips

LightLife Smoky Tempeh Strips are made from organic soybeans and offer a high-protein alternative to meat. These strips are infused with a smoky flavor and are versatile in various dishes, from sandwiches to stir-fries. With 12g of protein per serving, they provide a nutritious option for plant-based eaters looking for a hearty substitute.


This tempeh product is simple to cook and requires little preparation, making it an accessible choice for busy meal planners. It’s made with organic ingredients, including tamari soy sauce and organic cider vinegar, offering both flavor and sustainability in one product.


Sodium Content680mg
Calories per Serving140
Soy-Free
Pre-Cooked
Non-GMO
View all

Top 5 Vegan Bacon

No. 1: UmaroSmokey Black Pepper

No. 2: LightLifeSmart Bacon

No. 3: MyBaconOriginal Recipe

No. 4: Upton’s NaturalsBacon Seitan

No. 5: LightLifeSmoky Tempeh Strips

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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