5 Best Vegan Bacons (Unmaro, LightLife, and More)
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.
Quick List - Top Vegan Bacon
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.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Top Products at a Glance
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
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.
Look for Ingredients That Provide the Benefits You Desire
Choose Seitan or Soy-Based Products for a Chewy, Meat-Like Texture
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
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
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.
Go for Products Free of Allergens Like Gluten or Soy if You Have Dietary Restrictions
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.
Choose Pre-Cooked or Pan-Ready Vegan Bacon for Convenience
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.
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.
Best Vegan Bacon Ranking
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 | | Crispy Plant-Based Bacon, Easy Storage | 1g | 420mg | 180 | Chickpea, Seaweed | |||||
2 | LightLife Smart Bacon | | Versatile, Non-Gmo, Plant-Based Bacon | 5g | 290mg | 40 | Soy Protein Isolate | |||||
3 | MyBacon Original Recipe | | Clean, Allergen-Friendly, Mycelium-Based Bacon | 3g | 420mg | 60 | Organic Mushroom Mycelium, Organic Coconut Oil | |||||
4 | Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan | | Smoky Seitan Bacon, High-Protein Option | 15g | 400mg | 80 | Vital Wheat Gluten, Soy Sauce | |||||
5 | LightLife Smoky Tempeh Strips | | High-Protein, Organic Tempeh Strips | 12g | 680mg | 140 | Cultured Organic Soybeans (Organic Soybeans, Lactic Acid From Plant Sources), Organic Tamari Soy Sauce | |||||
UmaroSmokey Black Pepper
| Protein Content | 1g |
|---|---|
| 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 Content | 420mg |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 180 |
| Soy-Free | |
| Pre-Cooked | |
| Non-GMO |
LightLifeSmart Bacon
| Protein Content | 5g |
|---|---|
| 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 Content | 290mg |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 40 |
| Soy-Free | |
| Pre-Cooked | |
| Non-GMO |
MyBaconOriginal Recipe
| Protein Content | 3g |
|---|---|
| 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 Content | 420mg |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 60 |
| Soy-Free | |
| Pre-Cooked | |
| Non-GMO |
Upton’s NaturalsBacon Seitan
| Protein Content | 15g |
|---|---|
| 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 Content | 400mg |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 80 |
| Soy-Free | |
| Pre-Cooked | |
| Non-GMO |
LightLifeSmoky Tempeh Strips
| Protein Content | 12g |
|---|---|
| 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 Content | 680mg |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 140 |
| Soy-Free | |
| Pre-Cooked | |
| Non-GMO |
Top 5 Vegan Bacon
No. 1: Umaro｜Smokey Black Pepper
No. 2: LightLife｜Smart Bacon
No. 3: MyBacon｜Original Recipe
No. 4: Upton’s Naturals｜Bacon Seitan
No. 5: LightLife｜Smoky Tempeh Strips
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.