Imitation bacon bits are usually vegan, often by accident. They're made from soy flour, oil, salt and flavorings. Real bacon bits and bacon pieces are pork, and need refrigerating once opened.
Most imitation bits use Red 40 or Red 3, which some strict vegans avoid because of animal testing.
Most "bacon bits" on supermarket shelves have never been near a pig. Imitation bacon bits are made from textured soy, which is why they keep in the cupboard for months.
Real vs imitation bacon bits
| Type | Status | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| Real bacon bits or bacon pieces | Not vegan | Lists bacon or pork. Needs refrigerating once opened. |
| Imitation bacon bits | Vegan | Lists soy flour first. Shelf-stable after opening. |
Brands we've checked
| Brand | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McCormick Bac'n Pieces | Vegan | Soy flour, oil, salt, flavorings and Red 40. |
| Badia Imitation Bacon Bits | Vegan | Similar recipe with dextrose; colored with Red 40 and Red 3. |
| Frontier Co-op Organic Bac'Uns | Vegan | Organic textured soy, sunflower oil, salt and smoke flavor. No artificial colors. |
| Betty Crocker Bac-Os | Vegan | Soy-based. |
| Great Value Imitation Bacon Bits | Vegan | Soy-based. |
Recipes change, so check the label on any bag that's new to you.
Ingredients that sound suspicious but aren't
- Lactic acid isn't dairy. It's usually made by fermenting beet or corn sugar.
- Maltodextrin is a starch from corn or wheat.
- Disodium inosinate and guanylate are flavor enhancers. They can come from fish or meat, but the Vegetarian Resource Group found the ones used in US foods are usually made from plants.
The strictest choice
If you avoid artificial colors because of animal testing, Frontier Co-op Bac'Uns are the safest pick: no synthetic dyes, no flavor enhancers, and every flavoring listed.
How to use vegan bacon bits
- Sprinkle over salads, baked potatoes and smoky mashed potatoes.
- Add crunch to soups, pasta and mac and cheese.
- Fold into scrambles, such as our tofu scramble.
- Top avocado toast or loaded fries.
Homemade coconut bacon bits
Mix 60 g (1 cup) large coconut flakes with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke. Spread on a lined tray and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden. Watch closely: coconut burns fast. They crisp as they cool.
The bottom line
Most supermarket bacon bits are imitation and vegan, made from soy. Check the label for bacon, pork, milk or egg, and you're set.