You can use bacon bits instead of cooking on the griddle if you don’t want to. They will add something extra to your next meal. For years, there have been rumors that bacon bits are vegan. However, because so many companies have made money off of small pieces of bacon, you can find bacon bits with or without real meat.
Not so much the ingredients as the taste, at least when it comes to this mass-produced condiment. After all, what could be better than bacon (or bacon-adjacent) sprinkles, no effort required?.
If you want to put some work into your next meal, though, bacon bits you make yourself are likely to be much better than store-bought ones. It all just depends on where your priorities lie. If ease of use is more important than taste, though, you probably already have bacon bits in the fridge for when you need them. Heres everything you need to know about them.
Bacon bits have become a popular topping for salads, pastas baked potatoes and more. Those little crunchy, salty, smoky bits of flavor add a punch of taste to dishes. However, with the influx of processed foods, many people wonder – are bacon bits bad for you? Let’s dive into the details.
The Two Main Types of Bacon Bits
There are two main types of bacon bits you’ll find on grocery store shelves
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Real bacon bits – These are made from actual bacon that has been cooked and crumbled into bits. Brands like Hormel and Oscar Meyer make real bacon bits from pork.
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Soy-based bacon bits – The vegetarian “fake” bacon bits are made from textured soy protein, flavorings, and colors. The popular Bac’n Bits brand by McCormick falls into this category.
So real bacon bits contain real meat while the soy ones are completely meatless
Nutrition Profile of Bacon Bits
The nutrition of bacon bits varies depending on if they’re real or soy-based.
Real bacon bits made from pork contain protein and fat. Two tablespoons provide:
- 60 calories
- 5g fat
- 3g protein
They also contain sodium, cholesterol, and nitrates.
The vegetarian soy bacon bits are lower in calories and fat. Two tablespoons have:
- 25 calories
- 1.5g fat
- 3g protein
However, these plant-based bits can be high in sodium. They also contain additives like MSG, yeast extract, and artificial colors.
Neither variety is a significant source of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Why Bacon Bits May Be Unhealthy
There are a few reasons why both real and imitation bacon bits may be unhealthy:
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Highly processed – Any food that goes through extensive processing is stripped of nutrients and altered from its natural state. This applies to both real pork bacon bits and soy-based ones.
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High sodium – Bacon bits pack a lot of sodium per serving. This can contribute to high blood pressure and other issues when eaten in excess.
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Nitrates – Real bacon contains nitrates and nitrites to preserve them. Studies link these compounds to increased cancer risk.
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Additives – The imitation bacon bits have MSG, artificial flavors and colors. These additives are potentially harmful and linked to health problems.
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Lack nutrients – Since bacon bits start as just one ingredient (pork or soy), they lack beneficial nutrients found in whole foods.
So while bacon bits add lots of flavor, they don’t offer much nutritional value. The high amount of processing and additives are concerning as well.
Healthier Alternatives to Bacon Bits
If you want to avoid highly processed bacon bits but still crave the smoky, salty flavor, there are better options. Here are some healthier bacon bit alternatives:
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DIY crumbled bacon – Make your own by cooking nitrate-free bacon and crumbling it up. This avoids preservatives and you control the crispiness.
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Turkey bacon bits – Turkey bacon is typically lower in fat and nitrates than pork bacon. Crumble it up for homemade bits.
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Coconut bacon – For a vegan option, coconut bacon made from crispy coconut flakes, spices, and maple syrup makes a tasty topper.
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Smoked almonds – Roughly chopped smoked almonds can mimic the crunch and smoke of bacon bits.
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Nutritional yeast – This inactive yeast has a savory, cheesy umami flavor similar to bacon when sprinkled on foods.
The Bottom Line
While it’s fine to enjoy bacon bits in moderation, they shouldn’t be a regular part of your diet due to the high amount of processing and unhealthy additions. Crumbling your own nitrate-free bacon is one healthier option. But for a more nutritious crunch, try alternatives like coconut bacon, smoked nuts, or nutritional yeast. Limiting processed foods as much as possible will help you feel your best.
Bacon bits are highly processed
Whether vegan- or omnivore-friendly, your store-bought bacon bits are pretty much guaranteed to contain highly processed ingredients. Wide Open Eats tested three popular brands and found that even Oscar Mayers “Real Bacon Bits” contained harmful ingredients despite its self-proclaimed authenticity. At the very least, Oscar Mayer bacon bits contain cured pork meat. Unfortunately, additional ingredients include artificial hickory smoke flavoring and sodium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and high-strength glass.
Still, Oscar Mayer seems downright organic compared to McCormick, one of bacon bits most famous distributors. It’s not a surprise that McCormick bacon bits don’t contain real bacon if you know what they’re called: “Bacn Pieces.” ” As it turns out, bacn pieces are mostly soy, treated with various artificial flavors, red dye #40, caramel coloring (which can contain high levels of lead and arsenic, yum!), and a handful of unpronounceable chemicals to keep that processed soy tasting fresh.
Many bacon bits contain similar ingredients to other kinds of vegan imitation meats
If you turn up your nose at imitation meat but sprinkle your food with Bacn Pieces, you may not have such a refined palate after all. McCormicks infamous bacon bits taste just as salty and smoky as real meat, but the ingredients listed on the labels are more similar to those of popular vegetarian “bacon” products.
Take LightLifes meatless “Smart Bacon,” a cruelty-free alternative to everyones favorite breakfast side. The first ingredient listed on the McCormicks container is textured soy flour, also known as textured vegetable protein, or TVP. According to How Stuff Works, this textured soy is an artificial product made from soy protein isolate. Soy protein isolate is, incidentally, the second ingredient (after water) in Smart Bacon. Both products also contain various flavor additives, a handful of preservatives, and some artificial coloring to give the “bacon” that caramel glow we all know and love.
Don’t Buy Bacon Bits Again Until You Watch This
FAQ
Are bacon bits made of real bacon?
Are there any healthy bacon bits?
Is two pieces of bacon a day bad for you?
Is Bacon bad for You?
If you follow food trends, you know the bacon craze is still on. It seems whatever is served, this popular processed meat can figure in as a flavor booster, whether it’s for pizza, salad, dessert, or even liquor. Still, conflicting reports about bacon abound. First you hear it’s bad for you. Then it’s OK. So, should you eat it or not?
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Is fried bacon bad for You?
Fried bacon may be high in nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. However, food producers have managed to reduce the nitrosamine content significantly by adding vitamin C. When it comes to cooking meat, it is important to find balance. Overcooking is unhealthy, but undercooking can also be a concern.
Are Oscar Mayer bacon bits bad for You?
Wide Open Eats tested three popular brands and found that even Oscar Mayer’s “Real Bacon Bits” contained harmful ingredients despite its self-proclaimed authenticity. At the very least, Oscar Mayer bacon bits contain cured pork meat.