Vegetarian Bacon

It is true that no meat gets as much hype as bacon; but taking a deep look at the life of pigs in the meat industry, no one would ever want to eat them again. Are you concerned that life without bacon might be boring and harsh? Think again. The vegan world can deliver the goods. You are going to be shown some of the many veggie bacon options at natural food stores and at restaurants.

What is Vegetarian Bacon?

Vegetarian bacon, also referred to as Vegan Bacon, facon, veggie bacon, or vacon, is a product marketed as a bacon substitute that can be found on the shelves of supermarkets. It is high in protein and fiber, yet low in fat, and contains zero cholesterol. Two slices of veggie bacon would average 75 calories.

Homemade preparation of this brand of bacon is easy as it can be made by marinating strips of tempeh or tofu in various spices and liquid smoke, and then either frying or baking at 350 °F (177 °C) for 24 minutes turning once. Enthusiasts of raw food also use coconut meat as a bacon substitute. Seitan can as well be formed into bacon.

The challenge of meat-free meals for vegans

For newbies to the vegan diet, the thought of suddenly abstaining from all meat and dairy products can be absolutely terrifying. In today’s world, most people incorporate meat, dairy, and eggs into a large percentage of their daily food intake. Therefore, if anybody desires to adopt the vegan diet, and they are overwhelmed at the idea of leaving behind their favorite foods overnight.

They are faced with a compulsory situation of gradual transition such as:

1. Elimination of red meat: They cut off out all lamb, beef, pork and other red meat from their diet.

2. Elimination of chicken: They only eat fish and seafood products for a period of time, and avoid all other meats including chicken; become used to preparing meals without meat, and start researching recipe ideas for vegan meals.

3. Elimination of Fish & Seafood: By now they will be going completely vegetarian. Instead of eating meat and seafood, their protein will now be coming from legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans etc.), whole grains, tofu, vegetarian “patties,” vegetarian “mince,” and other meat-free products such as vegan bacon.

4. Elimination of Cheese: This is the first stage of the transition from vegetarian to vegan. For the beginner, the thought of abandoning cheese products can be quite disheartening.

5. Elimination of Eggs: This is also a difficult step for many because they are aware that eggs are an animal product, and therefore giving them up is a must for those who wish to go on the vegan diet

6. Elimination of Butter & Cream: By now they would have eliminated all solid animal foods from their diet. The next recommended stage is to abstain from butter and cream, and all products containing these two ingredients.

7. Elimination of Milk: This is not usually too hard, since there are many vegan alternatives to milk nowadays. They can have soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, etc.

8. Getting Some Vegan Recipes: Now they are 100% vegan, and all meals from now on will be vegan. So there’s every need to collect a lot of delicious vegan recipes.

Veggie Bacon as a meat-free alternative to Beef, Turkey, and Pork

Made from vegetable proteins and soy, Veggie Bacon happens to be a healthier alternative to turkey and pork bacon. A great percentage of meatless bacon is made of tofu, although you can as well buy or prepare your own tempeh bacon; both being derived from soybeans and contain soy protein.

Vegetarian bacon is ideal for anyone concerned about their fat and cholesterol intake, as well as those cutting back on their consumption of meat. Since they contain no meat, they have no cholesterol. Several popular brands available in grocery stores.

So many stores these days are full of all sorts of goodies suitable for the vegetarian, hence, no longer do you have to satisfy yourself with an omelet or salad. Also, because there is such choice, you can choose low-calorie options. There are now a number of meat substitutes if you desire to go that way.

Vegetarian bacon adds that special thing to lots of dishes and can be used even when cooking for omnivores. When friends and family come together at Christmas there’s a chance that you being vegetarian crops up. Whether in conversation or when you are seen not eating meat. So there’s every possibility that you’d find yourself under pressure to eat meat.

It would be nice to remind yourself that what you eat has nothing to do with anybody else. You owe nobody any apology. At least such people don’t pay as much attention to all the other aspects of your life. The point here is that being a vegetarian is just one of the hundreds of choices you have made in your life. And that is your own life we are talking about here. It is a minor part of who you are, though an important part. Nevertheless, don’t let pressure from others deny you of some personal fun.

Veggie Bacon Products

Some Varieties of Veggie Bacon Products include: [easyazon_link keywords=”organic matters bacon” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”infobacon-20″]Vegan Organic Coconut Bacon (by Organic Matters)[/easyazon_link], Bacon Jerquee, [easyazon_link keywords=”phoney baloney bacon” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”infobacon-20″]Coconut Bacon (by Phoney Baloney), Phoney Baloney’s Coconut Bacon[/easyazon_link],[easyazon_link keywords=”LightLife” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”infobacon-20″]Smart Bacon (bacon-style strips by LightLife)[/easyazon_link], Tempeh Smoky Maple Bacon (by Turtle Island Foods), WayFare Bacony Bits, Upton’s Bacon Seitan.

Everyone has a different reason for being a vegetarian and the reasons are all amazing – it could be out of concern for your health, to lose weight, to help the environment, for the love of animals, or wanting to promote peace through a violence free diet and helping to placate world hunger through a vegetarian diet. No matter the basis, it is commendable.

On some occasions, you may feel the pressure to eat meat, but it appears like you don’t have any good food choices. There are many options out there and it’s a great opportunity to head into the kitchen and create something great in the form of veggie bacon. Also be aware that you can buy meat-free “bacon” and vegetarian “mince” from most supermarkets and health stores.

 

We here at BaconInfo hope you enjoyed this post. If you want more then remember to look at our Bacon Articles and Bacon Recipes.