List of bacon substitutes facts for kids
A bacon substitute is a food that tastes or looks like bacon but is made from different ingredients. People might choose these substitutes for many reasons. Some do it for their health, as bacon can be high in fat. Others choose them for ethical reasons, like not wanting to eat meat. Religious beliefs can also play a part, as some religions do not allow eating pork.
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Types of Bacon Substitutes
Baconnaise
Baconnaise is a special kind of mayonnaise that tastes like bacon. It was created in the United States by a company called J&D's Foods. Even though it tastes like bacon, it is completely vegetarian and does not contain any actual bacon. It is also considered kosher, which means it follows certain Jewish dietary laws. The people who made Baconnaise say it has no fake flavors or MSG, but they keep the exact recipe a secret.
Eggplant Bacon
Eggplant bacon is a plant-based option that uses slices of eggplant. Many recipes for making eggplant bacon at home have been shared online. Recently, a cafe in Burlington, Vermont, called Pingala Cafe, started making and selling its own commercial version of eggplant bacon. This shows how popular plant-based alternatives are becoming.
Bacon Salt
Bacon Salt is another product from J&D's Foods, the same company that makes Baconnaise. It is a seasoning that gives food a bacon-like flavor. Just like Baconnaise, Bacon Salt is vegetarian and kosher. This means you can add a smoky, savory taste to your meals without using any meat.
Macon
Macon is a bacon substitute made from mutton, which is meat from a sheep. It is prepared in a similar way to regular bacon. The mutton is cured by soaking it in a lot of salt or in a salty water mixture called brine. Macon became popular in the United Kingdom during World War II. At that time, food was rationed, meaning people could only buy small amounts. Macon offered another meat option. A Scottish lawyer named Frederick Alexander Macquisten was the first to suggest making macon in large amounts.
Sizzlean
Sizzlean was a cured meat product that was sold during the 1970s and 1980s. It was first made by a company called Swift & Co. Sizzlean was marketed as a healthier choice because it had much less fat than traditional bacon. However, it was still about 37% fat by weight, so it wasn't completely fat-free.
Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon is a common substitute for pork bacon. It is made from turkey, which is usually smoked, chopped, and then shaped to look like bacon strips. Turkey bacon is often sold as a low-fat alternative to regular bacon. It is also a great choice for people who cannot eat pork due to religious reasons.
Vegetarian Bacon
Vegetarian bacon is also known as "fakon." It is a plant-based food designed to be a bacon alternative. You can find it in many supermarkets. Vegetarian bacon is usually high in protein and fiber, which are good for you. It is also typically low in fat and has no cholesterol, making it a healthy option for breakfast or other meals.