Whether you follow a plant-based diet and are looking for vegetarian bacon or vegan bacon alternatives, or you can’t eat bacon for religious reasons or maybe, you just don’t like the taste, the good news is there are plenty of other foods you can use as a bacon substitute.
Bacon is salt-cured, thinly cut pork from either the belly or back of a pig. Bacon is a staple in many Western diets and well loved for it’s salty taste. A versatile meat, it can be served crispy or chewy, on its own, as a flavour addition to dishes, on wraps and sandwiches and even on desserts. Bacon may be delicious and high in protein, but it is a processed meat high in fat, salt and cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease. The fat in bacon is on average 40% is saturated fat and it contains nitrates and nitrites, which when cooked turn into carcinogens, which have been linked to an increased risk for various types of cancer. Health concerns are one reason people may look for bacon substitutes. People who follow halal or kosher diets for religious reasons are not able to eat bacon. And of course, those who follow a vegetarian, vegan or peascaterian diet do not eat meat and will want meat-free bacon alternatives.Meat bacon substitutes
There are many bacon substitutes that are still meat, these include turkey, salmon, venison, duck and more. In Australia the two most common and readily available are turkey bacon and salmon rashers.1. Turkey bacon
What is it: Smoked turkey meat cut thinly and cured to resemble streaky bacon. How similar is it to bacon: This is the most similar swap to bacon as it is also smoked and cured and has a meaty taste. The texture is very similar to bacon. How to cook: Turkey bacon can be fried, baked or microwaved. Nutrition: Turkey bacon is a lean meat and contains less calories and fat than bacon but it is still a cured meat and should only be eaten in moderation. 15 grams is approx 60 calories, 4.7 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fat. Where to get and how much: Turkey bacon can be bought from supermarkets, such as IGA, in Australia. The prices is approx $6 for 375g. Make at home: No, turkey bacon cannot be made at home. It is best to buy from the shops and prepare at home.
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