What Artificial Bacon Bits Are Really Made Of

When you think of a fabulous salad, you may think of fresh lettuce, savory croutons, and a delicious creamy dressing. Add crunchy bacon bits to the top, and you will have one heckuva lunch. However, did you know those bacon bits you sprinkle on your salad typically contain no bacon at all?

If they're not pork-based, what are they made of? Imitation bacon bits are more often made of soy flour combined with canola oil, salt, and a variety of artificial colors and flavors. They're definitely not health food ... but then again, neither is bacon. Nutritionally, imitation bacon bits are very similar to the pork-derived version they're meant to replicate, except pork bacon bits contain 10 milligrams of cholesterol and a bit more sodium per 7-gram serving.

Done right, imitation bacon bits duplicate the five things people enjoy most about bacon: fat, salt, smoke, flavor, and texture. Soy is often used to make meat alternatives because it absorbs flavors well and its texture can approach the original. Ultimately, saying goodbye to meat doesn't mean saying goodbye to satisfying and familiar flavors, even on your salad.

Artificial bacon bits are a boon for vegans and vegetarians. After all, many vegans and vegetarians did not give up meat because they didn't like the taste. Instead, they gave it up for ethical or health reasons. Having a cholesterol- and cruelty-free alternative allows them to enjoy the flavors they grew up eating.

There are many options available for those who don't eat meat for health, ethical, or religious reasons (like when some avoid meat altogether during Lent), and imitation bacon bits are just the beginning. There is a convincing alternative to just about every meat imaginable. A word of warning: Some brands of bacon bits do contain meat, so if you are vegan, vegetarian, or eschewing meat for any other reason, carefully read the label. 

Now that you know what artificial bacon bits are made of, it's time to find new uses for them. Using them to top a salad is an obvious choice, but there are many others. Sprinkle some on top of an ultimate loaded twice-baked potato, mix them into vegan macaroni and cheese, or use it to give deviled eggs a familiar smoky flavor.