Some brands spell it “bac’n” for a reason
By Rebecca Firkser Updated February 13, 2018
what are bacon bits
Credit: Photo by evemilla via Getty Images
Shaking out bacon bits from a jar instead of frying up a pan of real-deal bacon can sometimes be all fine and good, but do you know what’s really in that container? Spoiler alert: Those little crumbles may not just be bits of bacon. While some companies at least start their bacon bits preparation with the breakfast meat—those versions tend to be labeled as “real” bacon bits—some brands' bacon bits actually have no meat at all. And whether the bits contain meat or not, you’ll also find a whole lot of preservatives. So, what’s really being sprinkled into your omelet?
Hormel’s bacon bits are made with "real" bacon, which, according to the label, is “cured with water, salt, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.” The last two ingredients are food additives commonly found in cured meats to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. While both are FDA-approved, sodium erythorbate and sodium nitrite are often blamed for causing headaches and fatigue in people who are sensitive to the preservatives. Hormel’s package says the bacon “may also contain smoke flavoring, sugar, dextrose, brown sugar, sodium phosphate, and potassium chloride,” all of which are natural and artificial sugars and salts—except for the smoke flavoring, which is essentially smoke suspended in water.
McCormick’s version of the product, labeled as "bacon flavored bits," do not contain any bacon. In fact, McCormick’s “bac’n” is actually totally vegan. The main ingredient is textured soy flour, a protein-rich meal made from ground soybeans. The soy flour is mixed with canola oil and salt for texture and seasoning.
The “bac’n” is dyed with caramel color and red 40 dye. Caramel color is made from food-grade carbohydrates and acids. Also a main ingredient in colas and fake maple syrup, unfortunately caramel color is regulated by the FDA for potentially containing dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury. Red 40 (labeled as “FD&C Red 40”) is synthetically derived from petroleum, and although it is the most common food dye used in the US, can cause a host of complications.
Finally, the “bac’n” contains maltodextrin, an additive used as a thickener; lactic acid, a flavoring agent and preservative; disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, salty flavor enhancers; and yeast extract, a processed yeast product that creates an umami flavor.
While neither brands are especially sinister, both types of bacon bits are highly processed—which definitely isn’t good to shovel into your body. So if you’re craving bacon bits, it’s probably best to crumble nitrate-free strips of the real deal, or try making coconut bacon bits if you don’t eat meat.
FAQs
They're basically just flavored soy protein chunks. The texturized soy flour gives that same meaty texture you get from tofu or textured vegetable protein. This is an easy (and most likely affordable) way to make a shelf-stable version of our favorite cured meat.
Are bacon bits made of real bacon? ›
McCormick's version of the product, labeled as "bacon flavored bits," do not contain any bacon. In fact, McCormick's “bac'n” is actually totally vegan. The main ingredient is textured soy flour, a protein-rich meal made from ground soybeans.
Are bacon bits vegan? ›
What are bacon bits made of? Many brands of bacon bits are vegan because the main ingredient is actually textured vegetable protein (soy protein), typically soy flour, which is produced from ground soybeans. Brands choose to use soy flour because it is typically cheaper than bacon, and has a much longer shelf life.
What part of the pig is bacon bits? ›
Bacon is a cut from the belly of the pig along the ventral line. However, butchers may also make bacon from cuts of pork other than pork belly—for instance, back bacon is from the loin, jowl bacon is from the cheeks, cottage bacon is from pork shoulder, and slab bacon typically comes from side cuts.
How unhealthy are bacon bits? ›
Bacon bits are highly processed
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.
Is Mcdonalds bacon real bacon? ›
Ingredients: Pork Bellies Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
What's a good substitute for bacon bits? ›
For that crunchy bacon-y topping, look no further than fried shallots. Roughly diced and mixed with salt, butter, and some olive oil, they're perfect alternatives for your usual bacon bits on salads or casseroles. If you fry them to their golden-brown texture, they'll be almost indistinguishable from the real thing!
What are Hormel bacon bits made of? ›
SMOKE FLAVORING ADDED USA Domestic Ingredients: Bacon (Cured With, Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite., May also contain Smoke Flavoring, Dextrose, Brown Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Diacetate, Flavoring, Honey).
Are bacon bits jerky? ›
It is a process much like making beef jerky. However, the fat is intact and accounts for much of the weight of the bacon, so some places that use bacon bits will cook them in an oven to render the excess fat before using them on salads and in quiches for example.
Do McCormick bacon bits have pork? ›
Believe it or not, McCormick Bac'n Bits are actually vegan. They contain no evidence of actual bacon whatsoever.
It's a moderately tough cut of pork with a good deal of connective tissue. The area of the pig we might think of as the actual "butt," the big muscle at the top of the leg is where the ham—cooked fresh or cured or smoked—comes from. Ham is the thigh and most of the gluteus maximus (that's why it's so meaty).
Is bacon pig butt? ›
Traditional bacon is made from the belly, but you can DIY cure and turn a cheap pork butt into super flavorful buckboard bacon. One of the most popular recipes I've ever published was my guide on how to make your own bacon at home.
Are natural bacon bits made from pork True or false? ›
So what are these bits actually made from? They're basically just flavored soy protein chunks. The texturized soy flour gives that same meaty texture you get from tofu or textured vegetable protein. This is an easy (and most likely affordable) way to make a shelf-stable version of our favorite cured meat.
How many real bacon bits equal a slice of bacon? ›
Bacon Equivalents
| Recipe Measurement | Equivalent or Substitute |
|---|
| 1 rasher bacon | 1 strip |
| 1 slice bacon | 1 tablespoon fried and chopped bacon pieces |
| 1 slice bacon | 2 to 3 teaspoons real bacon bits |
| 1 slice bacon | 2 to 3 teaspoons imitation bacon bits |
18 more rowsSep 26, 2019
Our hip-smacking vegan bacon is animal-free and totally plant-powered! Think sizzling streaks of goodness with the unmistakable taste of bacon. Fry it up for breakfast, lunch or dinner, for round-the-clock contentment.
Can you eat bacon bits raw? ›
No, it's not safe to eat raw bacon. Even though bacon has been preserved through the curing process, it has not been cooked. Like other foods you should never eat raw, consuming raw or undercooked meat puts you at risk of foodborne illness from viruses, bacteria or parasites.
