Is Veggie Bacon Healthy?

So far vegan bacon wins just by not coming from pigs. But depending on the ingredients, plant-based bacon could actually be good for you. Healthy plant foods can be rich sources of fiber and of essential vitamins and minerals, including protein, calcium, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients. These can help prevent many chronic diseases.

The fats in bacon are about 50% monounsaturated and a large part of those is oleic acid. This is the same fatty acid that olive oil is praised for and generally considered “heart-healthy” ( 1 ).

But depending on the ingredients, plant-based bacon could actually be good for you. Healthy plant foods can be rich sources of fiber and of essential vitamins and minerals, including protein, calcium, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients. These can help prevent many chronic diseases.

Meat tends to be very nutritious and bacon is no exception. A typical 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of cooked bacon contains ( 8 ): However, all nutrients found in bacon are also found in other, less processed pork products. Pork is rich in many nutrients, including protein and several vitamins.