Video:What Are Bacon Substitutes

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Transcript:What Are Bacon Substitutes

Hey guys, Greyson Ferguson here with About.com. Bacon is a popular pork product capable of being used in just about any food type. However, if you are allergic, watching your calorie intake or can't eat the pork due to religious observation, you do have a few bacon substitute alternatives.

Turkey Bacon Is a Low-Fat Bacon Substitute

Turkey bacon is a viable option if you still want meat. Turkey bacon cooks in a similar fashion and may be used in an oven, stove or microwave. Because turkey by nature is a leaner animal there is less fat content in turkey bacon.

Meatless Bacon Is a Good Bacon Substitute for Vegetarians

Meatless bacon may be used just like pork bacon, but is an excellent alternative for vegetarians. Depending on the brand, the meatless bacon is generally produced with a combination of tofu and fats.

You cook the bacon via a microwave or oven and can use it with sandwiches and pizza, but you should not bake with the meatless bacon as it does not react the same way to the extended exposure to heat as turkey and pork bacon.

Prosciutto Is Similar to Bacon, With a More Buttery Flavor

Prosciutto is a salted pork product similar to other lunch meats, as you don't need to cook the product. However, you can still cook prosciutto in an oven with fruits and vegetables. Prosciutto tastes slightly more buttery and salty than standard bacon.

Bacon Bits Are Good Bacon Substitutes for Salads

If you are looking to add a little extra crunch to your next salad, bacon bits is a viable option. Bacon bits are small, imitation bacon pieces with artificial flavors. It is possible to purchase bits made out of bacon, but if you are trying to cut the pork product out of your diet, the imitation pieces are perfect.

And there you have it. Those are four different options for bacon, if you are looking to exclude pork bacon from your diet. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.