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    Home ยป Side Dishes

    Vegan Bacon Bits - TVP Recipe

    Published:Oct 17, 2021ยท Modified: Feb 10, 2025 by Keri Bevan

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    These vegan bacon bits are crunchy and salty with a touch of sweetness. You can make them in under 15 minutes with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and a few basic pantry staples. The perfect easy topping for baked potatoes, Cobb salads and pasta!

    vegan bacon bits
    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿ™‹Are Bacon Bits Vegan?
    • ๐Ÿ™‹What Is TVP?
    • ๐Ÿ›’Ingredients
    • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow To Make Vegan Bacon Bits
    • ๐Ÿ™‹Frequently Asked Questions
    • If You Liked This Recipe, You Might Also Like
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • Comments

    If there's one thing that vegans frequently say this miss, it's bacon. It's no surprise given that bacon seems to hit all the taste buds at once...it's salty, sweet and just a little bit greasy. If you want to go the full hog (see how I did that?) try my popular banana peel bacon recipe. But, if you just want a bit of that salty goodness to top your potatoes or salads, this is the recipe for you!

    ๐Ÿ™‹Are Bacon Bits Vegan?

    Many people wonder it bacon bits are vegan. Surprisingly, most store bought brands of bacon bits are accidentally vegan? Most of them are made with textured vegetable protein (TVP). However, store bought brands are full of unhealthy additives and artificial colors.

    There's an easy solution: Make your own homemade vegan bacon bits. The TVP recipe below only takes about 15 minutes, and you'll be guaranteed to have additive free vegan bacon bits!

    ๐Ÿ™‹What Is TVP?

    Textured vegetable protein, or TVP, is a meat substitute that's fat free, and high in protein and fiber. Sometimes it's called textured soy protein.

    For some TVP recipes, such as vegan stews and casseroles, you rehydrate it by simmering it in water or other liquid ingredients.

    For this recipe, you don't need to rehydrate your TVP. You simply mix up the sauce, add the TVP and crisp up your homemade bacon bits in the oven.

    vegan bacon bits

    ๐Ÿ›’Ingredients

    1. TVP: Choose finely ground TVP, not TVP chunks.
    2. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle fresh garlic flavor with caramel undertones.
    3. Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor that's reminiscent of bacon. It also contributes a natural red color.
    4. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds natural sweetness.
    5. Tamari Sauce: You can use tamari or soy sauce here.
    6. Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke is the magic in this recipe! It's what makes your vegan bacon bits have that smoky bacon flavor.
    7. Salt: I've included salt in this recipe, because bacon is naturally salty, but it's optional.
    vegan bacon bits
    TVP

    ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow To Make Vegan Bacon Bits

    1. Preheat your oven to 300 F (150 C). Line a small baking tray with parchment paper.
    2. In a small bow mix together your tamari, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, smoke paprika and salt.
    3. Stir in your TVP.
    4. Spread your vegan bacon bits out evenly on the baking tray.
    5. Bake for 10 minutes, giving the tray a bit of a shake at the half way point.
    6. Allow your bacon bits to cool on the tray. They will crisp up as they cool. Enjoy!!
    vegan bacon bits

    Did You Make This Recipe?

    If so, tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers!

    ๐Ÿ™‹Frequently Asked Questions

    Are bacon bits vegan?

    Bacon bits made with bacon are of course not vegan. But, surprisingly, most store bought brands of bacon bits are vegan! Most are made with TVP.

    If You Liked This Recipe, You Might Also Like

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    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    vegan bacon bits

    Vegan Bacon Bits

    These vegan bacon bits are crunchy and full of salty sweet flavor. They're the perfect topping for salads, potatoes and pasta! Plus, they only take about 15 minutes to make.
    4.82 from 53 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 46 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ยพ cup TVP
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons tamari sauce or soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt *optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC). Line a baking tray with parchment paper
    • Mix all the ingredients except the TVP in a medium sized mixing bowl.
    • Add the TVP and mix until coated.
    • Spread the bacon bits out evenly on the prepared baking tray and bake for 10 minutes, turning once at the half way point.
    • Allow the bacon bits to cool before stirring.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 401mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword gluten free bacon bits, vegan bacon bits
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Keri Bevan

    Welcome, I'm Keri

    I'm the food photographer and recipe developer and writer behind Daily Dish. I'm a certified Reiki Master with a passion for simple, fresh vegan dishes. I'm an ex-pat American who has lived all over the world. I currently live in London

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