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Home » Recipes

Vegan Bacon Bits | The Best TVP Recipe!

Published: 14 Sep 2020 · Updated: 17 Jun 2021 by Julianne Lynch · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 4 Comments

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vegan bacon bits pin
vegan bacon bits pin

These Vegan Bacon Bits are crispy, crunchy, and full of incredible bacon flavor! Made with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and a handful of basic ingredients, this delicious condiment is quick & easy. Perfect for topping salads, soups, baked potatoes, and more!

vegan bacon bits made with TVP (textured vegetable protein) (soy bacon bits)

If you've been missing the flavor of bacon, then I have good news! You can easily replicate store-bought bacon bits that are healthier and more affordable with just a handful of ingredients. Best of all the flavor is almost indistinguishable from bacon. These delicious Bacon Bits make a perfect addition to all sorts of dishes from salad to pasta. Sometimes I even eat them straight out of the jar! This is seriously the best, easiest, and most addictive TVP Recipe. Yum!

You'll love this recipe for Vegan Bacon Bits because it's:

  • Quick & Easy
  • Vegan / Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, and Oil-Free
  • A Healthy Alternative to store-bought bacon bits
  • Crispy & Crunchy
  • Full of Flavor

veggie bacon bits made with TVP
Quick & Delicious Vegan Bacon Bits!

Are Bacon Bits Vegan?

Believe it or not, store-bought bacon-bits don't actually have any bacon. They are meatless because they're made with TVP (more on that in a second). But just because they're vegan doesn't mean they're healthy. Store-bought bacon bits usually contain a bunch of unpronounceable ingredients and food coloring. So if you want to avoid those things and save a little money in the process, this Easy Homemade Bacon Bits Recipe is for you.

What is TVP?

TVP might sound a little odd, but it's actually just short for Textured Vegetable Protein, aka Textured Soy Protein. The texture is dry and fibrous, which is why TVP is a common meat-replacement product. You will find it in various shapes (flakes, chunks, etc). It is available at natural food stores and most large grocery stores in the health food section. Or you can order TVP online. As with all soy products, be sure to choose Organic, Non-GMO.

What is Liquid Smoke?

If you've never cooked with liquid smoke, and you miss the flavor of grilled meats, then you should definitely give this ingredient a try. Liquid smoke is exactly what it sounds like. Hickory or other types of wood are burned and the smoke is captured and condensed into liquid form.

There have been some concerns about the possible health risks associated with liquid smoke, but the latest research seems to show that small amounts of liquid smoke are okay, and are significantly less harmful than smoked foods. Thankfully the flavor is quite strong, so a small amount can go a long way.

How to Make Homemade Veggie Bacon Bits

This recipe is so easy! Just mix all of your spices and liquids in a bowl, add the TVP, and stir to combine. Then spread the bacon bits on a lined tray, pop them in the oven on 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, let cool, and enjoy! Crispy, crunchy, Vegan Bacon Bits!

homemade imitation bacon bits (vegan and oil-free)
You just need a few ingredients to make Homemade Bacon Bits!
vegan bacon bits in bowl
vegan bacon bits on baking tray

How to serve

  • These vegan bacon crumbles are perfect for sprinkling over salad, soup, pasta, and more.
  • They make the perfect topping for this Loaded Vegan Potato Soup.
  • You could easily substitute them for the tempeh bacon in this Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara.
  • They're absolutely divine sprinkled over Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts! Not only do they add a delicious bacon-y flavor, but you'll also get that wonderful crunch factor.
  • I also love them on the Spinach, Avocado, & Strawberry Salad.

How to store

To keep them crunchy, be sure to cool the bacon bits completely before storing (so that there's no condensation on the inside of the container). Store your bacon bits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

veggie bacon bits/fake bacon bits in a bowl
Crispy, crunchy Vegan Bacon Bits!

Related Recipes

  • Vegan Italian Sausage Crumbles
  • Vegan Parmesan Cheese
  • Creamy Vegan Italian Dressing
  • Cilantro-Lime Avocado Dressing
  • Oil-Free Vegan Aioli
  • Oil-Free Vegan Pesto

vegan bacon bits in measuring cup

Vegan Bacon Bits | The Best TVP Recipe!

These Vegan Bacon Bits are crispy, crunchy, and full of incredible bacon flavor! Made with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and a handful of basic ingredients, this delicious condiment is quick & easy. Perfect for topping salads, soups, baked potatoes, and more!
4.70 from 30 votes
Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Cool Time 7 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 41 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
baking sheet
baking mat

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup TVP
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon date syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon granulated onion

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F or 150°C.
  • Mix all of the ingredients EXCEPT the TVP in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  • Add the TVP and mix until the liquid is coating all of the TVP.
  • Spread the bacon bits mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
  • Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye so that the bacon bits don't burn.
  • Remove the tray from the oven and let the bacon bits cool for another 5 to 7 minutes. This will help them to dry out more and get crunchy.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
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Notes

  • You can skip the oven entirely, but the bacon bits will feel very moist.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings as needed and based on your own personal preference. 
  • For lower sodium, substitute tamari plus 1 tablespoon water for the soy sauce.
  • If you don't have date syrup, substitute with molasses or use 1 tablespoon maple syrup (and omit the additional ½ teaspoon maple syrup).
  • This makes about 1 cup of bacon bits.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonCalories: 41kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 259mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Keyword vegan bacon bits, vegan bacon crumbles
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elliot

    August 19, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    These look great!!!! Can’t wait to try them! I have soya chunks in the cupboard, are these the same as TVP?
    And don’t you normally need to rehydrate TVP in liquid / broth before using?

    Reply
    • Julianne Lynch

      August 20, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks! Soya chunks tend to be a bit larger than TVP crumbles, but if you have some that are small like the ones in the photos, then go for it. The TVP gets rehydrated from the liquid in the recipe as you make it, so it doesn't need to be rehydrated prior to making the recipe.

      Reply
  2. Nancy

    August 23, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe. Mine came out perfect. What a great addition to my salads!

    Reply
    • Julianne Lynch

      August 26, 2022 at 7:18 am

      Thanks! I'm so glad you liked them!!

      Reply

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Julianne, founder of No Sweat Vegan.

Hi, I'm Julianne! I love creating simple and comforting vegan food for the whole family. Most of my recipes are healthy, Whole-Foods Plant-Based, and easy on the budget. Thanks for stopping by!

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