Umaro Applewood Smoke Plant-Based Vegan Bacon

Not edible

Yes, it's expensive, the package is pretty small, and it's definitely not a health-food, but then again, people don't eat real bacon for the nutritional profile either. I cooked this bacon in the air fryer according to the package instructions (it cooks fast-- only takes a couple of minutes) and it turned out so good. The crispiness level is like what you get when you cook real bacon for a long time-- totally crispy through and through. There is a really nice, but not overwhelming smokiness to the bacon, and it honestly smells like I remember real bacon smelling. If you eat it plain, you can tell that it's mostly made of oil and starches, but the flavor and crispiness are so good that even my omnivore husband called it "amazing." I don't necessarily think it would impress meat eaters as just "bacon" to have with breakfast, but it is perfect for putting in sandwiches, or crumbling it as a topping. We had the bacon on Beyond burgers, and it was seriously so good that my husband raved about them for days. This is also the first vegan bacon I've tried that is also perfect for BLTs, as all the seitan or mushroom based bacons are too chewy. I am absolutely ecstatic to have finally found a vegan bacon that is up to the task.

This was awful. So oily that I actually couldn't stomach it and I'm so bummed because I've wanted to try it for a long time! Alas, the vegan bacon search continues. But yeah, genuinely horrible.

Amazing

Ok, I was really excited to try this based on reviews. Here's a tip, DO NOT fry in oil. It's oily enough so there is no need for extra oil. Crisps up fine without it. I have fried it, microwaved it and eaten unheated right out of the package. The description clearly states that there are 27 servings per package and 3 strips are considered a serving. That would indicate that there are 81 strips. There isn't, there are only about 9 strips or so. Taste is good. I like it. Definitely not healthy. Number 1 ingredient is oil. How is that even possible? Because of the high oil content it doesn't really spoul quickly and is shelf stable. You can even eat it right out of the bag. I do use a paper towel to pat it dry to absorb some of the oil. You can practically ring oil out of them. Texture is interesting, kinda like a firm foam. Not bad, I like it. It would be nice if the strips came out of the bag flat and not all curled up. Makes them hard to cook evenly. I won't buy again only because the price for what you get. $9 for a little over 2oz.... yikes!

This bacon is for real. I remain stunned at how they've gotten the crispy texture right. I've cooked it in a pan as well as in the air fryer. It comes out perfect in the air fryer. What I love about the air fryer is that the oil falls through the crisper try to the bottom of the basket, leaving just perfectly crispy, and less oily, bacon. I like mine cooked a little more than recommended, so in my Cosori air fryer I go at 365 for five minutes. This is perfect for me and my partner. We've been using this in all sorts of recipes: breakfast sandwiches, breakfast quesadillas, salads, baked potatoes, etc. It's best when added just before eating, though you do have a decent runway before it begins to take on moisture from the rest of the recipe depending on what you're cooking. This bacon is perfect. They've really outdone themselves at Umaro. Remember, you're eating bacon here, and while it's not the apex of healthy food, it's a lot better health-wise, and kinder than traditional pig meat.