Where Can You Still Buy Sizzlean Bacon?

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, Sizzlean bacon holds a nostalgic place in our hearts. This leaner alternative to regular pork bacon was heavily marketed as a healthier breakfast option With its catchy ads and memorable sizzling sounds, Sizzlean carved out a niche in the fake meat market. But sadly, it was discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving fans wondering where they can find it

In this guide, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane reminiscing about Sizzlean. We’ll explore why it disappeared, and if any options exist for bringing home some packs today. While Sizzlean can’t be bought in stores anymore, we’ll uncover some creative ways diehard fans are getting their fix.

Fond Memories of Sizzlean

First. let’s relive the glory days of Sizzlean and its appeal

• Hit the market in the late 1970s under Swift & Company
• Promoted as having 50% less fat than pork bacon
• Memorable tagline “Bring home the sizzle, not the bacon”
• Had a chewy, jerky-like texture when cooked
• Formed bubbly bits of fat while frying
• Offered satisfying sizzle and crunch
• Filled a void for kosher and halal eaters
• Provided a leaner bacon alternative before turkey bacon

For those craving a bacon taste without the pig, Sizzlean delivered.

The Disappearance of Sizzlean

Despite its cult following, Sizzlean vanished from stores in the early 2000s after decades of popularity. What happened?

• Swift was bought by ConAgra, who likely cut minor brands
• Never had more than a niche market share
• Required advertising dollars to compete with bacon
• Turkey bacon emerged as a lower fat/cost bacon style
• Production was probably less profitable long-term
• Brand was discontinued around 2005 after a slow fade

Though not a failure, Sizzlean was always a side dish to bacon as the main course. When resources were needed elsewhere, ConAgra pulled the plug.

The Hunt to Find Sizzlean Today

Since Sizzlean can no longer be found in supermarkets, where can we track it down? Here are some options:

• Online Resale: Sites like eBay occasionally have vintage boxes sold by private owners. Stock is very limited.

• International Imports: Sizzlean may still be sold in some overseas markets. Importers could bring it to the US, but quantities are low.

• Generic Versions: Some companies sell generic “beef breakfast strips” that mimic Sizzlean. But flavors likely differ.

• Make Your Own: Diehard fans recreate it at home through trial and error with beef and spices. Recipes are found online.

• Request Revival: Petitioning ConAgra to bring it back or license the brand to others is a long shot, but possible.

• Find Alternatives: The closest substitutes on the mainstream market now are turkey bacon or beef jerky.

Why So Hard to Find?

Several key factors make Sizzlean scarce today:

• Lack of Demand: As a minor product, few stores want to carry it.

• No Production: The original supply infrastructure to mass produce it is gone.

• Expired Brand Rights: ConAgra abandoned the trademark, so can’t enforce authentic versions.

• Cheaper Options: Turkey bacon fills the niche at lower cost and greater scale.

• Distribution Difficulties: Even if made today, distribution channels no longer exist to get it to consumers.

Essentially, the supply chain and brand support needed to deliver Sizzlean has dissolved over time.

Can New Brands Replicate It?

Hypothetically, a company could attempt to recreate Sizzlean today as a new brand. However, some obstacles exist:

• Consumer Awareness: Building recognition for a new brand takes huge marketing dollars.

• Formula Uncertainty: The exact blend of meats and spices is unknown. Replicating the flavor is challenging.

• ConAgra Ownership: They still own rights to the Sizzlean name and trademarks, limiting options.

• Pricing Difficulties: A niche product has higher costs and narrower appeal than mass-market turkey bacon.

While new “beef bacon” offerings emerge occasionally, they pale in comparison to the uniqueness and taste of the original Sizzlean.

Is This Goodbye to Sizzlean for Good?

Unfortunately, all signs point to Sizzlean being gone forever with no legitimate options to purchase it new today. But a few silver linings exist:

• We can reminisce about the memories and impact of this classic product.

• Clips online let us see old Sizzlean commercials and hear that iconic sizzle.

• Homemade recipes try valiantly to recreate the flavors.

• Alternatives like turkey bacon capture some of the spirit.

• On rare occasions an old box resurfaces to enjoy.

• Sizzlean paved the way for future leaner breakfast meats.

So while we can’t find Sizzlean at the local grocery store anymore, its legacy lives on for those who loved starting their day with its signature sound. Sizzle on, Sizzlean!