Can Vegetarians Eat Turkey Bacon?

Behind every plant-based queen is an extremely annoying uncle who asks the same irritating questions every Thanksgiving. “What difference would it make if you only ate meat today?” is something you’ve probably heard a thousand times when you politely turn down a turkey sandwich. And “what does a vegetarian eat on Thanksgiving?” is another. As a vegetarian for nine years, I’ve been through a lot of awkward questions, and rest assured that my plate is always full during the annual feast. Article continues below advertisement.

I said a not-so-sad “farewell” to meat — including any and all meat-based Thanksgiving dishes — long ago. I haven’t looked back since, even though my uncle keeps bugging me to try his sausage stuffing or those not-so-tasty bacon-wrapped asparagus bites before the big meal. To be honest, I can’t add anything else to my already-full plate.

Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon for people looking to reduce their meat intake. But can vegetarians eat turkey bacon? The answer is not quite as straightforward as you may think. In this article we’ll take a nuanced look at whether turkey bacon is considered vegetarian or not.

What is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon is pretty much what it sounds like – bacon made from turkey rather than pork. It looks very similar to regular bacon with long thin strips of meat that are cured, smoked and sliced. The main difference is that it’s made from ground turkey which has been reformed into strips rather than being sliced from a whole turkey breast or belly like traditional pork bacon.

Turkey bacon is often touted as a healthier alternative to pork bacon because it has less fat, less saturated fat, and fewer calories. A standard serving of turkey bacon contains about 30 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 380 milligrams of sodium. Compare this to pork bacon which has 54 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 553 milligrams of sodium per slice.

However, the lower fat content means that turkey bacon does not get as crispy as pork bacon when cooked. The texture is a bit chewier and more similar to ham. The flavor also tends to be milder, though seasonings are added during processing to provide a smoky, savory taste.

Why Do People Eat Turkey Bacon?

There are a few main reasons why people choose turkey bacon over pork bacon:

Health – With fewer calories and less fat, turkey bacon fits better into a healthy lifestyle, especially for people watching their cholesterol.
Religion – Certain religions prohibit pork products. Turkey bacon provides a satisfying bacon-like option.
Vegetarianism – Some vegetarians view turkey bacon as an acceptable meat-free substitute for real bacon.

Turkey bacon emerged as a product in the late 1980s as food companies tried to appeal to the popularity of bacon while providing a low-fat alternative. It enabled people with dietary restrictions or health concerns to still enjoy the taste and texture of bacon. The turkey bacon market has grown steadily over the past decades as consumers seek out alternative proteins.

Is Turkey Bacon Considered Vegetarian?

This is where things get tricky. There are differing opinions on whether turkey bacon should be considered vegetarian or not. Here are some perspectives to consider:

It contains meat:

Turkey bacon is made from ground turkey meat, so technically it does come from an animal. Most vegetarians avoid all meat products including fish and poultry.

But poultry/fish may be accepted:

Some vegetarian diets allow for poultry and fish while abstaining from red meat. These “flexitarian” or “semi-vegetarian” diets permit foods like turkey bacon.

It can contain additives:

Turkey bacon is processed and may contain additives or preservatives that strict vegetarians avoid. This includes ingredients like sodium nitrite.

But it can be additive-free:

There are some brands of turkey bacon made with no nitrites or artificial preservatives. This “cleaner” ingredient list appeals to some vegetarians.

Turkey farming impacts animals:

Raising turkeys for meat still indirectly impacts animal welfare and the environment. This goes against vegan principles.

But turkeys aren’t actually killed for it:

Turkey bacon is made from excess trimmings of turkey processed for other purposes. So no extra turkeys are killed just to make it.

As we can see, there are good arguments on both sides of the issue. Whether turkey bacon is considered vegetarian or not really comes down to an individual’s specific dietary choices and restrictions.

Different Types of Vegetarianism

To understand the turkey bacon debate, it helps to be aware of the different levels of vegetarian diets. Here is a quick overview:

Vegan – Eats no animal products at all including eggs, dairy, honey, etc. Would not eat turkey bacon.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian – Eats eggs and dairy products but avoids meat. May accept turkey bacon.
Pescatarian – Eats fish and seafood but avoids other meats. May eat turkey bacon.
Flexitarian – Mainly vegetarian but occasionally eats meat in moderation. Would likely eat turkey bacon.
Pollotarian – Eats poultry but no red meat. Turkey bacon is acceptable.

There can also be ethical and environmental variations within these diets. Simply labeling oneself as “vegetarian” does not automatically mean turkey bacon is off limits. The individual’s reasonings and principles for their diet matter.

Nutrition Comparison of Turkey Bacon vs. Pork Bacon

If we’re just looking at nutritional content, turkey bacon has some advantages over pork bacon:

Nutrient	3 oz Turkey Bacon	3 oz Pork Bacon
Calories	90	219
Fat	3 g	17 g
Saturated Fat	1 g	6 g
Protein	15 g	15 g
Iron	0.8 mg	0.6 mg
Sodium	1,140 mg	1,581 mg

As you can see, turkey bacon is significantly lower in total fat, saturated fat, and sodium compared to regular pork bacon. It provides iron and protein without all the unnecessary fat and salt.

Is Turkey Bacon Healthier Than Pork Bacon?

From a health perspective, turkey bacon is better for you than pork bacon. But don’t confuse “better” with “good”. Neither should be consumed in large amounts as part of a healthy diet. Let’s look at why:

The Bad:

High in sodium – Turkey bacon is cured with salt and contains over 1000 mg per serving. This can increase blood pressure.
Nitrates/nitrites – These preservatives have been linked to cancer. Some turkey bacons contain them.
Processed meat – The WHO considers processed meats carcinogenic. Cooking may create carcinogens.

The Good:

Lower in fat and calories than pork bacon.
Still provides protein, nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium.
May be permissible for flexitarian, paleo, or low-carb diets in moderation.

Overall, turkey bacon is the lesser of two evils when compared to pork bacon. But it is still a highly processed food that should not be a dietary staple.

How is Turkey Bacon Made?

To understand what makes turkey bacon “bacon”, it helps to know how it is made:

Trimming – Excess turkey trimmings are harvested from whole turkeys processed for meat. Nothing goes to waste.
Grinding – The trimmings are ground up into a thick, meaty paste.
Mixing – Curing agents like salt, sugar, nitrites, and seasonings are mixed in to add flavor.
Shaping – The seasoned paste is squeezed into molds and formed into thin simulated bacon strips.
Cooking – The molded strips are pre-cooked just until done throughout but not browned.
Cooling – The cooked strips are cooled down rapidly to prevent shrinking.
Slicing – After cooling, the turkey bacon “loaf” is sliced into individual strips.
Packaging – The sliced strips are packaged into rigid plastic trays to retain shape.

So while turkey bacon looks similar to pork bacon, its processed nature is quite different from whole pork belly slices. The curing and shaping processes are what give it that baconesque flavor, texture, and appearance even without pork.

How to Cook Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon requires a slightly different cooking method compared to regular pork bacon. Here are some tips:

Use a thick, heavy pan like cast iron. Thin pans won’t distribute heat evenly.
Cook over medium-low heat. Turkey bacon scorches easily on high heat.
Lay strips flat in a single layer without overlapping. Crowding will steam instead of crisping.
Cook slowly for 5-8 minutes per side until browned and crisped at edges.
Drain on paper towels. The thin strips lose moisture quickly.
Don’t expect the same level of crispy crunch as pork bacon. It will be lightly crisped but still flexible.
If microwaving, use paper towels to absorb moisture. 1-2 minutes on high does the trick.

With its turkey meat base, turkey bacon can dry out quicker than pork bacon. Using moderate heat and accepting its differences in texture will give you the best results.

Does Turkey Bacon Taste Like Regular Bacon?

This is a matter of personal taste preferences. Many people describe turkey bacon as having:

A meatier, denser texture closer to ham/deli meats than crispy fatty pork bacon.
A smoky aroma but fairly mild smoked flavor without as much saltiness.
Leaner and slightly drier mouthfeel that doesn’t have that fatty richness

can vegetarians eat turkey bacon

What can vegetarians eat in general?

First, it’s important to understand what a vegetarian diet is and how it differs from a vegan, omnivore, or pescatarian diet. It’s also important to understand the different types of vegetarianism. On an omnivore diet, you eat both plants and meat. On the other hand, a pescatarian diet doesn’t eat any meat from land animals but does eat fish and shellfish. Vegans do not eat any animal products, even byproducts like honey, dairy, and eggs. Vegetarians only don’t eat meat.

However, there are two different types of vegetarianism that you should learn about. A vegetarian diet is pretty simple and easy to follow. Lacto-ovo vegetarians avoid eating any types of meat, but choose to eat eggs, dairy, and honey. For lacto-vegetarians, on the other hand, dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt are still eaten even though they don’t eat eggs or meat. Article continues below advertisement.

To find out what vegetarians can eat at the big Thanksgiving meal, let’s look at the different kinds of food that different types of vegetarians can eat every day.