Bacon Bits
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What it is
Bacon bits are small, crumbled pieces of bacon or a bacon-flavored food product. Real bacon bits are made from cured pork belly that has been cooked, dried, and crumbled. Imitation bacon bits are typically made from textured vegetable protein, often soy, and are flavored to resemble bacon.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add bacon bits to foods to provide a savory, smoky flavor and a crunchy texture. They are commonly used as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, and soups, and can also be found in various processed snacks and convenience meals.
Health notes
As a general food ingredient, bacon bits are not subject to specific FDA additive approvals. Real bacon bits are often high in sodium and saturated fat; the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories, and the FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meats, including bacon, as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Imitation bacon bits can also be high in sodium and may contain various food additives.
Allergen info
Real bacon bits are not a major allergen. However, imitation bacon bits frequently contain soy, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA. Some imitation versions may also contain wheat, which contains gluten.