13 bacon substitutes that taste almost as good as the real thing

Bacon. It's said everything is better with it, and looking at U.S. consumption rates of bacon, that is seemingly true. According to market research firm IRI, sales of meat candy, ahem, bacon, hit $4.4 billion in 2017. 

These days, there's bacon on donuts, in ice cream and on pizza. There are bacon-flavored sodas, cupcakes and even beer. And jalapeños. And bourbon. And, um, toothpaste. Yes, toothpaste. Obviously, the American love affair with bacon is alive and well. But here's the thing: It isn't very healthy for you. It's chock full of fat, cholesterol and sodium.

And sure, eaten in moderation it's not all that bad, but if you have health issues that may limit your ability to eat bacon – or if you're vegetarian, vegan or just watching your fat and sodium intake – it's nice to know you can sort of get your bacon fix in a healthier way. 

Now, I'm not saying anything on this list is going to be just like bacon. It's hard if not impossible to emulate that exact texture and salty, smoky, slightly-sweet flavor. But, I've come up with 13 healthier substitutions (some only slightly so) that can help you cut back on some of the fat, cholesterol and sodium and still get some of that flavor you crave.

Click ahead for my top choices for bacon substitutes you can really sink your teeth into.