There’s been a recent shift in the vegan meat market to incorporate a beneficial part of mushroom—mycelium. Mycelium is the hidden root-like structure of fungi that is found in the soil underneath it. Mycelium consists of a network of thin fungal strands called hyphae. The mycelium provides nutrients and digestive enzymes to its host source. While on the prowl for the best vegan bacon, I came across a brand that I’d never seen before. MyBacon produces a farm grown mycelium plant-based bacon.
The Challenge of Finding a Good Vegan Bacon
When I saw the brand at Whole Foods, I automatically thought highly of its packaging which displayed pictures of the juicy looking vegan bacon that truly resembled real bacon. MyBacon mycelium bacon costs $9 a package. Why it's the same price as actual organic bacon I have no idea but it's no problem because it’s super hard out here to find vegan bacon that actually tastes good. After trying all the brands available for plant-based bacon (Morningstar, Lightlife, Upton’s Natural), and finding that none really provide a great dupe for bacon (Lightlife gets an honorable mention).
A vegetarian or vegan can more easily quench their hunger for a hamburger with Impossible or Beyond Meat but the same can’t be said for prior bacon lovers. One of the most challenging problems that we have in this world lies in the creation of meatless plant-based products that actually taste like real meat. It’s so extremely challenging that an organization should create an award for the best meat alternatives. Maybe the Green News Guide will spearhead this idea! Brands such as Beyond Meat and Impossible have their processes for meat alternatives down pat. It would be amazing to see them create plant based bacon.
Cooking MyBacon
MyBacon mycelium bacon came out the package slathered in an opaque looking film which seemed to be coconut oil. Since it’s already slathered, there’s no need to add additional oil to the pan. Cook the mycelium bacon as you would your normal bacon (6-8) minutes on medium-high heat. I’d suggest cooking it for 10 minutes if you desire it to be very crispy.
The Taste
Upon first taste, MyBacon was very good. It definitely gives you that smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile that you’d expect from a piece of bacon. It's really umami to the core. My only gripe is with the texture. It’s a rather rubbery, chewy texture which can be overlooked but if one is into textures when it comes to eating, this option may not be suitable. Perhaps the cook time is to blame as it wasn’t in the pan for a full 8 minutes.
The texture of this mycelium bacon is very similar to another brand that creates plant based steak and chicken—Eat Meati. Kudos to Eat Meati (love their products). Though the texture of mycelium is a hard match to measure up to the texture of real meat, it does a fine job of helping to mimick the taste. With that said, I highly recommend this new meatless product, MyBacon mycelium bacon, for all the bacon lovers who may be vegan or vegetarian. It’s supremely good!
The Nutrition
Compared to a package of Applegate organic bacon, a serving of mycelium bacon (2 slices) has only 60 calories and no cholesterol. This is a great alternative for individuals that may be watching their cholesterol or are desiring to eat more heart healthy foods. A serving of Applegate bacon has 5g of fat and 10mg of cholesterol while MyBacon has 3g of fat and no cholesterol. There are 33mg of potassium in a serving of Applegate bacon and 100mg in a serving of MyBacon mycelium. The mycelium bacon also has 2g of fiber compared to zero in the Applegate bacon. Even though the price between the plant based bacon and the actual bacon are comparably the same, one is certainly healthier. We haven't even touched on all the health concerns and disadvantages of consuming pork.
I will try making MyBacon again for a classic New York style bacon, egg and cheese and update this review with a photo <3
If you are a meat loving reader of the Green News Guide and are interested in living a greener lifestyle by going meatless one day a week or committing full time, be sure to check out BAMFEI.
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