Bacon bits, meatless
FDC 169893tbsp (7 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 49 · -14 vs Legumes & beans medianMeatless bacon bits score 49 of 100, Fair band, but sit at rank 47 of 60 in Legumes & beans, below the category median of 63. The nutrient profile is strong on paper, with an excellent 64% DV of protein, 46% DV of vitamin E, 36% DV of dietary fiber, and 23% DV of magnesium packed into a soy-based crumble.
These are sprinkled over salads, baked potatoes, or soups the way real bacon bits would be, and a tablespoon (7 grams) goes a long way as a garnish rather than a serving on its own. The honest caveat is sodium: this food runs high at 1770 milligrams per 100 grams, so a light hand is the sensible way to use it; peanut butter, smooth style, without salt, is one higher-scoring option in the same category for those watching sodium closely.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around bacon bits, meatless, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 476 kcal | 24% |
| Total fat | 26 g | 33% |
| Saturated fat | 4.1 g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1770 mg | 77% |
| Carbohydrate | 29 g | 10% |
| Dietary fiber | 10 g | 36% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 32 g | 64% |
| Potassium | 145 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 101 mg | 8% |
| Iron | 0.72 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 95 mg | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 1.9 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 6.9 mg | 46% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 33 kcal | 2% |
| Total fat | 1.8 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.28 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 124 mg | 5% |
| Carbohydrate | 2 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.71 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 2.2 g | 4% |
| Potassium | 10 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 7.1 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.05 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 6.7 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.13 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.48 mg | 3% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 169893Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the legumes & beans median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Sausage, meatlessDensity 50 vs 49Peanut butter, smooth style, without saltDensity 50 vs 49Peanut spread, reduced sugarDensity 51 vs 49Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Meatless bacon bits are made from textured soy protein or a similar plant base, seasoned and often smoke-flavored to mimic the salty, savory crunch of real bacon, then dried or toasted into small crumbled pieces. They are used as a shelf-stable topping rather than a stand-alone food, scattered over baked potatoes, salads, deviled eggs, mac and cheese, or green beans wherever a recipe calls for a bacon-like garnish. Because they are shelf-stable and pre-cooked, they need no refrigeration before opening and can be sprinkled straight from the container.
Sold in shaker jars or pouches, they should be sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dry pantry after opening to keep their crunch. A single tablespoon here weighs only 7 g, so while the 476 calories per 100 g looks high, a typical topping serving contributes far less to a dish. Per 100 g they are notably high in protein at 64% DV and fiber at 36% DV thanks to their soy base, though the 1,770 mg sodium per 100 g is substantial, so they are best used as a small, flavorful accent rather than a primary ingredient.
Frequently asked questions about bacon bits, meatless
How many calories are in meatless bacon bits?
About 476 calories per 100 g, though a typical tablespoon serving weighs only about 7 g.
Are meatless bacon bits a good source of protein?
Yes, thanks to their soy protein base they provide about 64% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 g.
How should meatless bacon bits be stored?
Keep the container tightly sealed in a cool, dry pantry to preserve their crunch after opening.