Just How Artificial Are Those Store-Bought Bacon Bits?

There's no shame in buying pre-packaged bacon bits, however, you might be surprised to learn that some brands of bacon bits don't actually contain any bacon at all.

If you've been buying McCormick Imitation Bacon Bits to give your food a meaty flavor, then you haven't actually been consuming any meat.

They use soy flour to mimic the taste and texture of crumbled bacon. They also add flavor enhancers like guanylate and disodium inosinate, as well as colorants like Red 40 dye.

Most brands are careful to label their packaging to advertise whether they're selling real or imitation bacon bits. Brands like Oscar Mayer or Hormel use real bacon.