Umaro Plant-Based Vegan Bacon (Smokey Black Pepper)

This plant-based bacon is excellent. We had been buying the Applewood version and really loved it, so I was a little hesitant to try the Smoky Black Pepper because I wasn’t sure it would compare. Thankfully, it absolutely delivered. We used it to make BLTs and avocado bacon sandwiches, and it was fantastic in both. The flavor is smoky, savory, and satisfying without being overpowering. The black pepper adds a nice extra kick without taking over the overall taste. One of the things I appreciate most is how easy it is to prepare. I just toss it in the air fryer for about 2 minutes, and it comes out crisp and ready to go. There is a little oil, but nothing excessive or unpleasantly greasy. We’ve tried a lot of plant-based bacon over the years, and this one really hits the right notes in flavor, texture, and convenience. My only complaint is that it can be hard to find in stock because I would absolutely keep buying it regularly.

I am really sad to say this was gross. The original is delicious but this one tastes and smells weird. Sort of like plastic? Don’t buy this stick- with the original which is amazing. I saw other reviews that said this but I thought maybe they didn’t understand vegetarian proteins. They did. I should have listened.

My first time trying a plant bacon, so I don't have anything to compare to except real bacon. I tried pan frying and air frying, the air fried ones were much better. They come heavily coated in oil. I don't detect much smell other than smoking oil. The texture is similar to the meaty part of a thinly sliced piece of hog jowl moreso than bacon. It does not mimic the fatty part of bacon. It doesn't taste particularly porky nor peppery although it does have ground pepper on it. I doubt I'll buy this one again but if I see 'the original' that other reviewers mentioned I may try that. I made BLTs with mine, it's a nice texture to have on a sandwich.

The first time I used this vegan bacon I cooked it completely wrong and I really disliked it. Then I realized 3 minutes in a preheated air fryer was all it took to get a beautiful delicious BLT. I'm sold but I'm also a little ticked off that I can't get the original right now because Umaro is in the process of expanding their Manufacturing location. So I'm waiting patiently because well I love booth the peppery and the original, my grandson is hooked on the original and we can't get that anywhere. If you don't know how to cook this you're going to be disappointed, but like I said 3 minutes in the air fryer is all it took for a seriously delicious sandwich and you honestly don't need to use a ton of it like you would with regular bacon, I found that I can use like three pieces on large sourdough bread along with the rest of the ingredients and it's more than enough and that really helps to spread out the cost. Love this the pieces, love that it doesn't have nitrates and all that bad stuff that's in regular bacon, love the ease of cooking and how well it comes out and if you're getting greasiness you're not doing it right, don't judge it by how it comes out of the package because that's not how it's going to be when it's finished cooking.

I ordered the black pepper and to my surprise it was the saltiest vegan bacun I ever had!! I’ve had this brand before at a local diner and I love it! Maybe I’ll try regular next time

Love this product better than real Bacon!! Did find this version a bit hot for my taste, but rinsed it in warm water 💦 & it took away some of the heat!! Will order the plain one from now on!! Love 💖 it!!

This vegan bacon was really good and super convenient to have on hand. It cooks up quickly and gives a nice smoky flavor that works great for breakfast sandwiches, salads, or just snacking. Texture is pretty satisfying—crispy when cooked right, not too chewy or weird like some plant-based meats can be. What I liked most is how easy it is to use straight from the package with minimal prep. It’s a solid option when you want something quick that still feels like a “real” breakfast addition. I’d definitely buy it again.

Bad batch? I have been purchasing umaro Bacon from a retailer locally in bulk. It's amazing it's crispy and is almost like the real thing I can't get enough of it on my avocado toast. My local retailer ran out so I thought I would try some peppered bacon I usually get plain. I poped a few In the microwave as usual and waited a minute. If you have ever smelled an orange plastic traffic cone you will know what I am talking about. It smells chemical like a plasticy soap smell. Which is exactly what this bacon tasted like I bought two packages and threw them both away. I hope the plain I get from my local retailer is never what comes in the retail box. An update Umaro reached out to me and offered me a full refund.