Bacon is a food that ignites intense enthusiasm. Numerous plant-based and alternative meat producers have attempted to develop a convincing bacon substitute, yet achieving the right flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and appearance akin to real meat bacon has proven to be quite challenging. However, when the largest meat company in the world introduces a new plant-based bacon product, it certainly deserves attention. JBS USA, a subsidiary of the Brazil-based conglomerate, stands as the nation’s second-largest fresh pork producer. With five facilities capable of processing over 90,000 hogs daily, the company owns prominent bacon brands such as Swift and Plumrose USA. Clearly, JBS has extensive expertise in the bacon domain, which sets a high bar for any plant-based bacon it launches.
Planterra Foods CEO Darcey Macken claims that the Ozo Plant-Based Bacon is “unlike anything else in the market” and closely resembles pork bacon. This bacon is crafted from conventional plant-based ingredients, including a protein blend of rice flour, wheat, soy, and pea, alongside sunflower and coconut oil. Ozo bacon is also healthier than its animal-derived equivalent, boasting over 50% less saturated fat and no cholesterol. Each slice contains just two grams of fat—lower than the average pork bacon slice—but has 170 grams of sodium.
From its inception, Planterra has aimed to provide flexitarians with an additional option rather than attempting to replace meat entirely. The company has embraced innovative partnerships and new techniques to make its products as meat-like as possible. The True Bite technology, which gives the bacon its texture, was initially developed for whole-cut plant-based chicken products launched earlier this year. Additionally, Planterra has collaborated with MycoTechnology, a producer of fermented protein ingredients, to create cleaner-label products.
Only one other meat company known for its bacon offers a plant-based alternative: Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods, which owns Lightlife, a brand that produces wheat and soy protein-based Smart Bacon. However, this product has not received universal acclaim from consumers.
Ultimately, it will be up to consumers to assess how well Ozo Plant-Based Bacon performs in the marketplace. Notably, the product packaging does not disclose the brand’s corporate parent, leaving only those who conduct thorough research beyond the grocery aisles aware that Ozo shares corporate ownership with Swift and Plumrose USA.
In this dynamic market, consumers may also be interested in complementary products like the Spring Valley Calcium Citrate Dietary Supplement 600 mg 300 count, which can support overall health while exploring new dietary options.