Bummed About Bacon? Try These 7 Protein-Rich, Meatless Snack Alternatives

What to Eat Now that the World Health Organization Has Declared Bacon Deadly

While certainly one of the more beloved foods in recent memory, today the World Health Organization confirmed what deep down, we all knew all along:

Bacon = death.

Yes, a study by the WHO stated that the salty, greasy cured meat caused an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

In fact, the findings label bacon, sausage, and other processed meats “carcinogenic,” placing them in the same category as cigarettes.

The study was conducted by an international panel of 22 experts, who pored over decades of research exploring the links between red and processed meats and cancer. While long associated with increased risks, this is the first study to actually declare these meats cancer causing agents.

While the ensuring baconpocalypse might get you down, the good news is there are tons of delicious, protein-rich foods out there that won’t kill you. Our SnackNation Snack Scientists have come up with a list of meat-free alternatives that pack a mean protein punch, without the adverse health effects. 

These snacks will have you saying, “bacon who?”

Probar – Superfood Slam Mealbar

Probar’s Superfood Slam is nothing short of a nutritional powerhouse. This tasty, meat-free bar is jam packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidant rich superfoods like organic acai berries, pure raspberries, dark chocolate, and greens. This bar tastes so good, it’s hard to believe it’s this good for you.

Protein: 11 g

Fiber: 6 g

Great for: morning breakfast on the go, meal replacement

Quest – Cookies & Cream

Quest has a knack for making nutritious foods that taste like your favorite dessert. With ending metabolic disease as their stated goal, they disguise healthy foods in the flavors they know people wish they could eat – flavors like cookie dough, pumpkin pie, s’mores, and America’s favorite… cookies and cream. But don’t let the saccharine exterior fool you; with nearly as much protein as a chicken breast, Quest bars will satisfy even the most voracious meat eater’s nutritional needs.

Protein per serving: 21 g

Fiber per serving: 14 g

Great for: post-workout nutrition, snacking on the go, guilt free dessert

Eden Foods – Tamari Almonds

These rich tasting, roasted organic almonds get their signature flavor from Eden’s imported organic Tamari soy sauce. Unlike traditional soy sauce, Tamari is a Japanese variety that’s made without wheat, making it gluten free. An added bonus: these almonds are rich in magnesium, which is known to reduce muscle tension, lessen pain associated with migraine headaches, and improve sleep.  And of course, they’re a great source of healthy fiber and protein.

Protein: 8 g

Fiber: 4 g

Great for: light snacking, hiking and other outdoor activities

Eden Foods – Spicy pumpkin seeds

Another great item from the Eden Foods family, these dry roasted organic pumpkin seeds are also lightly coated with Eden’s Tamari soy sauce. Organic garlic powder and cayenne pepper are added to give them a spicy kick. We’re not the only ones who love these spicy seeds: this unique snack was named the “Best Organic Food for Men” by Men’s Health magazine.

Protein: 8 g

Fiber: 4 g

Great for: parties, camping, backpacking

Macrobar – Cashew Caramel

These all organic treats come with 12 grams of protein from an organic blend of sprouted rice and pea protein. They’re also high in essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Protein: 12 g

Fiber: 4 g

Great for: casual snacking, sports nutrition

22 Days – PB & Chocolate Nirvana

Psychological research shows that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. 22 Days is all about getting you to the 22nd day, the day that you break your poor nutrition habits and solidify your healthy eating ones. And they do it through great tasting, gluten-free, non-GMO items like this PB & Chocolate Nirvana bar, which contains 20g of plant-based protein.

Protein: 20 g

Great for: socially conscious snacking, snacking on the go, lifestyle changes

Lenny & Larry’s – chocolate chip cookies

You’d never know by tasting it, but this all natural, high protein cookie contains no dairy or eggs, making it completely vegan. Additionally, Lenny and Larry make their cookies with all non-GMO ingredients.

Protein: 8 g

Fiber: 3 g

Great for: socially conscious snacking, guilt free dessert

Conclusion

Should you mourn the loss of bacon? Not particularly. There are tons of sweet and savory delights that can fill the bacon-shaped hole in your heart.

In fact, at SnackNation, we pride ourselves in providing the best of the best healthy snacks on the market today, things you won’t find in stores, but that your office will definitely love.

Want to see for yourself? Try a free (plus shipping) sample box today.