Bacon makes everything better. From breakfast plates to burgers and sandwiches those salty, smoky crispy strips of pork belly can instantly elevate the flavor of any dish. But what about for those who don’t eat meat? Is bacon off limits for vegetarians and vegans? Not anymore! A fascinating new burger creation is swooping in to save the day the veggie burger topped with bacon.
This deliciously contradictory dish has a fittingly ironic name – the Hypocrite Burger. It allows vegetarians to have their plant-based cake and eat their bacon too. But how did this playfully perplexing burger come to be? What exactly is a Hypocrite Burger and why has it been gaining popularity? Let’s dive into the juicy details.
The Rise of Plant-Based Burgers
To understand the Hypocrite Burger, we first need to understand the larger trend it sprang from – the rise of realistic plant-based meat alternatives.
Gone are the days when veggie burgers were hockey pucks of mashed lentils that only vegetarians would touch. Modern brands like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have tapped into cutting-edge food science to create plant-based burgers that look, taste, smell, and even bleed like real beef.
Using ingredients like peas, soy, wheat, and potatoes, these companies utilize heating, cooling, and pressure to align plant proteins in the same fibrous structures as animal meat Fat molecules are added to mimic the marbling of beef Beet juice lends a “bleeding” effect. Coconut oil ensures browning when cooked. The result? Decadently juicy, craveably fatty, impressively beefy plant-based patties.
These realistic veggie burgers appeal not only to vegetarians and vegans, but to meat-eaters looking to reduce their consumption of animal products. The plant-based meat market is now expected to reach $8.3 billion by 2025. Fast food chains like Burger King, White Castle, and Carl’s Jr. have added meatless burgers to their menus. It’s official – plant-based meat is going mainstream.
The Dilemma of Combining Bacon and Veggie Burgers
Here’s where things get complicated. Vegans and vegetarians generally shun all animal products, including bacon. So why would someone who eats a plant-based burger want to top it with meaty pork strips?
For some, just the flavor is tempting enough. After all, bacon does make everything tastier! And many veggie bacon alternatives fall short of replicating that smoky, salty, umami goodness.
Others may take a more flexible approach to their vegetarianism or veganism, allowing the occasional indulgence or cheat day. An all-veggie burger dressed up with just a bit of bacon may be seen as a small treat that doesn’t undermine their overall lifestyle.
Of course, bacon on a veggie burger is controversial to some. For stricter vegans and vegetarians, any addition of animal product crosses the line. It comes down to personal choice and where each individual draws their dietary boundaries.
The Solution: Veggie Burgers Topped with “Bacon”
For those craving the Best of Both Worlds burger, the Hypocrite Burger delivers. Typically a meatless veggie patty dressed up with two crispy strips of pork bacon, it allows vegetarians to enjoy the flavor without eating a whole bacon cheeseburger. It’s the perfect compromise.
But for those wanting to keep it 100% plant-based, faux bacon options are also on the rise. Brands like Sweet Earth, Phoney Baloney’s, and Hooray Foods make veggie bacons from ingredients like eggplant, coconut oil, and rice flour. While the taste may not be exactly the same, these products come pretty close to replicating the crispy, smoky, salty magic of bacon.
When making a home-cooked Hypocrite Burger, a portobello mushroom or sweet potato black bean patty topped with coconut bacon is a delicious meat-free choice. There are also many recipe swaps online for veggie bacon bits to sprinkle on.
So whether you top it with real pork or faux bacon flavors, the Hypocrite Burger has something to satisfy both sides of this meaty debate.
The Great Debate: What to Call this Plant-Based Creation
The rise of the Hypocrite Burger sparked a fascinating debate – what do you call a veggie burger topped with bacon? Is it false advertising? Are meat-related names off-limits for plant-based foods?
In Europe, farmer lobbyist groups have argued that meat-like names confuse consumers. They claim terms like burger and sausage should only apply to animal-derived products.
But advocates of plant-based meats disagree. They argue that meaty names help consumers know how to integrate these options into meals. A veggie burger topped with bacon clearly describes the dish’s flavor profile.
So far, veggie burgers have won the naming debate. The EU voted to allow meaty names on plant-based alt foods. And the Hypocrite Burger moniker has taken off for bacon-topped veggie burgers. The contradictory yet descriptive name aptly captures this burger’s identity crisis.
Why the Hypocrite Burger is a Hit
Love it or hate it, the Hypocrite Burger has undeniable appeal. Here are some reasons why this indulgent dish is a hit:
It’s the Best of Both Worlds
For those trying to cut back on meat while still craving the taste, the Hypocrite Burger delivers. It offers the satisfaction of bacon in smaller doses. The veggie base provides a healthier option than an all-meat burger.
It’s Playfully Contradictory
The Hypocrite Burger name says it all – it’s hilariously ironic. This cognitive dissonance is part of the appeal for some. It’s a chance to break rules in a small, harmless way.
It’s Customizable
With so many meat and plant-based bacons now available, the Hypocrite Burger can be tailored to your dietary preferences. Go all veggie or add real pork – the options are wide open.
It’s Indulgent
Let’s be honest, bacon just tastes really freaking good! When a craving hits, the Hypocrite Burger lets you get your fix without derailing your veggie goals. It’s a deliciously sneaky splurge.
It’s Trendy
The Hypocrite Burger has risen to popularity along with the growth of plant-based meats and more flexible approaches to veganism/vegetarianism. Its identity crisis perfectly captures the zeitgeist.
Where to Find the Best Hypocrite Burgers
If you’re ready to dive into this tantalizing bacon and veggie burger mashup, here are some spots that serve up the tastiest Hypocrite Burgers around:
Blackbird Pizzeria – Philadelphia, PA
This vegan Philly pizza joint slings an incredible seitan burger with coconut bacon on top. Crispy, meaty, juicy perfection.
Monks Cafe – Philadelphia, PA
The fan-favorite veggie burger here is topped with vegan smoked gouda and thick-cut bacon. Meaty taste without the meat.
Bareburger – Nationwide
Build your own Hypocrite Burger at Bareburger with a choice of veggie patty and organic bacon. Locations across the US.
Plant Power Fast Food – California
This all-vegan fast food chain offers the Double Bacon Cheeseburger – a 100% plant-based tribute to the meaty classic.
Harmony Plant Foods – Los Angeles, CA
Vegans swear this spot’s bean burger with soy bacon tastes just like the real deal. A gooey, meaty flavor bomb.
The Counter – Nationwide
At this build-your-own burger bar, you can construct the Hypocrite Burger of your wildest dreams with varied proteins, cheeses, and bacons.
Burger King – Nationwide
For fast food fans, the Impossible Whopper with added bacon is a quick and satisfying Hypocrite Burger option.
So whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian or just bacon-curious, get ready to sink your teeth into the contradictory bliss of the Hypocrite Burger. This playfully indulgent dish celebrates the joy of plant-based eating and timeless bacon deliciousness coming together in one bun. Unity through irony – Long live the Hypocrite Burger!