I have been vegan for the last 6 years and veggie for 2 before that, so to be honest I can't remember all that well what real bacon tastes like!

I don't think non vegetarians would generally be too impressed with this as a bacon substitute. I worked in a cafe that sold these in "bacon butties" and plenty of people didn't realise that they were ordering a vegetarian meal, and complained. It doesn't go crispy in the same way that bacon would and does have a bit of a rubbery texture and synthetic flavour.

However, if you are veggie and are looking for that bacony fix, this may be for you, as it does have a sort of satisfying meatiness about it. You can cook it in the microwave in only a few seconds (I find this better then pan frying, and less fattening). As long as you're careful not to overcook, the "bacon" is nice and soft and has a smoky flavour, goes well in a sandwich, in pasta sauces, or anywhere you might use bacon (though not that great just eating on its own). I made "pigs in blankets" with these and linda mccartney sausages one xmas and they were lovely.

They cost from £1.90-£2.30 depending on where you buy them from. Many Holland and Barratt stores stock them, as do plenty of independent health food shops.

You get 6 rashers in a pack and they freeze really well.

Ingredients: Water, wheat protein, soya protein, yeast extract, veg oil, salt, flavourings, starch,raw cane sugar, fermented rice, thickeners, carrageenan, locust bean gum.

Nutritional Information (per 100g): Energy 1096kj/262kcal, Protein 16.5g, Carbohydrate 16g, Fat 14.5g.