The only processing that happens in this recipe is quite minimal. First, I should note that foods that have been flash frozen, cooked in any way, canned, or even chopped are considered "processed," so don't go running for the hills just yet. Soy curls are made from minimally processed soybeans. There are no chemicals used during processing, making them one of the least processed meat alternatives on the market. Then, we further "process" them by rehydrating in a flavorful marinade and cooking on the stovetop or in an air fryer. So, technically, yes, this veggie bacon has been processed. But, when compared to regular bacon, the processing is nothing to bat an eye at.