Understanding Nitrates and Nitrites in Deli Meats
Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds found both naturally in certain foods and added as preservatives to others. In the context of deli meats, they serve a critical function: preventing the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum and extending shelf life. They also contribute to the characteristic color and flavor of cured meats. While naturally occurring nitrates in vegetables like celery and leafy greens are considered healthy, studies have linked added nitrates and nitrites in processed meats to potential health concerns, including an increased risk of certain cancers.
One of the biggest sources of confusion for consumers is the term "uncured." Processed meats labeled as "uncured" or "no nitrates or nitrites added" often still contain nitrates derived from natural sources, most commonly celery powder. This practice has been criticized by health advocacy groups for potentially misleading consumers, as the body processes these nitrates the same as synthetic ones. This detail is crucial when evaluating the nitrate content of any deli meat, including those served at Jersey Mike's.
Jersey Mike's Meats: A Breakdown of Nitrate Content
Jersey Mike's commitment to quality is often highlighted in its marketing, and it's important to break down what that means for different meat products.
Meats Without Added Nitrates
- Turkey Breast: Jersey Mike's publicly rolled out a turkey breast in 2017 that is raised without antibiotics and contains no added nitrates, hormones, or preservatives. This is the clearest nitrate-free option on their menu.
- Famous Roast Beef: Jersey Mike's roasts its top-round beef in-house. While the company doesn't explicitly label it as nitrate-free like the turkey, the in-store cooking process means it is less likely to contain added chemical preservatives. However, it is always wise to ask about specific sourcing or curing practices to be certain.
- Grilled Chicken: Menu items featuring grilled chicken, such as the Chicken Philly Cheese Steak (#16), are also a safer bet for avoiding added nitrates, as grilled chicken is generally not cured or processed with these chemicals.
Meats Containing Added Nitrates
- Cured Pork Products: The various cured pork products are where you will likely find added nitrates or nitrites. This includes items like the ham, salami, pepperoni, prosciuttini, and cappacuolo used in the Italian subs (#13, #5, #11). A Reddit discussion from March 2024 involving an employee indicated that many of these meats do contain sodium nitrite and nitrates.
- Bacon: The bacon used in club subs and other items is typically cured and therefore contains added nitrates or nitrites. While Jersey Mike's switched to NAE (No Antibiotics Ever) pork in 2019, this does not mean the products are free of curing agents.
How to Choose Nitrate-Conscious Options at Jersey Mike's
If you are aiming to reduce your nitrate consumption, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at Jersey Mike's. The simplest way is to choose subs that feature meats with no added preservatives.
- Order the Turkey Breast and Provolone (#7), explicitly labeled as having no added nitrates.
- Choose the Famous Roast Beef and Provolone (#6), and verify with staff that no curing agents are used in the roasting process.
- Get a Chicken Philly Cheese Steak (#16), since grilled chicken is typically not processed with added nitrates.
- Opt for the Veggie Sub (#14) if you are okay with the cheese, or get a "Sub in a Tub" to have your vegetables and lean meats without the bread.
Comparison of Jersey Mike's Meats
| Meat Type | Added Nitrates/Nitrites | Typical Curing/Processing | Best Practice for Health-Conscious |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Breast | No | 99% fat-free, no added nitrates or preservatives. | Excellent choice for avoiding added nitrates. |
| Roast Beef | No (Cooked In-Store) | In-house cooking process limits added preservatives. | Safe option, but can verify with staff. |
| Ham | Yes | Cured with nitrates/nitrites, often labeled "uncured" using natural nitrates. | Best to avoid if limiting nitrate intake. |
| Salami/Pepperoni | Yes | Heavily cured with nitrates for preservation and flavor. | Avoid if trying to minimize nitrates. |
| Bacon | Yes | Cured meat, contains nitrates/nitrites. | Avoid if trying to minimize nitrates. |
| Grilled Chicken | No | Freshly grilled, generally no added nitrates. | Excellent choice. |
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Are Jersey Mike's Meats Nitrate Free?
The answer to the question, "Are Jersey Mike's meats nitrate free?" is not a simple yes or no. The popular sub shop offers specific meat options, such as its turkey breast, that are clearly advertised as being made without added nitrates or preservatives. However, other processed meats on the menu, including various pork-based items like ham, salami, and bacon, do contain nitrates and nitrites used for curing and preservation. While Jersey Mike's focuses on high-quality ingredients, customers must be mindful of which meats they choose to control their nitrate consumption. For those concerned about added nitrates, sticking to the turkey, roast beef, or grilled chicken options, or opting for a vegetable-based sub or salad, is the safest bet.
For more information on nitrates in food and their health implications, refer to this comprehensive guide from Harvard Health: Nitrates in food and medicine: What's the story?.
Common Menu Items and Their Nitrate Status
Low-Nitrate or No-Added-Nitrate Options
- #7 Turkey Breast and Provolone Sub: Made with turkey that contains no added nitrates.
- #6 Famous Roast Beef and Provolone: The in-house roasted beef typically has no added nitrates.
- #16 Mike's Chicken Philly: Features grilled chicken without added nitrates.
Items with Added Nitrates
- #13 The Original Italian: Contains ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni, all cured with nitrates.
- #8 Club Sub: Features ham and applewood smoked bacon, which are cured meats.
- #2 Jersey Shore's Favorite: Includes ham and cappacuolo, both cured products.
- #1 BLT: The bacon is a cured product containing nitrates.
