Dietz and Watson's Nitrate Policy for Deli Meats
Dietz and Watson has explicitly stated its policy regarding nitrates and nitrites in its products. The company offers different lines of deli meats, and their nitrate content varies. The brand's Naturals and Organics selections are specifically developed to contain "no added nitrates or nitrites". These options are often labeled as "uncured" on the packaging. However, it's crucial to understand that "uncured" does not mean entirely nitrate-free, as natural sources of nitrates are typically used instead of synthetic ones.
For example, products in the Originals line, such as the Organic Sliced Turkey Breast, are certified USDA Organic and contain "no nitrates or nitrites added". This appeals to consumers who are concerned about synthetic additives. Historically, Dietz and Watson's turkey and chicken breasts have been uncured, and the company has expanded its uncured offerings over time.
The Difference Between "Cured" and "Uncured"
The distinction between "cured" and "uncured" meat is a major point of confusion for many shoppers. A traditional cured meat uses synthetic sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite to preserve the product, prevent bacterial growth, and maintain color. Uncured meats, on the other hand, are processed without these synthetic additives. However, companies must still preserve the meat, and they often achieve this by using natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder, cherry powder, or other vegetable extracts.
Consumer Reports tested 31 packaged deli meats and found that the average nitrate and nitrite levels were essentially the same in both "cured" and "uncured" products. This is because the body processes nitrates from natural sources (like celery powder) and synthetic sources (like sodium nitrite) similarly. While the health impacts of natural vs. synthetic nitrates are still debated, the key takeaway is that an uncured label doesn't guarantee a nitrate-free product.
How to Identify Nitrate Content in Dietz and Watson Turkey
To determine if a specific Dietz and Watson deli turkey product contains added nitrates, you need to examine the product label closely. The following steps can help you make an informed choice:
- Check for the "No Nitrates or Nitrites Added" label: This phrase is a strong indicator that the product belongs to the Naturals or Organics line and does not contain synthetic nitrates. Instead, it will use a natural source, which will also be listed in the ingredients.
- Read the ingredient list: Look for ingredients such as "celery powder" or "celery juice." These are natural sources of nitrates used for preservation in uncured products. If you don't see these, and the package is not labeled as uncured, it likely does not have added nitrates of any kind.
- Distinguish from traditional cured products: If the label simply says "Turkey Breast" without mentioning "uncured," it might use traditional synthetic nitrates. However, Dietz and Watson is transparent about their uncured offerings, so if it's not specified, it is a good idea to check the ingredients or website for clarity.
Comparison Table: Nitrate Content in Dietz and Watson Deli Turkey
| Product Line | Labeling | Nitrate Source | Presence of Added Nitrates/Nitrites | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Originals Organic Turkey Breast | Certified USDA Organic, No Nitrates or Nitrites Added | Natural (e.g., celery powder) | No synthetic nitrates/nitrites added | Uses naturally occurring nitrates from vegetable sources. |
| Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast | No Nitrates or Nitrites Added | Natural (e.g., celery powder) | No synthetic nitrates/nitrites added | Part of the "no antibiotics EVER, no nitrates" product line. |
| Traditional Deli Turkey | May not explicitly state "uncured" | Synthetic (sodium nitrate/nitrite) or natural | Varies; may contain added nitrates | Not part of the dedicated Naturals or Organics lines. Check label for specifics. |
| Uncured Turkey Bacon | Uncured, No Nitrates or Nitrites Added | Natural (e.g., celery powder) | No synthetic nitrates/nitrites added | Use of celery powder is typical for uncured bacon products. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Deli Turkey
Beyond just nitrates, several other factors contribute to the overall healthiness of deli meat:
- Sodium Content: Deli meats are often high in sodium, which is used for both flavor and preservation. Consumer Reports found that deli meats averaged 8 to 11 times the sodium of similarly sized portions of fresh meat. Dietz and Watson has offered lower-sodium options in the past.
- Listeria Risk: Deli meats can carry a risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium. The CDC recommends that pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems avoid deli meats entirely.
- Overall Processing: While nitrates are one component, deli meat is still a processed food. Health experts recommend focusing on less processed foods whenever possible. Options like baking and slicing your own fresh turkey breast at home offer a less processed, lower-sodium alternative.
Conclusion: Do Dietz and Watson deli turkey have nitrates?
In summary, whether Dietz and Watson deli turkey contains nitrates depends on the specific product line. The company's Naturals and Originals lines clearly state "No Nitrates or Nitrites Added" on their packaging, indicating that synthetic nitrates are not used. Instead, these "uncured" products rely on naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder. For other, traditionally cured products, synthetic nitrates may be used. Therefore, consumers must carefully read the labels and ingredient lists to determine the nitrate content.
While natural nitrates may be perceived as healthier, it is important to remember that the body processes them similarly to synthetic ones. Ultimately, for those aiming to avoid nitrates, looking for the "No Nitrates or Nitrites Added" label on Dietz and Watson's Originals or Naturals products is the most reliable strategy. When in doubt, fresh, unprocessed meat remains the best option for avoiding all forms of added nitrates. You can find more information on their website, as listed in the search results provided.(https://www.dietzandwatson.com/dietz-life/eatingbetter/no-antibiotics-ever).
