Dietz and Watson's Approach to Preservatives
Dietz and Watson, a family-run company, prides itself on its commitment to quality and transparency. Their products are made with hand-blended spices and without unnecessary fillers or extenders. However, their approach to preservatives varies across their different product lines. For a long time, artificial additives were standard practice in the industry. But as consumer demand for cleaner labels grew, Dietz and Watson adapted, introducing new product categories to meet these needs while still offering traditional options.
The 'No Artificial Preservatives' Policy
Dietz and Watson states that its products, particularly their Naturals and Organics lines, are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. This means consumers can avoid synthetic additives commonly used to extend shelf life in many processed foods. The company's "Right Way" philosophy is a core part of its brand, emphasizing quality above all else and eschewing artificial ingredients in many of their newer products.
Cured vs. Uncured: Understanding the Difference
When discussing preservatives in deli meats, it's crucial to understand the difference between 'cured' and 'uncured' products. Curing is a preservation method that adds flavor, color, and helps prevent spoilage. Historically, this has been done with chemical nitrates and nitrites. However, uncured products are preserved using natural alternatives.
- Cured Products: These products, like some of their franks and other deli meats, contain curing agents such as sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite is a preservative that helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum, and is responsible for the characteristic pink color and flavor of cured meats. While some of their products still contain this, Dietz and Watson has been transitioning to more uncured offerings.
- Uncured Products: Their 'Naturals' and 'Organic' lines are uncured, meaning no artificial nitrates or nitrites are added. Instead, these products use natural curing agents, often derived from celery powder, to achieve a similar effect. The label will typically state "no nitrates or nitrites added," except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder.
Exploring the Naturals and Organics Lines
For consumers looking to avoid nitrates and nitrites, Dietz and Watson's Naturals and Organics lines are the answer. These products were developed with a specific set of "no's" in mind.
Natural Product Features:
- No antibiotics ever
- No added nitrates or nitrites
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- No fillers or extenders
- Exclusively sourced from humanely raised animals
Organic Product Features:
- In addition to the natural features, the Organic line adheres to all USDA Certified Organic guidelines.
- USDA Certified Organic products are made without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients.
A Deeper Look at Ingredients
Beyond the headline preservatives, Dietz and Watson are transparent about their other ingredients. For instance, in their ingredient transparency section on their website, they mention using naturally derived ingredients in some products.
- Sodium Phosphate: Used in some products to balance pH and create a moist, tender texture.
- Carrageenan: An all-natural ingredient derived from seaweed, used in some pre-sliced poultry items to improve texture and prevent them from falling apart.
- Citric Acid: Occurs naturally in citrus fruits and is used to prevent fat separation.
The Importance of Label Reading
With the various product lines offered by Dietz and Watson, reading the product label is the most reliable way to determine the specific ingredients and preservatives used. While the brand has moved towards cleaner offerings, not all products are made the same, especially when comparing traditional versus natural and organic lines.
Comparison: Traditional Cured vs. Uncured Products
| Feature | Traditional Cured Products | Uncured / Natural / Organic Products |
|---|---|---|
| Preservatives | Contains curing agents like sodium nitrite. | No added nitrates or nitrites, but may use celery powder for curing. |
| Sourcing | Standard sourcing practices. | Sourced exclusively from humanely raised farms, often with 'No Antibiotics Ever'. |
| Artificial Ingredients | Typically contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. | Free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. |
| Flavor Profile | Traditional cured flavor. | Can have a milder, less salty taste profile. |
| Certification | No specific certification beyond USDA inspection. | USDA Certified Organic for their Organic line. |
| Consumer Focus | Appeals to consumers who prefer classic deli flavors. | Targets consumers seeking cleaner labels, and fewer additives. |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
In short, the question "Do Dietz and Watson have preservatives?" has a nuanced answer. While the company has taken significant steps to reduce and eliminate artificial preservatives across its lines, some traditional products still utilize curing agents like sodium nitrite. For consumers concerned about these ingredients, the solution is to choose the explicitly labeled 'Naturals' and 'Organic' product lines, which contain no artificial preservatives, added nitrates, or nitrites. The company's commitment to ingredient transparency and consumer choice means that shoppers can easily find options that align with their dietary preferences. By reading labels carefully and distinguishing between cured and uncured varieties, you can confidently select the Dietz and Watson products that best fit your lifestyle. For more information, you can visit their official ingredient transparency page to see details on specific additives like citric acid and carrageenan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Dietz and Watson use any artificial ingredients? No, Dietz and Watson's Naturals and Organic lines do not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The brand emphasizes minimal processing and using natural ingredients.
- Are Dietz and Watson's uncured products completely preservative-free? No, their uncured products are not entirely preservative-free. They use natural agents, such as celery powder, to cure the meat, which contains naturally occurring nitrates and nitrites.
- What is the difference between uncured and cured Dietz and Watson meats? Cured meats use added nitrates or nitrites for preservation, while uncured products use naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder.
- Do any Dietz and Watson products contain sodium nitrite? Yes, some of their traditionally cured products, like certain franks, still contain sodium nitrite as a preservative. However, their uncured lines do not have added sodium nitrite.
- Are Dietz and Watson's organic products different from their natural ones? Yes, the Organic line meets all USDA Certified Organic guidelines in addition to the standards of the Naturals line, which include being free from artificial preservatives and antibiotics.
- How does Dietz and Watson maintain shelf life without artificial preservatives? For their uncured products, they use natural alternatives like celery powder, which naturally contains nitrates, to inhibit bacterial growth and preserve the meat.
- Where can I find ingredient information for a specific Dietz and Watson product? You can find detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information for all their products on the official Dietz and Watson website.
Keypoints
- Preservative-Free Options Exist: Dietz and Watson offers specific 'Naturals' and 'Organic' lines that are free from artificial preservatives and added nitrates/nitrites.
- Cured Products Contain Nitrites: Some traditionally cured items, such as certain franks, still use sodium nitrite as a curing agent.
- Uncured Doesn't Mean 100% Nitrate-Free: "Uncured" products use natural sources like celery powder, which contain naturally occurring nitrates and nitrites.
- Ingredient Transparency Is Key: The brand is transparent about the ingredients used across its different product lines, detailing them on their website.
- Read the Labels Carefully: Consumers must read the product labels to determine if a specific product is cured with added nitrites or uncured using natural sources.
