Does Ball Park have nitrates in their hot dogs?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2017, Ball Park brand officially removed added nitrites and nitrates from its all-beef hot dogs, replacing them with naturally sourced alternatives. The move was in response to consumer demand for greater transparency regarding food ingredients and additives. However, understanding the current ingredients and labeling can be confusing for many shoppers.

Quick Summary

Ball Park removed added nitrates and nitrites from its beef hot dogs in 2017, but still uses naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder. The article breaks down the meaning of 'uncured' labeling and compares different Ball Park products to help consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

Natural Nitrates: While Ball Park's beef hot dogs contain no added synthetic nitrates, they use natural nitrates from sources like celery juice powder.
Uncured Label: The term 'uncured' on the package indicates that the product was preserved with natural sources of nitrates rather than synthetic ones.
Body Processes: The body processes nitrates from natural sources (like celery powder) and synthetic sources similarly, with both converting to nitrites.
Nitrosamine Risk: When nitrites in processed meat are exposed to high heat, they can form nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. However, modern manufacturers often add vitamin C to inhibit this.
Overall Processed Meat Health: Beyond nitrates, processed meats are often high in sodium and saturated fat, which carry additional health risks. The WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Ingredient Scrutiny: Consumers should read ingredients carefully, as celery powder or sea salt listed in 'uncured' products are sources of nitrates.

The 'No Added Nitrates' Label and Celery Powder

Products labeled 'no added nitrates or nitrites' typically use natural sources like celery powder or sea salt, which are high in nitrates. The body processes these naturally occurring nitrates similarly to synthetic ones, converting them to nitrites. These nitrites inhibit bacterial growth, such as Clostridium botulinum, and contribute to the color and flavor of cured meats. Even with natural sources, some Ball Park beef hot dogs list 'sodium nitrite' among the ingredients, as it's derived from natural sources. 'Uncured' products, like Ball Park's Angus Beef Franks, also contain nitrates from plant-based sources.

Comparing Ball Park Hot Dogs

Understanding the labels and ingredients is key for consumers. Here's a comparison of different hot dog types:


Feature	Ball Park All Beef Hot Dogs	Ball Park Uncured Angus Beef Franks	Oscar Mayer Natural Selects Uncured Franks
Nitrates	Uses natural nitrates from celery powder.	Uses natural nitrates from celery powder and sea salt.	Uses natural nitrates from cultured celery juice.
Claim	"No added nitrites or nitrates, except those naturally occurring...".	"Uncured," which means no synthetic nitrates.	"No added nitrates or nitrites, except those naturally occurring...".
Primary Ingredients	For a detailed list of ingredients for Ball Park All Beef Hot Dogs, visit the {Link: Ball Park website https://www.ballparkbrand.com/hot-dogs/beef-franks}.	For a detailed list of ingredients for Ball Park Uncured Angus Beef Franks, visit the {Link: EWG website https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/054500101750-BallParkUncuredAngusBeefFranks/}.	Beef, Water, Contains Less Than 2%: Salt, Vinegar, Cultured Celery Juice, Natural Flavor, Paprika.
Taste Profile	Traditional, classic hot dog flavor.	Robust Angus beef flavor.	Less processed taste due to fewer additives.

What are Nitrates and Why Do They Matter?

Nitrates are found in many foods, including vegetables and processed meats. In meat, they inhibit bacteria, extend shelf life, and maintain color. Nitrites, formed from nitrates, can react under high heat to form nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. While the link between dietary nitrates from processed meat and cancer isn't definitive, many manufacturers add vitamin C to prevent nitrosamine formation.

Making Healthier Choices

While nitrates are regulated and considered safe at approved levels, some consumers prefer to minimize intake, especially considering the high sodium and saturated fat in processed meats. The WHO classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen. For alternatives, consider organic or pasture-raised meats, or hot dogs made from poultry, fish, or plant-based proteins.

The Bottom Line

Ball Park uses natural nitrates from sources like celery powder in its beef hot dogs, even in 'uncured' varieties. These natural nitrates are processed by the body like synthetic ones. To reduce nitrate intake, carefully read labels and limit overall processed meat consumption. Ball Park's change reflects industry adaptation to consumer demand for cleaner labels, while the basic chemistry of curing remains similar.

Conclusion

Ball Park's beef hot dogs have not contained added synthetic nitrates and nitrites since 2017. They use natural curing agents like celery powder, which contain nitrates. 'Uncured' products avoid artificial preservatives but still contain natural nitrates. Consumers concerned about nitrate intake should check labels and be mindful of the broader health considerations of processed meats. Limiting processed food is generally a good health practice.

For more information on the health effects of nitrates and processed meats, an authoritative resource is the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), which provides detailed information and guidelines: AICR HealthTalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ball Park did not stop using nitrates completely. In 2017, they removed added synthetic nitrites and nitrates from their beef hot dogs but replaced them with natural alternatives, primarily celery juice powder, which is a source of nitrates.

On a Ball Park hot dog package, 'uncured' means the hot dog was not preserved with synthetic nitrates or nitrites. Instead, it was cured using naturally occurring nitrates from plant sources like celery powder.

Scientifically, the body processes natural and synthetic nitrates in the same way. Some studies suggest that nitrates from vegetables, which contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, may be processed differently and pose less risk than nitrates from meat. However, the nitrates in naturally cured hot dogs are still processed by the body in the same manner as their synthetic counterparts.

Nitrates and nitrites play a key role in giving cured meat its characteristic pink or red color. Without them, or with insufficient quantities, the meat would quickly turn a dull gray or brownish color.

To find truly nitrate-free hot dogs, you would need to look for brands that use no curing agents at all, either synthetic or natural. These products are usually found in the organic or specialty food section and will not have the 'uncured' or 'no added nitrates' labels.

The USDA and FDA regulate the levels of nitrates and nitrites in food, and they are generally considered safe at approved levels. However, some research has linked high consumption of processed meats, which often contain these additives, to an increased risk of certain cancers.

To reduce exposure, you can choose hot dogs made with natural curing agents (like Ball Park's uncured varieties), and look for products that contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, which can inhibit nitrosamine formation. Limiting overall consumption of processed meats is also an effective strategy.