Understanding the 'Uncured' Label
Many consumers believe that 'uncured' bacon is completely free of nitrates and nitrites. However, according to the USDA's labeling regulations, 'uncured' simply means that synthetic sodium nitrate or nitrite was not used in the curing process. For brands like Boar's Head, this means they use natural curing agents to preserve the meat, which can be just as effective as synthetic ones.
The most common natural curing agents are celery powder or celery juice, which are naturally rich in nitrates. Sea salt is also a typical ingredient. When these natural sources are added to the pork, the nitrates they contain are converted into nitrites by bacterial cultures during the curing time. This process gives the bacon its characteristic flavor, color, and helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. Therefore, even the 'uncured' varieties of Boar's Head bacon do contain nitrates, just from a natural, not synthetic, source.
What is in Boar's Head's 'Uncured' Bacon?
For a product like Boar's Head's All-Natural Uncured Bacon, the ingredient list reflects this natural curing method. The components typically include pork, water, sea salt, vinegar, and celery juice solids. The vinegar and celery juice solids work together to provide the necessary nitrates and act as a preservative. This results in a product that adheres to the brand's quality standards while avoiding synthetic additives. The resulting bacon is naturally hardwood smoked for flavor, not cured using artificial means.
Not All Boar's Head Bacon is 'Uncured'
It's important to recognize that Boar's Head offers different bacon products, and not all follow the 'uncured' method. For example, a search on Amazon reveals Boar's Head Fully Cooked Bacon with an ingredient list including sodium nitrate. Furthermore, the EWG's food database identifies Boar's Head Naturally Smoked Butcher Craft Thick Cut Bacon as containing sodium nitrite. This demonstrates that the company produces both naturally cured and conventionally cured bacon options. Consumers must carefully read the label for each specific product to understand its ingredients.
Potential Health Implications: Natural vs. Synthetic Nitrates
From a purely chemical standpoint, the body does not distinguish between nitrates from a natural source like celery powder and a synthetic source like sodium nitrate. In the stomach, both are converted into nitrites. The potential health concern arises when these nitrites react with proteins, especially when cooked at high temperatures, to form N-nitroso compounds (nitrosamines), which have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
However, research indicates that the context of the diet matters significantly. Vegetables containing nitrates, like celery, also contain protective antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols. These compounds inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, which is why nitrates in vegetables are not considered a major health risk. Conversely, processed meats lack these protective components, making the nitrosamine formation more likely. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, with the risk increasing with the amount consumed.
Comparing Boar's Head Bacon Varieties
| Feature | Boar's Head 'Uncured' Bacon | Boar's Head Conventionally Cured Bacon |
|---|---|---|
| Curing Method | Natural curing agents, such as celery powder and sea salt. | Synthetic curing agents, including sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. |
| Source of Nitrates | Naturally occurring nitrates from vegetable sources. | Artificially added nitrates or nitrites. |
| Labeling | Explicitly labeled as 'Uncured' with a disclaimer like 'No nitrates or nitrites added except...'. | Labeled as conventionally cured, without the 'uncured' terminology. |
| Key Feature | Appeals to consumers seeking products with minimal artificial ingredients. | Often used for specific products like fully cooked or specialty bacons. |
How to Read Boar's Head Labels
To make an informed decision, consumers should always examine the specific product's ingredient list. Look for the 'uncured' label on the front of the packaging, but more importantly, scrutinize the ingredient panel and accompanying fine print. The text "No nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in..." confirms the use of natural agents. If the label does not include this phrase and instead lists "sodium nitrate" or "sodium nitrite," it is a conventionally cured product with synthetic additives.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether Boar's Head bacon has nitrates has a multi-faceted answer. Their "uncured" products, such as the All-Natural or Canadian Style Uncured Bacon, contain nitrates from natural sources like celery powder. However, the company also offers conventionally cured items with synthetic nitrates. For health-conscious consumers, it is crucial to recognize that the chemical composition of nitrates is identical regardless of their source, and both can form potentially harmful compounds when cooked. Understanding this distinction and reading product labels carefully is key to making a purchasing decision that aligns with your dietary preferences.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on public data and company statements at the time of publication. For the most current and accurate information, always check the product packaging or the official Boar's Head website.
The Difference Between Cured and Uncured
Both cured and uncured bacon are preserved, but they use different methods. Conventionally cured bacon uses synthetic sodium nitrate, while 'uncured' bacon uses naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder or other vegetable sources.
Are Natural Nitrates Safer Than Synthetic Ones?
Not necessarily. Chemically, the body processes natural and synthetic nitrates similarly. The health implications depend more on the total diet and cooking method, as processed meats lack the antioxidants found in vegetables that counteract nitrosamine formation.
How Does Boar's Head Make 'Uncured' Bacon?
Boar's Head makes 'uncured' bacon by using natural curing agents like celery powder and sea salt. These ingredients contain naturally occurring nitrates which, with the help of bacterial cultures, convert to nitrites for preservation.
Is Boar's Head Canadian Bacon Uncured?
Yes, Boar's Head's Canadian Style Uncured Bacon is labeled as such, indicating no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added, except for those found naturally in celery powder and sea salt.
Can I Find Boar's Head Bacon with Sodium Nitrate?
Yes. While their 'uncured' line avoids synthetic nitrates, products like Boar's Head Fully Cooked Bacon have been found to list sodium nitrate in the ingredients. It is essential to check the label of each specific product.
Do all Boar's Head products avoid synthetic nitrates?
No, not all Boar's Head products are free of synthetic nitrates or nitrites. Consumers must read the ingredient labels to determine if a specific item contains these additives. The company offers both 'uncured' and conventionally cured products.
Why does uncured bacon still say 'no nitrates or nitrites added' but contain them?
This is a labeling requirement from the USDA. The phrase "no nitrates or nitrites added" is used for products cured with natural sources, while the fine print adds the important clarification that this is "except for those naturally occurring" in ingredients like celery powder.
