Does Hormel Natural Choice Have Nitrates?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Hormel's official website, products under the Natural Choice brand are made with no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like cultured celery powder and sea salt. This distinction is crucial for consumers seeking clarification on whether Hormel Natural Choice has nitrates.

Quick Summary

Hormel's Natural Choice products do not contain synthetic nitrates or nitrites but use plant-based sources like celery powder, which naturally contain these compounds. The label 'uncured' reflects this and is a key distinction for consumers examining ingredients.

Key Points

No Synthetic Additives: Hormel Natural Choice does not add synthetic nitrates or nitrites to its products.
Natural Source of Nitrates: The products contain nitrates and nitrites that are naturally derived from cultured celery powder and sea salt.
'Uncured' Label Meaning: The term 'uncured' on the package refers to the use of a plant-based curing method instead of synthetic additives.
Function of Celery Powder: Cultured celery powder provides the same preservative and coloring functions as synthetic nitrites.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP): In addition to natural curing, Hormel uses HPP technology to ensure product safety and extend shelf life without artificial preservatives.
Transparency is Key: Hormel explicitly states the source of the naturally occurring nitrates on its product labels.

Understanding the 'No Added Nitrates' Label on Hormel Natural Choice

Products labeled Hormel Natural Choice clearly state "No Nitrates or Nitrites Added, Except for Those Naturally Occurring in Cultured Celery Powder and Sea Salt". This phrasing highlights that while synthetic nitrates and nitrites are avoided, these compounds are still present from natural sources.

The Role of Celery Powder

Cultured celery powder is the primary source of naturally occurring nitrates in these products. Celery naturally contains nitrates, which are converted to nitrites by specific bacteria during the culturing or fermentation process. These plant-derived nitrites serve the same purpose as synthetic sodium nitrite in traditional meat curing: preserving the meat, inhibiting harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, and contributing to the characteristic pink color and cured flavor.

The 'Uncured' vs. 'Cured' Distinction

The term 'uncured' is used for meats preserved without synthetic sodium nitrite. Instead, methods employing natural sources like celery powder are used. This differentiates them from conventionally 'cured' meats that list synthetic nitrites among their ingredients.

It's important to understand that the nitrite molecule is the same whether it comes from a synthetic source or a natural one. Some research suggests that the levels of nitrates and nitrites in 'natural' products might be less consistent or even higher than in conventionally cured meats. However, natural antioxidants such as cherry powder and ascorbic acid are often included to help reduce the potential formation of nitrosamines.

Health Considerations

The avoidance of synthetic additives is a key appeal for consumers choosing 'natural' or 'uncured' meats. The health effects of naturally sourced versus synthetically sourced nitrates and nitrites are still a subject of scientific study. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic, though this generally relates to high consumption levels and applies regardless of the curing method. Some studies indicate that the antioxidants found naturally in vegetables might help mitigate some negative effects of nitrites, but more research is needed.

Comparison of Curing Methods


Feature	Hormel Natural Choice ('Uncured')	Conventional Cured Meats
Source of Nitrates/Nitrites	Naturally occurring in cultured celery powder and sea salt.	Synthetic sodium nitrite or potassium nitrite.
Labeling Term	Labeled as "uncured" on the package.	Labeled as "cured" and lists specific nitrites.
Preservation Method	Preserved using plant-based nitrates/nitrites and High Pressure Processing (HPP).	Relies on synthetic nitrites for preservation and color.
Additional Ingredients	May include cherry powder or other natural antioxidants to inhibit nitrosamine formation.	Often includes synthetic antioxidants like sodium ascorbate to inhibit nitrosamine formation.

The Role of High Pressure Processing (HPP)

Some Hormel Natural Choice products utilize High Pressure Processing (HPP). This process uses high cold-water pressure to eliminate bacteria and extend shelf life without relying on artificial chemical preservatives. This is another method contributing to the preservation and shelf life of certain products in the Natural Choice line.

Hormel's Transparency

Hormel provides clear information on its packaging and website regarding the ingredients used, including the source of nitrates and nitrites from cultured celery powder and sea salt. This allows consumers to make informed choices based on their preferences for processing and ingredients. The company emphasizes that these products are minimally processed and free from artificial ingredients.

Conclusion: Understanding the Label

To summarize, Hormel Natural Choice products do not contain added synthetic nitrates or nitrites. However, they do contain these compounds, which are naturally present in ingredients like cultured celery powder and sea salt. These naturally sourced nitrites function similarly to synthetic ones in preserving meat and providing color. The 'uncured' label indicates the use of this plant-based curing method. Consumers should be aware that 'natural' nitrates are chemically the same as synthetic ones and consider this within the context of general dietary advice regarding processed meats. High Pressure Processing (HPP) is also employed in some products to enhance safety and shelf life without artificial preservatives.

Key Takeaways

No Synthetic Additives: Hormel Natural Choice does not add synthetic nitrates or nitrites to its products.
Natural Source: The products contain nitrates and nitrites from naturally occurring sources like cultured celery powder and sea salt.
'Uncured' Definition: The term 'uncured' indicates the use of plant-based sources for curing, not synthetic additives.
Celery Powder Function: Cultured celery powder provides the preserving nitrites.
High-Pressure Processing: HPP is used in some products for preservation and extended shelf life.
Transparency: Hormel clearly labels the source of naturally occurring nitrates.
Antioxidants Included: Ingredients like cherry powder help mitigate nitrosamine formation.
Check Labels: Specific ingredients may vary by product.

Frequently Asked Questions

It means the manufacturer did not add synthetic sodium nitrite or potassium nitrite. Instead, they use natural sources like cultured celery powder, which contain naturally occurring nitrates that convert to nitrites during the curing process.

The term 'uncured' simply means the meat was not cured with synthetic chemicals. However, it can still contain nitrites and nitrates from natural sources like celery powder, beet powder, or sea salt.

Celery powder is a natural source of nitrates that converts to nitrites for preservation. While some find this preferable to synthetic alternatives, the nitrite molecule is chemically the same. Some antioxidants are often added to mitigate the formation of potentially harmful nitrosamines.

No, Hormel Natural Choice products are labeled as 100% natural, meaning they are minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Hormel uses a combination of techniques. For many products, they utilize nitrates naturally present in ingredients like cultured celery powder. They also use High Pressure Processing (HPP), which uses high water pressure to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.

While it lacks synthetic additives, the overall health benefits compared to regular deli meat are a point of debate. The nitrates and nitrites are chemically the same whether from a synthetic or natural source. The World Health Organization classifies all processed meat as potentially carcinogenic, but often focuses on high consumption.

Sea salt contributes to both flavor and preservation. Cherry powder contains antioxidants like ascorbic acid, which can help inhibit the formation of nitrosamines, potentially harmful compounds that can arise from the reaction of nitrites with meat proteins.