Does Kretschmar Deli Meat Have Nitrates?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, nitrates and nitrites are added to processed meats to prevent bacteria, preserve color, and extend shelf life. Kretschmar offers a variety of deli products, and whether they contain nitrates depends on the specific item and product line.

Quick Summary

Examining Kretschmar deli meat reveals that some product lines, such as the Master's Cut, are explicitly labeled as having no added nitrates or nitrites, while cured products may list sodium nitrite in their ingredients. Natural curing agents like celery powder can also contribute naturally occurring nitrates.

Key Points

Check the Label: Not all Kretschmar deli meats contain added nitrates; the specific ingredients vary by product line.
Master's Cut is Nitrate-Free: Kretschmar's premium Master's Cut line is labeled as having no added nitrates or nitrites.
Cured Meats May Contain Sodium Nitrite: Traditional cured products like certain hams and salamis likely use sodium nitrite for preservation.
'Natural' is Not Always Nitrate-Free: Some products labeled 'uncured' may use natural sources of nitrates like celery powder, which still adds nitrates to the meat.
Read the Ingredients Carefully: The ingredient list is the most reliable way to confirm the presence of sodium nitrite or naturally sourced nitrates like celery powder.
Moderate All Processed Meat Intake: For overall health, it is recommended to moderate the consumption of all highly processed meats, regardless of their specific curing agents.

Understanding Nitrates in Deli Meat

Nitrates and nitrites are salts used as preservatives in many processed meats to inhibit bacterial growth, particularly Clostridium botulinum, and to maintain the characteristic color and flavor of the meat. While naturally occurring nitrates are found in many vegetables and are generally considered safe, the nitrates and nitrites added to cured meats can, under certain conditions, form compounds called nitrosamines during high-heat cooking.

The Kretschmar Difference: Product Line Variations

Kretschmar, like many large deli meat producers, has different product lines that cater to various consumer preferences. This means the answer to whether a Kretschmar product contains nitrates is not a simple 'yes' or 'no' but depends on the specific item.

Master's Cut Line: This premium line is marketed as having "no added nitrates or nitrites". These products use natural flavorings and minimal additives, appealing to consumers seeking fewer preservatives. Items like the Mesquite & Bourbon Turkey Breast and Chipotle Barbeque Chicken fall into this category.
Cured Products: Traditional cured Kretschmar items, such as certain hams and salamis, will typically list sodium nitrite in their ingredients. Sodium nitrite is the specific curing agent responsible for the preservation and flavor of these classic deli products. Consumers should always check the ingredient label for confirmation.
Uncured Products: Some Kretschmar products are labeled "uncured," meaning no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added. However, this does not mean they are entirely free of nitrates. The USDA allows products to be labeled this way if they are preserved with natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder. These natural nitrates behave similarly to synthetic ones in the body, which can be confusing for consumers.

Decoding the Ingredient Label

To be sure about the nitrate content of a Kretschmar product, the most reliable method is to examine the ingredient list on the packaging. Here is what to look for:

Contains Nitrates/Nitrites: Products that use synthetic preservatives will list "sodium nitrite," "sodium nitrate," or "potassium nitrate."
Naturally Occurring Nitrates: Products labeled "uncured" will often list ingredients like "celery powder," "celery juice," or "sea salt". These are natural sources of nitrates used for curing.
No Added Nitrates/Nitrites: Kretschmar's Master's Cut line is a good example of products that explicitly state "no added nitrates or nitrites".

Comparison Table: Kretschmar Product Examples


Product Line	Typical Ingredients	Contains Added Nitrates/Nitrites?	May Contain Natural Nitrates?
Master's Cut	Turkey Breast, Turkey Broth, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphates	No	No (ingredients like celery powder are absent)
Off the Bone Ham	Ham Cured with Water, Sodium Nitrite, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphates	Yes	No
Deli Pepperoni	Pork, Beef, Salt, Dextrose, Sodium Nitrite, Flavorings	Yes	No
Salami (selected)	Pork, Beef, Salt, Celery Powder, Spices	No	Yes (via celery powder)

Health Implications of Nitrates

Health organizations, including the World Cancer Research Fund, have raised concerns about the health risks associated with high consumption of processed meats, which often contain nitrates. Studies suggest that the nitrosamines formed from added nitrates in processed meat may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. However, it is important to distinguish between added nitrates and naturally occurring ones, which are not associated with the same risks.

For consumers, the most prudent approach is to moderate the intake of all processed meats, regardless of the source of the curing agents. Focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and seeking out products with minimal additives are effective strategies.

Conclusion

In summary, Kretschmar offers both deli meat options with added nitrates and those with "no added nitrates or nitrites." Traditional cured meats will list synthetic nitrites, while some uncured or "natural" products may use natural nitrate sources like celery powder. Product lines like the Master's Cut are specifically formulated to be free of added nitrates. Ultimately, reading the ingredient label carefully is the best way for consumers to determine the nitrate content and make an informed choice based on their dietary preferences and health goals.

The World Cancer Research Fund has compiled information on the risks associated with processed meat consumption, a resource for those looking for more detail on this topic: www.wcrf.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitrates and nitrites are closely related chemical compounds. Nitrates are often converted to nitrites by bacteria. In deli meat, sodium nitrite is the primary curing agent, added to prevent bacteria and preserve color. In contrast, nitrates are also present in many vegetables and are often used as 'natural' curing agents, such as in celery powder.

Kretschmar's Master's Cut line is explicitly labeled as having no added nitrates or nitrites. This includes flavors like Mesquite & Bourbon Turkey Breast and Chipotle Barbeque Chicken.

No, a product labeled 'uncured' means that synthetic nitrates or nitrites were not added. However, it is often cured using natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder, which can contribute a similar level of nitrates to the final product.

Nitrates and nitrites are used to protect against harmful bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum, and to maintain the characteristic pink color and flavor of cured meat.

You can determine if a specific Kretschmar product has added nitrates by checking the ingredient list on the package. If you see 'sodium nitrite' or 'sodium nitrate' listed, it contains added synthetic nitrates.

The body processes natural and synthetic nitrates similarly. The key difference lies in the source and context. Natural nitrates in vegetables come with antioxidants that prevent the formation of nitrosamines, while those in processed meats lack these protective compounds.

For healthier protein options, consider freshly sliced roasted chicken or turkey, roast beef, or plant-based alternatives like hummus or veggie patties. Cooking and slicing your own meat is another way to control ingredients.