Does Walmart Have Nitrate Free Deli Meat? Your Guide to Uncured Options

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Library of Medicine, nitrates are compounds found naturally in many vegetables but are also used as a preservative in cured meats. For those seeking alternatives, the good news is that yes, Walmart does carry nitrate free deli meat, specifically products labeled as 'uncured,' though some natural preservatives are still used.

Quick Summary

Walmart offers a variety of uncured, nitrate-free deli meat options from brands like Applegate and Hormel Natural Choice. Finding these products requires reading labels carefully for specific 'uncured' phrases and understanding the difference in preservation methods. Both pre-packaged and deli counter options are available for mindful shoppers seeking alternatives to traditional cured products.

Key Points

Walmart stocks uncured deli meat: You can find nitrate-free options from brands like Applegate and Hormel Natural Choice in the pre-packaged refrigerated section.
'Uncured' means natural preservatives are used: Instead of synthetic nitrates, these products rely on agents like celery powder and sea salt, which still contain naturally occurring nitrates.
Always check the label for fine print: Look for the asterisk and the phrase indicating "no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring..." to confirm.
Beware of the deli counter: Deli counter meats at Walmart are often traditionally cured and may contain synthetic nitrates; stick to pre-packaged uncured varieties for assurance.
Reading ingredient lists is key: Search for ingredients like sodium nitrite (E250) to identify conventionally cured meats and avoid them.
Fresh meat is the safest alternative: For a truly preservative-free option, buy raw, unprocessed meat from the fresh meat department and cook it yourself.

Navigating the Deli Aisle for Nitrate-Free Options

The quest for nitrate-free deli meat has become a priority for many health-conscious shoppers, and Walmart, with its expansive product range, caters to this demand. However, the terminology surrounding 'uncured' versus 'cured' products can be confusing. To find truly nitrate-free options at Walmart, it is crucial to understand the labeling and know which brands to look for.

The 'Uncured' Distinction: What Does It Really Mean?

When a deli meat package at Walmart says 'uncured,' it doesn't mean no preserving agents were used. Instead, it indicates that synthetic sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite was not added during processing. Instead, manufacturers use natural sources of nitrates, such as cultured celery powder or sea salt, to achieve the same preservative effect. Federal regulations mandate that products cured this way must state on the label that they contain "no added nitrates or nitrites except those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder". This distinction is key for shoppers trying to minimize their intake of synthetic preservatives.

Popular Brands Carrying Uncured Deli Meat at Walmart

Several reputable brands that sell uncured, naturally preserved deli meat are stocked at most Walmart locations. These are typically found in the pre-packaged, refrigerated section rather than at the traditional deli counter.

Applegate Naturals: A well-known organic and natural food brand, Applegate offers a wide range of uncured deli meats at Walmart, including turkey, ham, and roast beef. Their products are labeled to confirm they have no added chemical nitrites or nitrates.
Hormel Natural Choice: This brand is explicitly formulated to be free of added nitrates and nitrites. Walmart stocks Hormel Natural Choice sliced ham and turkey options, which use cultured celery powder and sea salt for curing.
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Uncured: For a more widely accessible option, look for Oscar Mayer's Deli Fresh uncured varieties. These packages specify that they contain no added nitrates or nitrites, with preservation from natural sources.
True Story Foods: Some larger Walmart stores may carry this brand, which is known for its clean, all-natural practices. Their website confirms that their products contain no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring.

How to Read Labels Like a Pro

To ensure you are buying nitrate-free deli meat, follow these steps while inspecting product labels at Walmart:

Check for the 'Uncured' Label: This is the first and most obvious indicator that synthetic nitrates were avoided. It will often be prominently displayed on the front of the package.
Read the Fine Print: An uncured product's label must include a statement like, "No Nitrates or Nitrites Added Except for Those Naturally Occurring in Sea Salt & Celery Powder". Always look for this asterisk and the corresponding phrase to confirm the curing method.
Scan the Ingredients List: Look for ingredients like "cultured celery powder," "celery juice powder," or "sea salt," which are the natural curing agents used in uncured meats. Avoid products with synthetic preservatives such as sodium nitrite (E250) or potassium nitrate (E252).
Know What to Avoid: Labels that simply say "Cured" will have been processed using synthetic chemical preservatives and should be avoided if your goal is nitrate-free meat. Also, be mindful that Walmart's in-store deli counter typically serves traditionally cured meats, which often contain synthetic nitrates due to co-mingling with conventional products.

Comparative Overview of Deli Meat Options


Feature	Conventional Cured Deli Meat	Uncured Deli Meat at Walmart	Fresh Unprocessed Meat
Curing Agent	Synthetic sodium nitrate/nitrite	Natural sources (celery powder, sea salt)	None
Preservation	Extends shelf life significantly	Shorter shelf life; requires refrigeration	Very limited shelf life
Flavor	Consistent, classic deli flavor	Authentic, often more nuanced flavor	Clean, natural meat flavor
Appearance	Distinct pink or red color	Tends to be lighter or more natural in color	Varies by cut and type
Availability at Walmart	Pre-packaged and deli counter	Pre-packaged; found in the refrigerated section	In the fresh meat department
Associated Health Concerns	Potential links to nitrosamine formation	Less associated with nitrosamines, but still processed	None related to nitrates/nitrites

Finding the Best Option for Your Needs

For those who prefer to entirely avoid added preservatives, even natural ones, the best approach is to purchase raw meat from the butcher or fresh meat counter at Walmart and prepare it at home. However, if convenience is a factor, the pre-packaged uncured varieties from brands like Applegate and Hormel Natural Choice provide a readily available alternative. While the term 'nitrate-free' is technically inaccurate for uncured meats, as they contain natural nitrates, they are the closest option to the synthetic-additive-free standard within the pre-packaged category. Always use the label as your final guide to make the best choice for your dietary needs. For more information on food additives, consult resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Great Value brand processed meats, including bacon and some deli meat, do contain added synthetic nitrates or nitrites. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted that certain Great Value bacon products contain sodium nitrite, a key concern. For nitrate-free options, it's safer to stick with specific uncured brands like Applegate or Hormel Natural Choice, rather than relying on store-brand products.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference due to USDA regulations. 'Uncured' means no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added. However, these products are preserved using natural ingredients like celery powder, which contain naturally occurring nitrates. 'Nitrate-free' is a misleading term, as even uncured meat contains some form of nitrate.

Finding truly nitrate-free meat at the traditional Walmart deli counter is unlikely. Due to the risk of cross-contamination with conventionally cured products on shared slicers and storage, most organic or uncured meats are sold pre-packaged and pre-sliced. This ensures the product maintains its integrity and purity.

To spot traditionally cured meat, look for an ingredients list containing specific chemical compounds. Key culprits include Sodium Nitrite (E250), Potassium Nitrite (E249), Sodium Nitrate (E251), and Potassium Nitrate (E252). The word 'cured' on the packaging is another strong indicator.

Deli meats cured with celery powder are generally considered a better option for those avoiding synthetic additives, but they are not entirely nitrate-free. Celery powder is naturally high in nitrates. While the source is natural, some health experts still advise minimizing all processed meats, regardless of the curing agent. The ultimate healthiest option remains fresh, unprocessed meat.

Applegate and Hormel Natural Choice products do not contain added synthetic nitrates or nitrites. Instead, they use natural alternatives like cultured celery powder and sea salt, which have naturally occurring nitrates. Their labels will reflect this distinction with the required fine print.

The distinct pink color in traditionally cured deli meat is a direct result of the synthetic nitrates reacting with the meat's proteins during the curing process. Uncured meats, which are preserved naturally, tend to have a lighter, more natural color. This visual difference can be a quick indicator of how a product was cured.