Understanding the Applegate Brand
Applegate has built its brand on the promise of cleaner, more natural meat products. They offer various deli meats, including different types of turkey, under their 'Naturals' and 'Organics' lines.
The company is transparent about its sourcing and production methods. Their products are made from humanely raised animals that are never given antibiotics, and they avoid artificial ingredients, chemical nitrates, or nitrites. This has earned them a loyal following among health-conscious consumers. However, 'natural' and 'organic' don't automatically equate to 'unprocessed' or 'low-sodium,' which is where the nutritional details become important.
The 'Uncured' Celery Powder Controversy
One of the most significant points of debate surrounding Applegate and other 'uncured' products is the use of celery powder. To understand this, you must know that the term 'cured' legally requires the addition of synthetic sodium nitrite or nitrate. Since Applegate avoids these, their products are labeled 'uncured.' However, they use celery powder, which is naturally high in nitrates.
When added to meat, the nitrates in celery powder are converted to nitrites by bacteria. This achieves the same preservative effect and pink color as synthetic curing agents. Some experts and organizations argue that using a 'natural' source of nitrates is misleading, as the end result in the digestive system can be similar—the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) points out that whether nitrates come from a synthetic or natural source, their impact on cancer risk remains a concern, especially in processed meats. Applegate's organic products use organic celery powder, which some argue is still a natural source of nitrates, while others praise their avoidance of artificial inputs.
Comparing Applegate Turkey Varieties
Applegate offers a variety of turkey products, and their healthiness can vary based on the specific item. The 'Organic' line uses organic turkey and spices, while the 'Naturals' line focuses on no antibiotics and minimal processing, but may not be organic. The sodium content is a major factor to consider, as many deli meats are notoriously high in salt.
Here is a comparison of some popular Applegate turkey products with fresh turkey:
| Feature | Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey | Applegate Organics Oven Roasted Turkey | Fresh Roasted Turkey Breast (Homemade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Level | Minimally processed | Minimally processed, organic ingredients | Not processed; made from scratch |
| Antibiotics/Hormones | No antibiotics ever | No antibiotics, organic feed | Dependent on source of turkey breast |
| Nitrates/Nitrites | No artificial nitrates/nitrites added; uses cultured celery powder | No artificial nitrates/nitrites; uses cultured celery powder | None naturally or added during preparation |
| Sodium | Around 250-290mg per 2oz serving | Around 380mg per 2oz serving | Approximately 55mg per 4oz serving |
| Ingredients | Turkey Breast, water, sea salt, potato starch, rosemary extract | Organic Turkey Breast, water, organic potato starch, organic chicken broth, rosemary extract | Turkey breast, your choice of seasonings |
Weighing the Health Pros and Cons
While no packaged deli meat is as healthy as unprocessed, homemade options, Applegate turkey presents a better option than many competitors due to its cleaner ingredient list and humane sourcing. However, there are still factors to consider:
Pros:
- No artificial additives: Applegate does not use synthetic nitrates, nitrites, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Humane sourcing: Their animals are raised without antibiotics and with humane treatment, which appeals to many consumers.
- Minimal processing (relative): Compared to highly-processed, mixed-meat deli products, Applegate’s offerings are minimally processed.
- Flavor and variety: Many consumers praise the taste and natural flavor of Applegate's products.
Cons:
- High Sodium: Like most deli meats, Applegate's turkey still contains a significant amount of sodium, which is a concern for blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
- Celery Powder Issue: The use of celery powder as a curing agent introduces naturally occurring nitrates and nitrites, with the same potential for nitrosamine formation as synthetic ones.
- Cost: Applegate products are generally more expensive than conventional deli meats, which may be a barrier for some.
- Still a Processed Food: Despite the marketing, it is still a processed food item and cannot replace whole, unprocessed protein sources as a dietary staple.
Making Healthier Choices
For those who consume deli meat regularly, especially for things like school lunches, Applegate is a step up from many conventional brands due to its avoidance of artificial additives. The critical takeaway is to moderate consumption and be mindful of the sodium content. To minimize intake, consider alternatives:
- Homemade roasted turkey: Roasting your own turkey breast and slicing it is the freshest option with the lowest sodium and no added preservatives.
- Freshly sliced turkey from the deli counter: Choosing fresh slices from a reputable deli can also reduce preservatives and provide better quality, especially if you ask about the ingredients and sodium.
- Rotisserie chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be an excellent, freshly-cooked substitute for deli meat.
- Meatless alternatives: Consider protein-rich options like hummus, chickpea salad, or tofu for sandwiches.
Conclusion
While Applegate turkey is a better, 'cleaner' choice than many other pre-packaged deli meats, labeling it strictly 'healthy' or 'unhealthy' is an oversimplification. Its benefits, like humane sourcing and lack of artificial nitrates, are significant for many consumers. However, its continued status as a processed food with elevated sodium and the use of celery powder as a natural curing agent mean that mindful consumption is still key. For optimal nutrition, freshly prepared whole foods remain the gold standard. When convenience is necessary, Applegate offers a more transparent option, but reading the specific product's nutritional label remains crucial.
Learn more about processed meats and cancer risk from the American Institute for Cancer Research.(https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/processed-meat-and-cancer/)
