What is a 'Clean Label' and Dietz and Watson's Promise?
The term 'clean label' is not legally defined, but it generally refers to food products with minimal, recognizable ingredients that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Dietz and Watson leans into this concept with its "The Right Way" messaging, emphasizing hand-crafting, family tradition, and ingredient transparency. The company claims to use simple, real ingredients and to be free of artificial flavors, fillers, extenders, and MSG across all their products.
However, it's crucial to understand that not all Dietz and Watson products are created equal regarding preservative use, particularly nitrates and nitrites. This is the primary distinction when assessing the 'cleanliness' of their various product lines.
Comparing Dietz and Watson Product Lines
Dietz and Watson divides its offerings into several key categories, each with different ingredient standards. Below is a breakdown of what to expect from each.
Organic & Naturals
These lines are the "cleanest" options available from the brand. Products within these categories are specifically made without:
- Antibiotics, ever
- Added hormones
- Nitrates or nitrites
- Artificial flavors, fillers, or MSG
The Organic line goes a step further, meeting all USDA certified organic guidelines. This ensures the animals were raised on an organic, non-GMO diet and without antibiotics.
Classics
This is the traditional line of Dietz and Watson products. While still made with premium meats, many products in this line contain conventional curing agents like sodium nitrite and other common additives. For example, their classic bologna lists corn syrup, sugar, sodium phosphate, and sodium nitrite among its ingredients. These items are not held to the same 'no nitrates or nitrites added' standard as their Organic and Naturals counterparts.
Gourmet Lite
This line offers options that are 98% fat-free, gluten-free, and have no added MSG, but they still contain curing agents and preservatives. The focus here is on reduced fat and calories rather than the complete absence of artificial or chemical additives.
A Deeper Look at Ingredients and Manufacturing
- Preservatives and Curing Agents: While the Organic and Naturals lines use natural celery powder (a source of naturally occurring nitrites) for curing, the Classics line uses synthetic versions like sodium nitrite. The presence of sodium erythorbate is also common in cured products to increase curing effectiveness. For those seeking to avoid all forms of added nitrates and nitrites, sticking to the Organic and Naturals ranges is the safest bet.
- Sodium Content: Sodium content can be a concern with many deli meats. While Dietz and Watson offers some reduced-sodium varieties (like their No Salt Added Turkey), many standard products have a relatively high sodium count. For instance, their Beef Franks have 950mg of sodium per serving.
- Processing and Safety: Dietz and Watson emphasizes a high degree of food safety and cleanliness in their facilities. They claim to exceed USDA requirements and use advanced cleaning technologies like ozone sanitization and UV air scrubbers. They also employ third-party sanitation companies for deep cleaning.
Dietz and Watson vs. The Competition: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Dietz and Watson (General) | Dietz and Watson (Organic/Naturals) | Boar's Head (General) | Boar's Head (Simpler/Natural) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preservatives | Some products contain sodium nitrite and other traditional preservatives. | No added nitrates or nitrites. Uses celery powder as natural source. | Some products use traditional preservatives. | Often claims no artificial ingredients or preservatives. |
| Antibiotics | Depends on the product. Not guaranteed 'No Antibiotics Ever' across all lines. | Certified 'No Antibiotics Ever'. | Depends on product. Select lines promote antibiotic-free. | Select lines are antibiotic-free. |
| Flavor Profile | Known for traditional, classic flavors. | Traditional, high-quality flavor from natural ingredients. | Often described as having bolder, more savory flavors. | Varies by specific product. |
| Price | Generally slightly more affordable than Boar's Head. | Higher price point than Classics due to sourcing and organic certification. | Often seen as a premium price point. | Premium pricing, similar to D&W Organic/Naturals. |
| Manufacturing | Emphasizes rigorous food safety and processing standards. | Follows the same high-standard manufacturing process. | Emphasizes consistency and craftsmanship. | Follows similar strict manufacturing processes. |
Conclusion: A Matter of Choice
So, is Dietz and Watson clean? The answer is nuanced. While the brand demonstrates a strong commitment to food safety and transparency, its overall 'cleanliness' is not uniform across all product lines. Their Organic and Naturals selections are explicitly formulated to be free of artificial ingredients and added preservatives, making them a great option for consumers seeking a true 'clean label' product.
However, their traditional 'Classics' line utilizes standard deli curing agents and additives. These products adhere to all federal regulations and food safety standards but contain ingredients that many consumers attempting a 'clean' diet may wish to avoid. The key for consumers is to be label-savvy. Always check the ingredient list to determine if a specific Dietz and Watson product aligns with your personal definition of 'clean.' The brand's commitment to ingredient transparency allows consumers to make informed choices that fit their dietary needs and preferences.
Overall, Dietz and Watson offers excellent choices for the health-conscious shopper, as long as you know which specific product line to choose. For the purest options, seek out the Organic and Naturals labels for their promise of no antibiotics, added hormones, or synthetic nitrates.
