Tag: Uncured

While often viewed as a healthier alternative, turkey bacon is a processed meat, and the nutritional values vary significantly between brands, especially regarding sodium and curing methods. Determining who makes the healthiest turkey bacon requires a closer look beyond just the 'turkey' label to find the best option for your health needs.

According to the ingredient list for Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs, they contain sodium nitrite, a synthetic preservative. While the food court hotdogs share many similarities with the packaged variety, they also use sodium nitrite for preservation. This differs from 'uncured' hotdogs, which rely on naturally occurring nitrates from sources like celery powder.

Did you know that many products labeled "no nitrates added" still contain nitrates from natural sources? This is the case for Amylu, which states its products contain no added synthetic nitrates or nitrites but are cured with natural ingredients.

Food labels can be confusing, with a recent study by the French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) confirming that nitrates in processed meat are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. For those asking, 'Does Nathan's hotdog have nitrates?', the answer depends on the specific product line, as Nathan's offers both traditional hot dogs with added sodium nitrite and "All Natural Uncured" varieties that use naturally occurring nitrates from cultured celery juice.

According to the World Health Organization, any meat treated with methods like curing or smoking is considered processed. This definition applies to all hot dogs, including Nathan's all beef varieties, although the level of processing varies.

According to the USDA, fresh ham is the leg of a pig that has not been preserved by curing or smoking. This means that yes, there is ham that is not processed, but it is not what you might expect to find in the deli section of the grocery store.

According to the World Health Organization, processed meats containing nitrites are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, yet not all sausages fall into this category. The inclusion of sodium nitrate depends entirely on whether the Italian sausage is sold fresh or cured.

Aldi’s variety of pre-packaged deli turkey means there isn't a single universal ingredient list, with products ranging from heavily processed to those with a simple, 'natural' ingredient profile. The specific ingredients, including additives and preservatives, depend heavily on the brand line, such as Lunch Mate, Simply Nature, or Never! Any, sold at the store.

More than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from processed and packaged foods, with deli meats being a significant contributor. Understanding this, navigating the deli aisle for a truly healthy turkey option can be challenging but is crucial for your health.

According to USDA labeling rules, meat products can be labeled 'uncured' if they use naturally occurring nitrates from sources like celery powder. This means that while some Costco chicken sausages might state 'no added nitrates,' they may still contain nitrates from these natural sources.