Tag: Uncured turkey

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires meat cured with natural sources of nitrates, like celery powder, to be labeled as “uncured”. This can cause confusion for consumers who assume the product contains no preservatives. The reality is that the label "uncured turkey" signifies a different type of preservation, not an absence of it.

Technically, all deli meat is processed to some degree because it has been altered for preservation or taste. However, the extent of processing varies widely, from whole roasted cuts to reformed, emulsified products. This article breaks down what makes deli turkey a processed food and how to differentiate between types.

Many consumers assume 'uncured' or 'no added nitrates' means a product is entirely free of nitrates, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires this labeling for meats using natural preservatives. When addressing the question, 'is boar's head turkey nitrate-free?', the answer requires careful label examination.

According to a Consumer Reports study, uncured deli meats often have similar nitrate and nitrite levels to conventionally cured products, despite popular belief. Understanding this can be confusing, so we'll dive into whether uncured turkey is better, examining the differences in preservation, flavor, and potential health implications to help you make an informed decision.

According to the USDA, a product labeled "uncured" must also include a statement clarifying that no nitrates or nitrites were added, except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder. So, is Boar's Head turkey uncured in the traditional sense? The answer is nuanced, depending on the specific product and its ingredients.