What Boar's Head Meat Is Nitrate Free?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 80% of our dietary nitrate intake comes from vegetables, yet many consumers specifically seek out "nitrate-free" processed meats like those from Boar's Head. Understanding what Boar's Head meat is nitrate free requires deciphering the difference between synthetic nitrates and those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder.

Quick Summary

This article explains how Boar's Head uses 'uncured' labeling and natural ingredients like celery powder to achieve cured properties without synthetic additives. It details which product lines, such as the All Natural* and Organic collections, are free of added nitrates and nitrites, providing a guide for health-conscious consumers at the deli counter.

Key Points

Identifying Uncured Products: To find Boar's Head meat with no added nitrates, look for products labeled as "uncured" or from the "All Natural*" and "Organic" collections.
Understanding 'No Added Nitrates': The label "no nitrates or nitrites added" means no synthetic preservatives were used, but naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder and sea salt are still present for curing.
Celery Powder as a Curing Agent: Boar's Head uses concentrated celery juice powder, which is high in natural nitrates, to achieve the cured effect in its uncured meats.
No True 'Nitrate-Free' Processed Meat: Due to the reliance on natural nitrates, truly nitrate-free processed deli meat is not a realistic option, as curing requires a source of nitrates for safety and color.
Best Options for Avoiding Nitrates: For those wishing to minimize all nitrate intake, the best option is to opt for fresh, unprocessed meats, or specific products with extremely clean labels like Boar's Head's All Natural* Oven Roasted Beef.

Demystifying 'Nitrate Free' and 'Uncured' on Boar's Head Labels

The most important detail for consumers looking for Boar's Head meat with no added nitrates is to understand the labeling. The term "nitrate free" is, for all practical purposes, a misnomer in the world of processed meats. Boar's Head, in compliance with USDA regulations, labels certain products as "no nitrates or nitrites added". However, a key asterisk accompanies this claim, explaining that this excludes nitrates and nitrites naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt. This means that the curing process still occurs, but it is achieved with natural, plant-based sources of nitrates instead of synthetic ones like sodium nitrite.

Why Do Companies Use Natural Sources of Nitrates?

The practice of using celery powder and other natural sources of nitrates is driven by consumer demand for products perceived as more natural or less processed. The nitrates derived from vegetables are chemically identical to synthetic nitrates once inside the body. The use of these plant-based curatives allows brands like Boar's Head to meet the desire for cleaner ingredient labels while still benefiting from the preserving qualities of nitrites, such as inhibiting harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum and maintaining color.

Identifying Boar's Head Nitrate-Free (Uncured) Products

Boar's Head organizes many of its naturally preserved products under specific collection names. The most prominent are the "All Natural*" and "Organic" collections. These product lines are where consumers will consistently find meats cured without synthetic nitrates and nitrites. It's crucial to look for the phrases "uncured" and "no nitrates or nitrites added" followed by the essential asterisk referencing celery powder and sea salt on the packaging or at the deli counter.

Turkey and Chicken

*All Natural Smoked Turkey Breast:** This smoked turkey offers a savory flavor profile and is processed minimally with no added nitrites or nitrates.
*All Natural Oven Roasted Turkey Breast:** A traditional, roasted option made from whole muscle turkey breast, also featuring no added nitrites or nitrates.
Organic Herb Seasoned Turkey Breast: This USDA Certified Organic option provides a cleaner-label alternative and is cured with natural sources.
*All Natural Apple Smoked Chicken Sausage:** Another item within the natural collection that omits synthetic curing agents.

Ham and Pork

*All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham:** This ham is slow-cooked and uses natural ingredients for curing instead of synthetic ones.
SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked® Black Forest Uncured Ham: A uniquely smoked ham that is also part of the uncured offering.
Uncured Hard Salami: For fans of charcuterie, this salami is crafted without synthetic nitrites or nitrates, relying instead on naturally occurring ones.

Beef

*All Natural Oven Roasted Beef:** A minimally processed roast beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and horseradish that contains no added nitrates or nitrites.
No Salt Added Roast Beef: This option provides a lower-sodium profile while also being free of synthetic curing agents.

Comparison of Cured vs. Uncured Boar's Head Meats


Feature	Traditionally Cured Boar's Head Meats	"Uncured" Boar's Head Meats
Curing Agent	Synthetic sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate.	Natural sources, such as cultured celery powder and sea salt.
Safety & Preservation	Highly regulated levels to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent spoilage.	Uses naturally occurring nitrites derived from plants to achieve the same preservative effect.
Labeling	Lists specific curing agents like "sodium nitrite" in the ingredients.	Labeled as "uncured" and states "no nitrates or nitrites added, except those naturally occurring in...".
Health Perception	Often viewed with more caution by health-conscious consumers due to perceived risks of synthetic compounds.	Perceived as a healthier, more natural alternative due to the plant-based curing agents.
Taste Profile	May have a specific, consistent cured flavor associated with the synthetic agents.	Can have a slightly different flavor profile depending on the natural curing agent used.

How to Choose the Right Boar's Head Product

Making the right choice depends on your specific health goals and preferences. If your primary goal is to avoid synthetic curing agents, the **All Natural* and Organic** lines are the correct choice. Always read the packaging carefully, looking for the tell-tale "uncured" language and the asterisk explaining the natural sources. If you are trying to minimize overall nitrate intake, regardless of source, a fresh, completely unprocessed meat is the only way to be completely free of nitrates. Cooking meat from scratch, such as a simple oven-roasted turkey breast or beef, allows for total control over the ingredients. While Boar's Head provides excellent options for avoiding synthetic nitrates, the presence of naturally derived versions is an important distinction to remember. For those with specific health concerns, it is always recommended to consult with a medical professional or registered dietitian.

Conclusion

Boar's Head offers a wide array of deli meats under its All Natural* and Organic collections that are produced without added synthetic nitrates or nitrites. The use of natural sources, primarily celery powder and sea salt, provides the same curing and preserving functions as synthetic alternatives, adhering to government labeling requirements. By looking for the "uncured" and "no nitrates or nitrites added" labels and reading the fine print, consumers can confidently select Boar's Head products that align with their preferences for naturally preserved meats, while remaining aware that naturally occurring nitrates are still present. Ultimately, this transparency empowers consumers to make informed choices that best fit their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the source of the curing agent. Cured meats use synthetic additives like sodium nitrite, while "uncured" meats use natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder and sea salt, for the curing process.

No. The "uncured" label on Boar's Head meat signifies that no synthetic nitrates or nitrites have been added. The products are still cured using naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like cultured celery powder.

Many of Boar's Head's All Natural and Organic products are uncured. Examples include All Natural Smoked Turkey Breast, All Natural Oven Roasted Beef, and All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham.

Once nitrates and nitrites are consumed, the body processes them in the same way, whether they are from a synthetic or natural source like celery powder. The health perception often comes down to consumer preference for "natural" ingredients, though the final chemical compounds are nearly identical.

Celery contains a high concentration of natural nitrates. When processed into powder, it can be used to naturally cure meat, inhibiting bacterial growth (like Clostridium botulinum), preserving the meat, and maintaining its desired pink color, without using synthetic additives.

Yes, but with the understanding that it refers to synthetic nitrates. Federal regulations mandate that this label is followed by text clarifying that it excludes those naturally occurring in ingredients like celery powder and sea salt.

Processed deli meats require a curing agent for preservation and safety. The only way to ensure truly nitrate-free meat is to prepare fresh, unprocessed meat yourself from scratch, as even 'uncured' varieties rely on naturally occurring nitrates.