What Brand of Sausage Has No Nitrates? Your Comprehensive Guide to Uncured Options

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nitrates are naturally occurring substances found in soil, water, and many vegetables, yet their use as a preservative in cured meats is often a concern for health-conscious consumers. Navigating the grocery store aisles to find what brand of sausage has no nitrates can be confusing due to specific labeling rules and natural curing agents.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of sausage brands that do not use added synthetic nitrates, providing a list of popular uncured and natural options. It clarifies the common use of natural curing agents like celery powder and teaches readers how to confidently read product labels for truly nitrate-free alternatives.

Key Points

"No Nitrates Added" Means Natural Nitrates: Labels like "no nitrates added" often indicate the use of natural sources, such as celery powder, which contain nitrates and are still used for curing.
"Uncured" is a Labeling Rule: Products labeled "uncured" are cured using natural vegetable-based nitrates and must be labeled this way according to USDA regulations.
Popular Uncured Brands: Applegate, Wellshire Farms, and Coleman Natural are among several well-known brands offering uncured sausages using natural curing agents.
Fresh is Truly Nitrate-Free: For sausage with no nitrates at all, look for products sold as "fresh" and uncooked in the refrigerated meat section, which contain no curing agents.
Read the Fine Print: Always check the ingredients list for celery powder, celery juice, or other natural flavorings that serve as curing agents, even on "uncured" products.
No Chemical Difference: The nitrates from celery powder are chemically identical to synthetic nitrates, so focus on overall dietary balance rather than fixating on the source.

Understanding "No Nitrates Added" and "Uncured"

Many consumers seek out sausages without nitrates due to health concerns associated with nitrites, which can form carcinogenic nitrosamines under certain conditions. However, a critical distinction exists between added synthetic nitrates (like sodium nitrite) and naturally occurring nitrates found in vegetables.

The Celery Powder Conundrum

Brands that market their sausages as "no nitrates or nitrites added" often rely on natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder or juice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires these products to be labeled "uncured," which can be misleading since these vegetable-based ingredients function identically to synthetic ones in the curing process. When shopping, always read the ingredient list for phrases like "celery powder," "celery juice," or "sea salt" which indicate a natural nitrate source is present.

Truly Nitrate-Free Sausage

For a genuinely nitrate-free product, you must look for fresh sausage that has not been cured at all. These are typically sold raw in the refrigerated meat section and will not contain any curing agents, synthetic or natural. Examples include certain varieties of breakfast sausage or plain Italian sausage.

Popular Brands Offering "Uncured" Sausage

Several brands cater to consumers looking to avoid synthetic nitrates. These companies often use natural alternatives and focus on transparent, ethical sourcing.

Applegate Naturals and Organics: This brand is a front-runner for offering a wide range of uncured products, including various chicken, turkey, and pork sausages. Their labels clearly state "No nitrates or nitrites added (except those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder)".
Wellshire Farms: Specializing in all-natural meats, Wellshire offers a variety of smoked and fresh sausage links. Many of their products are gluten-free and contain no added nitrates or nitrites, relying on cultured celery powder for preservation.
Coleman Natural: Known for humanely raised pork, Coleman features uncured smoked sausages and kielbasa. Ingredients lists include cultured celery powder and sea salt instead of synthetic curing agents.
Bilinski Sausage Co.: This company explicitly states their sausages are free from nitrates and preservatives. Their products often focus on pure, simple ingredients and ethically sourced chicken.
Kiolbassa Organic Smoked Sausage: Kiolbassa produces all-natural and organic smoked sausages with no added nitrites or nitrates, except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder.
Hickory Farms All-Natural: This brand offers all-natural summer sausage free of added nitrites and nitrates, relying on a natural beef recipe.

Comparison of Uncured Sausage Brands


Brand	Featured Uncured Product	Primary Protein	Natural Nitrate Source	Other Attributes
Applegate	Organic Chicken & Maple Sausage	Chicken	Sea Salt & Celery Powder	USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Fully Cooked
Wellshire Farms	Fully Cooked Sausage Links	Pork	Cultured Celery Powder	All-Natural, Gluten-Free
Coleman Natural	Smoked Polish Kielbasa	Pork	Cultured Celery Powder & Sea Salt	All-Natural, Gluten-Free
Bilinski Sausage Co.	Chicken Sausage Varieties	Chicken	N/A (Claims nitrate-free)	Pure Ingredients, No Preservatives
Kiolbassa	Organic Smoked Sausage	Various	Sea Salt & Celery Powder	USDA Organic, All-Natural
Hickory Farms	All-Natural Beef Summer Sausage	Beef	Natural Flavors	All-Natural, No Hormones

How to Read Labels for Truly Nitrate-Free Sausage

To ensure you are buying the sausage you want, follow these simple label-reading tips:

Read the "Uncured" Fine Print: Don't be fooled by the large "uncured" label. Always check the ingredients list for added curing agents like "celery powder" or "celery juice powder."
Look for "Fresh" or "Raw": The most reliable way to find sausage with no nitrates or natural curing agents is to look for products labeled as "fresh." These are uncooked and should not contain any curing salts.
Check for Certifications: Organic certifications like USDA Organic prohibit the use of synthetic nitrates, but still allow for natural sources, so cross-reference with the ingredients list. Some brands may also carry certifications related to minimal processing.
Buy from a Butcher: When in doubt, a reputable butcher can provide information on how their sausage is prepared. They may offer fresh, house-made sausage with no curing agents at all.

Conclusion

While finding a brand of cured sausage with absolutely no nitrates is unlikely, numerous brands offer "uncured" options made without synthetic nitrates. The key is understanding that these products are often cured with natural sources like celery powder and may not be inherently healthier in terms of nitrate content than their traditionally cured counterparts. Armed with the knowledge of how to properly interpret product labels, particularly the fine print associated with "uncured" items, consumers can make informed choices based on their dietary preferences. For a completely nitrate-free product, always opt for fresh, raw sausage.

For more detailed information on food additives, consult the CDC's guidance on nitrates and nitrites in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

The chemical composition of nitrates from synthetic sources (like sodium nitrite) is identical to those from natural sources (like celery powder). The difference lies in how they are processed and the legal labeling requirements, but they function the same way in curing meat.

No, "uncured" means that synthetic nitrates were not used. These products are cured using natural nitrate sources, most commonly celery powder or sea salt, and must be labeled this way by law.

To find a sausage with no nitrates at all, you need to look for fresh sausage that has not been cured. This is typically sold raw and does not contain any curing agents, synthetic or natural. Brands like Bilinski may have truly nitrate-free options, but reading the label is key.

While natural sources are sometimes perceived as healthier, the nitrates from celery powder are chemically the same as synthetic nitrates. Some studies suggest antioxidants in vegetables may mitigate potential risks, but a focus on overall diet is generally recommended for a healthier lifestyle.

Look for "celery powder" or "cultured celery juice" listed in the ingredients. The product will also have an "uncured" label. It may also mention "naturally occurring nitrates" in the fine print.

Nitrates and nitrites are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, extend shelf life, and add a characteristic pink color and flavor to cured meats.

When used according to regulated levels, nitrates and nitrites are generally considered safe. Concerns arise from potential nitrosamine formation, though this can be mitigated by antioxidants like Vitamin C, often added during processing. Focusing on a balanced diet is advisable.