Understanding the 'Nitrate-Free' Claim
Before diving into specific brands, it's crucial to understand what "no nitrates added" actually means on a food label. For bacon, this phrase is often accompanied by a disclaimer that reads, "except for those naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt". The USDA mandates that meat cured with synthetic sodium nitrate must be labeled as "cured," while meat processed with naturally sourced nitrates (from vegetables like celery) must be called "uncured". The key takeaway is that both types of bacon contain nitrates, but their origin differs.
Why Celery Powder is Used
Celery powder is a popular alternative because it contains high levels of naturally occurring nitrates. When processed, these nitrates convert to nitrites, which perform the same function as their synthetic counterparts: preserving the meat, preventing bacterial growth, and giving bacon its characteristic pink color and flavor. Therefore, true, completely nitrate-free bacon is very rare and typically requires a special dry-curing process with only salt and sugar, like some small-batch farm products.
Popular Brands of Uncured Bacon
Several brands offer "uncured" bacon, making them more accessible to consumers looking for products without synthetic nitrates. These brands are often found in major supermarkets and specialty stores. Here's a look at some of the most common options.
Applegate
Applegate is one of the most widely available and recognizable brands in the natural foods space. They offer several uncured options, including their:
- Applegate Naturals Hickory Smoked Uncured Sunday Bacon: A classic choice, featuring a deep smoky flavor.
- Applegate Organics Uncured No Sugar Bacon: Ideal for those on a keto or paleo diet, this option contains only organic pork, water, and sea salt with celery powder.
- Applegate Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon.
Pederson's Farms
Pederson's specializes in natural and humanely raised meats, with a strong focus on uncured products. Their Whole30-approved and sugar-free options are particularly popular.
- Pederson's Natural Farms No Sugar Added Uncured Bacon: Made with pork, water, and sea salt, this is a top choice for those avoiding sugar.
- Pederson's Natural Farms Applewood Smoked Bacon: A standard offering that delivers a rich, smoky taste.
365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods' private label brand, 365, provides a variety of uncured bacon products at a more accessible price point.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Uncured Applewood Smoked Pork Bacon: A reliable and widely available uncured option.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market No Sugar Added Uncured Pork Bacon: A good, no-sugar option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Other Notable Brands
- Naked Bacon: This company markets itself as having "NO sugar, nitrates, nitrites, chemical solutions, celery, phosphates or water," using a unique dry-curing process.
- Hormel Natural Choice: A mainstream brand offering a readily available uncured bacon.
- Niman Ranch: Known for their high standards of humane animal husbandry, Niman Ranch offers a selection of uncured and organic bacons.
- Broadbent Hams: A heritage brand offering a traditional dry-cured, nitrite-free bacon.
Comparison Table: Cured vs. Uncured Bacon
| Feature | Traditionally Cured Bacon | "Uncured" Bacon (with celery powder) | Small-Batch True Nitrate-Free Bacon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preservative | Synthetic sodium nitrate and/or nitrite | Naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder, sea salt | Only salt and sugar |
| Labeling | Labeled as "Cured" | Labeled as "Uncured" with a disclaimer | Often labeled clearly as "No Nitrates or Nitrites" |
| Appearance | Bright pink color | Can have a more natural, grayish-pink color | Similar to uncured celery-based options |
| Taste | Often saltier, can have a distinct flavor profile from synthetic curing | Can have a more robust, natural pork flavor | Flavor is dependent on the specific salt/sugar cure and smoking method |
| Availability | Widely available at most grocery stores | Increasingly common, available at major and specialty grocers | More limited, often found at farmers' markets or online from specialty farms |
Properly Handling and Cooking Uncured Bacon
Despite the labeling, proper handling and cooking of uncured bacon are essential for food safety. All bacon, regardless of how it's cured, is a perishable meat product.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Promptly: Uncured bacon should be kept in the refrigerator immediately after purchase.
- Use Quickly After Opening: Once the package is open, use the bacon within a week for the best freshness. Store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze uncured bacon for up to six months. Freezing the strips individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag is a great way to prevent them from clumping.
Cooking Recommendations
- Cook Thoroughly: Uncured bacon, like all pork products, must be cooked until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it's safe to eat. Since measuring the temperature of a thin strip is difficult, cooking until crisp is the general recommendation.
- Avoid High-Heat Charring: Cooking bacon at extremely high heat can increase the formation of nitrosamines, which are considered carcinogenic. Cooking over medium heat and draining the fat can help mitigate this risk.
Conclusion
When seeking brands of bacon with no nitrates, the most important step is to understand what the labels truly mean. The term "uncured" is misleading, as most commercially available "nitrate-free" bacon is actually cured with naturally derived nitrates from celery powder. While this is often seen as a healthier alternative to synthetic nitrates, the chemical composition of the preservative is identical. For those who want to avoid all added nitrates, whether synthetic or natural, the best approach is to find small, artisanal producers who dry-cure their bacon with only salt and sugar. By reading labels carefully and understanding the curing process, consumers can make a more informed choice about the bacon they purchase.
