The Deceptive Truth About "No Nitrates Added"
Many consumers seek out "uncured" or "no nitrates added" bacon thinking it is completely free of nitrates and nitrites. However, federal regulations permit companies to use this labeling if the curing agent is derived from a natural source, such as celery powder or sea salt, rather than synthetic sodium nitrite. When these natural sources are added, they still undergo a process that results in the presence of nitrites in the final product. The USDA requires brands to include a clarifying statement like "except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder" in fine print on the package. The chemical composition of the nitrite is the same regardless of its origin. Therefore, while the source of the curing agent differs, the end product is not technically nitrite-free.
Uncured Bacon Brands Available at Publix
When shopping at Publix, you will find several brands that carry uncured options. These are the products to look for if you want to avoid synthetically added nitrites, but be prepared to find naturally derived ones in the ingredients.
Publix's own GreenWise brand:
- GreenWise Uncured Hickory Smoked Pork Bacon: This is a popular option explicitly stating, "No nitrates or nitrites added, Except naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder".
- GreenWise Uncured Applewood Bacon: Similar to the hickory version, this variety uses natural curing agents from celery powder and sea salt.
- GreenWise Uncured Turkey Bacon: For a poultry alternative, GreenWise offers an uncured turkey bacon that also uses natural nitrites from cultured celery powder.
- GreenWise Signature Seasoned Uncured Bacon: These flavored varieties, like Steakhouse or Spicy Garlic, also rely on naturally occurring nitrates.
Other National Brands at Publix:
- Coleman Natural Bacon, Hickory Smoked, Uncured: This brand prides itself on using only natural ingredients and no added nitrates or nitrites, relying on celery powder for curing.
- Applegate Naturals Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Bacon: This Whole30 Approved option is cured using natural sources and contains no added sugar.
- Boar's Head Simplicity All Natural Smoked Uncured Bacon: A quality option that uses sea salt and celery powder for curing.
- Oscar Mayer Natural Smoked Uncured Bacon: This product also uses naturally occurring nitrites from cultured celery juice and sea salt.
How to Identify Naturally Cured Bacon
To confidently choose a naturally cured option at Publix, follow these steps:
- Look for the 'Uncured' Label: Start by filtering your search for products explicitly marked as "uncured" on the front of the packaging. Standard cured bacon will not have this designation.
- Read the Full Ingredients List: This is the most crucial step. Flip the package and read the ingredients list. Look for terms such as "celery powder," "cultured celery juice," or "sea salt". The presence of these ingredients indicates a natural curing process.
- Confirm the Disclaimer: Look for the asterisk (*) next to the "no nitrates added" claim. The accompanying disclaimer will confirm that naturally occurring nitrites are still present.
- Seek Truly Free Options (External): If you desire a product with zero nitrites from any source, you will likely need to look beyond conventional grocery stores like Publix. These specialty items might be available at local butcher shops or specific health food stores and are often labeled very clearly.
Comparison of Publix Uncured Bacon Options
| Feature | Publix GreenWise Uncured Hickory Smoked Pork Bacon | Coleman Natural Uncured Bacon | Applegate Naturals No Sugar Uncured Bacon | Boar's Head Simplicity Uncured Bacon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredient | Pork | Pork | Pork | Pork |
| Curing Agent Source | Sea salt & celery powder | Sea salt & celery powder | Sea salt & celery powder | Sea salt & celery powder |
| Flavor Profile | Hickory Smoked | Hickory Smoked | Hickory Smoked (No Sugar) | Naturally Smoked |
| Key Differentiator | Store brand, raised without antibiotics | Humanely raised, crate-free pork | Whole30 Approved, sugar-free | Minimally processed, humanely raised |
Health Considerations: Natural vs. Synthetic Nitrates
When it comes to potential health impacts, the distinction between natural and synthetic nitrates is a topic of ongoing discussion. Some studies suggest that the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines can occur when nitrites are cooked at high temperatures in the presence of protein. However, a key difference is that vegetables containing natural nitrates, like celery powder, also provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that can inhibit the conversion of nitrites into nitrosamines. This provides a potential advantage for naturally cured products.
That said, organizations like Harvard Health point out that the body cannot distinguish between natural and synthetic nitrites once they are in the system. The potential for nitrosamine formation remains, though the antioxidant content of the natural curing agents may help. Regardless of the curing method, processed meats are often high in sodium, and moderation is advised. Health experts often recommend limiting processed meat consumption and focusing on a diet rich in whole foods.
Conclusion
For shoppers wondering what Publix bacon has no nitrates, the answer is nuanced. While no bacon at Publix is entirely free of nitrites, the store does offer a wide selection of "uncured" options under its GreenWise brand and from other well-known suppliers like Coleman, Applegate, and Boar's Head. These products substitute synthetic sodium nitrite with natural alternatives like celery powder, which still contribute nitrites during the curing process. The key for consumers is to understand the misleading labeling, read ingredient lists carefully, and look for the specific fine print disclaimer. For those strictly avoiding all nitrites, whether natural or synthetic, sourcing from specialized retailers or butchers may be the only reliable option. For the average shopper, choosing an uncured bacon from Publix can mean avoiding synthetic additives, though the presence of naturally derived nitrites should be noted.
To learn more about the distinction between natural and synthetic nitrates, this article by Harvard Health offers a great overview.
