What sliced turkey has no nitrates? A guide to uncured and naturally processed options

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

While nitrates and nitrites are often associated with processed meats, over 80% of our dietary intake comes from vegetables like spinach and celery, which naturally contain these compounds. However, when it comes to deli meat, not all nitrates are processed the same way, prompting many to seek out additive-free options.

Quick Summary

Uncured sliced turkey typically contains nitrates from natural sources like celery powder and sea salt, rather than synthetic additives. Choosing brands like Applegate, Hormel Natural Choice, or making your own ensures minimal additives, though reading labels for disclaimers is key.

Key Points

Labeling is key: The label "no nitrates added" does not mean the product is nitrate-free; it indicates the absence of synthetic nitrates, but natural ones may still be present.
Uncured meats use natural nitrates: Most uncured turkey is preserved using naturally occurring nitrates from sources like celery powder or sea salt, which the body processes similarly to synthetic versions.
Nitrosamines can form from both sources: Nitrites from either synthetic or natural sources can form nitrosamines when processed meats are cooked at high temperatures.
Make your own for zero additives: The only way to guarantee truly nitrate-free sliced turkey is by cooking and slicing a fresh turkey breast at home.
Top uncured brands exist: Brands such as Applegate Naturals, Hormel Natural Choice, and Boar's Head All Natural offer sliced turkey products made without synthetic nitrates.
Read the fine print: Always look for the asterisk on "uncured" labels and check the ingredients for celery powder, celery juice, or sea salt to understand what's actually in your food.

The phrase "no nitrates added" can be confusing, as it usually means no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added. These products often use naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder or sea salt for preservation. The human body processes nitrates from both sources similarly, which can lead to the formation of nitrosamines when meat is cooked at high temperatures. Therefore, "uncured" indicates a different processing method with fewer synthetic additives, but not necessarily a nitrate-free product.

The Misleading 'No Nitrates Added' Label

The USDA allows manufacturers to label products as "no nitrates or nitrites added*" if they use natural sources. The asterisk points to a disclaimer listing ingredients like celery powder or sea salt. This labeling can be misleading as the body converts nitrates from natural or synthetic sources into nitrites in the same way. Nitrites help preserve meat and give it its pink color, but can form nitrosamines during high-heat cooking.

How to spot the difference

Read the full label: Check for the asterisk and disclaimer to identify natural nitrate sources like celery powder or sea salt.
Check the ingredients list: Look for synthetic nitrates/nitrites (e.g., sodium nitrite, E250) or natural sources (e.g., celery powder).

Understanding Nitrates vs. Nitrites

Nitrates (NO3) and nitrites (NO2) are nitrogen compounds found in nature and food. The body converts nitrates to nitrites. In processed meats, nitrites prevent bacterial growth and maintain color. Under high heat, nitrites can form nitrosamines.

A Comparison of Sliced Turkey Options


Feature	Conventional Cured Turkey	'Uncured' Sliced Turkey	Homemade/Truly Additive-Free Turkey
Curing Method	Synthetic sodium nitrate or nitrite	Natural preservatives from celery powder/juice or sea salt	No curing agents used
Preservative Source	Synthetic chemical additives	Naturally occurring nitrates from vegetables	None added
Appearance/Color	Consistent pinkish/red hue	Paler, more natural color	Natural, off-white or gray color
Flavor	Often saltier, can have a distinct processed flavor	Milder, more natural turkey flavor	Fresh, savory, and customizable flavor
Additives	High potential for various additives and fillers	Fewer synthetic additives, but still processed	None, just fresh turkey and seasonings
Shelf Life	Extended shelf life, typically several weeks	Shorter shelf life, requires prompt refrigeration	Shortest shelf life, must be consumed within a few days

Brands That Offer "No Nitrates Added" Sliced Turkey

Several brands offer uncured sliced turkey options that avoid synthetic nitrates. These products use natural preservatives and are generally available in supermarkets. For a list of specific brands, please visit {Link: Eat This, Not That! https://www.eatthis.com/best-deli-meats-without-nitrates-fillers/}.

The True Path to Nitrate-Free Sliced Turkey

To ensure absolutely no nitrates, synthetic or natural, make sliced turkey at home. Roasting and slicing a fresh turkey breast allows complete control over ingredients, resulting in a fresher, additive-free product.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Finding commercially produced sliced turkey truly free of all nitrates is difficult; uncured options avoid synthetic nitrates but use natural sources. While the health impacts of natural vs. synthetic nitrates are debated, reading labels helps consumers choose. Making sliced turkey at home is the best way to get a completely additive-free product.

For further reading

MD Anderson Cancer Center, "What to know about foods with nitrates and nitrites": https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-to-know-about-foods-with-nitrates-and-nitrites.h00-159694389.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Cured turkey uses synthetic chemical preservatives, primarily sodium nitrite, to prevent bacterial growth and preserve color. Uncured turkey is preserved using natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder and sea salt.

Not necessarily. While uncured turkey contains fewer synthetic additives, it still contains nitrates from natural sources. Your body processes these nitrates similarly, and some experts suggest the potential health risks remain, particularly regarding nitrosamine formation during high-heat cooking.

No. This label typically indicates that no synthetic nitrates were added. An asterisk on the packaging usually directs you to fine print explaining that naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder or sea salt were used instead.

Brands known for offering sliced turkey without synthetic nitrates include Applegate Naturals, Hormel Natural Choice, Boar's Head All Natural, Dietz & Watson Organic, Good & Gather (Target), and Wellshire Farms.

Yes, making your own sliced turkey is the only way to ensure it is completely free of any added nitrates, both synthetic and natural. Simply roast a fresh turkey breast and slice it yourself.

Uncured or naturally cured meats often have a paler color compared to their cured counterparts. The addition of synthetic nitrites in conventional curing gives meat its signature pinkish color, which is less pronounced when only natural curing agents are used.

While natural nitrates are chemically identical to synthetic ones, some sources suggest that the antioxidants present in plants like celery may mitigate the formation of harmful nitrosamines. However, the presence of nitrates, regardless of their source, means the potential for nitrosamine formation still exists, especially if the meat is cooked at high heat.