Which Turkey Bacon Has No Nitrates?

According to the USDA, bacon labeled 'uncured' uses naturally occurring nitrates from sources like celery powder, not synthetic ones. This guide will help you understand how to identify which turkey bacon has no nitrates added, allowing you to make a more informed choice for your diet.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to identify turkey bacon without added nitrates by checking labels for 'uncured' products. It highlights brands using natural curing methods and discusses associated health implications.

Key Points

• Labeling Clarity: Look for "uncured" turkey bacon, as it uses natural nitrates instead of synthetic ones, despite the misleading "no nitrates added" marketing.

• Natural Curing Agents: Uncured turkey bacon is typically preserved with natural sources of nitrates like celery powder or sea salt, not artificial chemicals.

• Brand Choices: Reputable uncured turkey bacon brands include Applegate Naturals, Wellshire Farms Organic, and Sam's Choice Uncured.

• Cooking Practices: Cooking at high temperatures can form harmful nitrosamines in both cured and uncured bacon; cooking at lower heat is recommended.

• Health Perspective: While uncured bacon avoids synthetic additives, it is still a processed meat, and moderate consumption is advised as part of a balanced diet.

• Organic Options: For stricter standards on animal raising and processing, opt for USDA Certified Organic, uncured turkey bacon.

Understanding the "No Nitrates Added" Label

When you see a package of turkey bacon claiming to have "no nitrates added," it's essential to read the fine print. Due to USDA labeling requirements, all processed meats must be preserved in some way, meaning truly nitrate-free bacon does not exist. The distinction lies in the source: products labeled "uncured" avoid synthetic sodium nitrate and instead use natural, plant-based sources of nitrates, most commonly celery powder or cultured celery powder. Other natural alternatives can include sea salt, parsley, or beet powder. The label will typically state "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in..." to clarify the natural curing method.

The Curing Process: Synthetic vs. Natural

Historically, nitrates and nitrites were used to preserve meat, prevent bacterial growth (especially botulism), and maintain a pleasing pink color. Traditional cured bacon uses synthetic sodium nitrite. However, consumer demand for cleaner labels and perceived health risks associated with synthetic additives has driven the shift toward natural curing agents. The natural curing process utilizes the nitrates found in vegetables, which are converted to nitrites by bacteria to achieve a similar preservative effect. The presence of Vitamin C and other antioxidants in vegetables may also inhibit the formation of harmful nitrosamines during cooking.

Top Brands of Uncured Turkey Bacon

Several brands cater to the demand for uncured turkey bacon, offering products that avoid synthetic nitrate additives. These often utilize natural smoking and curing methods to create flavorful, wholesome alternatives. Here are some of the most prominent brands based on recent market information:

• Applegate Naturals and Applegate Organics: A leader in natural and organic meat products, Applegate offers an uncured turkey bacon. Their organic version uses organic turkey and celery powder for curing.
• Wellshire Farms Organic: Known for sustainable practices, Wellshire offers an Organic Classic Uncured Turkey Bacon cured with sea salt and cultured celery powder. They also have a sugar-free option.
• Sam's Choice Uncured Turkey Bacon: Walmart's premium private-label brand offers a naturally hardwood smoked uncured turkey bacon made from turkey thigh meat.
• Columbus Craft Meats: This brand provides a hickory-smoked uncured turkey bacon, emphasizing that it contains no added nitrates or nitrites beyond those naturally occurring.
• Good & Gather (Target Brand): This option is applewood smoked and uncured, relying on naturally occurring nitrates.
• Empire Kosher Natural Uncured Turkey Bacon: This product uses sea salt and celery powder for curing and highlights that its turkeys are humanely raised.

Uncured Turkey Bacon Brand Comparison

Feature	Applegate Naturals Uncured	Wellshire Organic Uncured	Sam's Choice Uncured	Columbus Uncured	Good & Gather Uncured
Organic Option?	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Nitrates/Nitrites	No Added*	No Added*	No Added*	No Added*	No Added*
Natural Curing Agent	Celery Powder	Cultured Celery Powder	Sea Salt, Natural Smoke	Celery Powder	Cultured Celery Powder
Smoking Method	Hickory Smoked	Not Specified	Hardwood Smoked	Hickory or Applewood	Applewood Smoked
Key Differentiator	Whole30 Approved Option	Humanely Raised	Value Focused	Craft Meat Focus	Target Brand

*All use naturally occurring nitrates from plant sources.

Navigating Health Implications: Nitrosamines and Cooking

The primary health concern with processed meats containing nitrites is the formation of nitrosamines, which can be carcinogenic. This happens when nitrites react with amino acids under high heat during cooking. While the FDA has long regulated nitrite levels and mandates the addition of vitamin C to counteract nitrosamine formation in cured meats, the issue remains relevant.

For uncured bacon, the nitrates come from natural sources, often vegetables high in protective antioxidants like Vitamin C. However, natural nitrates can still be converted to nitrites and potentially form nitrosamines, though at potentially lower levels. The health benefits of avoiding synthetic additives must be balanced with the understanding that uncured bacon is still a processed meat, and moderation is key to a healthy diet. To minimize nitrosamine exposure, consider cooking uncured turkey bacon at lower temperatures and avoiding charring.

Tips for Choosing the Best Nitrate-Free Turkey Bacon

When shopping for the best quality uncured turkey bacon, keep these tips in mind:

• Read the Ingredients Carefully: Don't just rely on marketing claims like "nitrate-free." Check the ingredient list for celery powder, sea salt, or other natural curing agents.
• Check for Organic Certification: For an even cleaner product, look for USDA Organic certified options. These have stricter rules regarding processing and animal welfare.
• Consider Sodium Content: Like traditional bacon, uncured turkey bacon can be high in sodium. Compare nutrition labels and choose lower-sodium varieties if managing your salt intake.
• Factor in Sustainability and Animal Welfare: Brands like Wellshire and Applegate highlight their commitment to humane and sustainable raising practices, which may be important for some consumers.
• Note the Cooking Process: The flavor of uncured bacon is often influenced by its smoking method (e.g., applewood, hickory). Consider brands that use natural hardwood smoking for an authentic taste.

Conclusion

Finding turkey bacon with no added nitrates requires careful label reading, but several brands offer uncured options using natural vegetable-based ingredients. While the term "nitrate-free" is technically a misnomer due to the presence of naturally occurring nitrates, brands like Applegate, Wellshire, Sam's Choice, and Columbus provide cleaner alternatives free from synthetic additives. For the health-conscious consumer, focusing on uncured, organic options and cooking them properly can offer peace of mind. Ultimately, uncured turkey bacon provides a flavorful, savory experience while aligning with a desire for less processed food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is all bacon labeled "uncured" not truly nitrate-free? All processed bacon must be cured to prevent bacterial growth. When a product is labeled "uncured," it means no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added; instead, natural nitrates from sources like celery powder are used for preservation.

Is uncured turkey bacon healthier than cured turkey bacon? Uncured turkey bacon avoids synthetic additives, but its overall healthiness is debated. It often contains similar sodium and fat levels. The presence of natural antioxidants from vegetable curing agents may offer some benefit, but it remains a processed meat.

Does cooking method affect the safety of uncured turkey bacon? Yes. Cooking any bacon at very high heat can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Cooking at lower temperatures can minimize this risk, regardless of whether the bacon is cured or uncured.

Can I find organic, nitrate-free turkey bacon? Yes, brands like Applegate and Wellshire offer certified organic, uncured turkey bacon, meaning the turkeys are raised according to USDA organic standards and the curing process uses natural ingredients.

What should I look for on the label to ensure no added nitrates? Look for the words "uncured" and a phrase like "no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in cultured celery powder and sea salt". The presence of these natural curing agents should be clearly stated.

Is the pink color of uncured turkey bacon natural? The pink color is a result of the curing process, whether synthetic or natural. The nitrites, derived from the natural source (like celery), react with the meat's myoglobin to prevent it from turning brown.

How does the taste of uncured compare to cured turkey bacon? Many people find the taste and texture similar. The flavor is influenced more by the spices and smoking method than by the type of curing agent. Uncured can sometimes have a more natural, subtle flavor profile.

Does all uncured meat use celery powder? While celery powder is the most common natural curing agent, other plant-based sources like beet powder, cherry powder, or parsley may also be used. Always check the ingredient list for the specifics.

Citations

• Cured vs. Uncured Bacon - Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/cured-vs-uncured-bacon
• Cured vs Uncured Bacon: What's The Difference? - Tender Belly: https://www.tenderbelly.com/blogs/foodie/cured-vs-uncured-bacon-whats-the-difference
• Are Nitrates and Nitrites in Foods Harmful? - Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-nitrates-and-nitrites-harmful
• Organic Classic Uncured Turkey Bacon - Wellshire: https://eatwellshire.com/our-products/organic-classic-uncured-turkey-bacon/
• 9 Turkey Bacon Brands, Ranked Worst To Best - Yahoo: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/9-turkey-bacon-brands-ranked-151534854.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "uncured" mean for turkey bacon?

For turkey bacon, "uncured" means that no synthetic sodium nitrate or nitrite was added. The product is still cured, but with natural sources of nitrates, usually from vegetables like celery powder.

Is celery powder a safe alternative to synthetic nitrates?

Celery powder contains natural nitrates that are converted to nitrites during the curing process, similar to synthetic additives. However, celery also contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent the formation of harmful nitrosamines, potentially making it a healthier alternative.

Does all uncured turkey bacon taste the same?

No, the taste can vary depending on the specific ingredients and smoking methods used by the brand. Factors like the type of wood used for smoking (e.g., applewood, hickory) will influence the flavor.

Are there any health risks associated with uncured turkey bacon?

As a processed meat, uncured turkey bacon should be consumed in moderation. The main health concern, the formation of nitrosamines during high-heat cooking, still applies, although the natural antioxidants in vegetable curing agents may offer some protective effects.

Can I find sugar-free uncured turkey bacon?

Yes, some brands like Wellshire offer sugar-free options. This is beneficial for those monitoring their sugar intake or following specific diets like Whole30.

How can I tell if a turkey bacon product is organic?

To ensure a product is organic, look for the USDA Organic seal on the packaging. Brands like Applegate and Wellshire have organic uncured turkey bacon options.

Is uncured turkey bacon less salty than regular turkey bacon?

Not necessarily. The sodium content can vary significantly between brands, regardless of whether it is cured or uncured. Always check the nutrition label and opt for a lower-sodium variety if desired.