Does Arby’s Roast Beef Contain Nitrates? A Detailed Look

Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are a fast food staple that many Americans grew up eating. With their thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a sesame seed bun they make a convenient and tasty meal. However, some consumers have concerns about the potential health effects of eating processed meats like Arby’s roast beef. One of the biggest worries is whether these meats contain nitrates.

What are Nitrates?

Nitrates are chemical compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen. They occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. Nitrates can also be artificially added to certain foods as preservatives including processed meats like deli meats, hot dogs bacon, and smoked fish.

In these foods, nitrates help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause botulism. They also give cured meats their characteristic pink color. When nitrates interact with amino acids in protein, they form nitrites Nitrites are very effective at preventing bacterial growth

However, there are some potential health concerns with nitrates and nitrites:

• Nitrites can react with amines in the body to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are carcinogenic compounds that have been linked with increased cancer risk.

• High intake of nitrites may cause the blood condition methemoglobinemia in infants. This reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

• Some researchers believe high nitrite intake could have other harmful effects, like triggering inflammation or damaging blood vessels. However, more research is needed in these areas.

Because of the potential risks, regulatory agencies limit the amount of nitrates and nitrites allowed in food products.

Do Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches Contain Nitrates?

The answer is yes, Arby’s roast beef does contain added nitrates. According to the Arby’s website, their classic roast beef contains sodium nitrite, a type of nitrate salt.

Sodium nitrite is listed in the ingredients for the roast beef on their sandwiches. Arby’s states they use sodium nitrite at levels below the maximum amount permitted by the FDA and USDA.

Independent testing has also confirmed the presence of nitrates in Arby’s roast beef. Consumer Reports tested roast beef from several major fast food chains in 2018. They found that Arby’s roast beef contained about 270 mg of sodium nitrite per 6-inch sandwich.

For comparison, Subway’s roast beef only contained 10 mg per 6-inch sandwich. Some brands like Firehouse Subs contained no nitrates at all in their roast beef.

Why Are Nitrates Added to Processed Meats Like Roast Beef?

As mentioned earlier, nitrates have important preservative properties that food manufacturers take advantage of. In processed meats like Arby’s roast beef, nitrates:

• Prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum that causes botulism

• Give the meat its appetizing pink color

• Extend the shelf life by protecting the meat from spoilage

• Impart a distinctive flavor that consumers expect from cured meats

Nitrates allow processed meats like roast beef to be mass-produced, shipped long distances, and sit on supermarket shelves for long periods before being purchased. Without nitrate preservatives, these products would be at high risk of bacterial contamination and would spoil rapidly.

So while nitrates provide some benefits, many consumers want to avoid them due to the potential health risks. Some companies are starting to respond to this demand by offering nitrate-free processed meat options.

Health Concerns About Nitrates in Processed Meats

Eating processed meats preserved with nitrates has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other health conditions:

• Colorectal cancer: Many studies have found a correlation between high processed meat intake and colorectal cancer risk. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is convincing evidence they cause cancer.

• Other cancers: Some research indicates there may also be links with stomach, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. However, the evidence is not as strong as for colorectal cancer.

• Heart disease: Some observational studies show an association between processed meat consumption and cardiovascular risks like heart attack and stroke.

• Type 2 diabetes: Frequent processed meat intake is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The exact mechanisms for these risks are not fully understood. But carcinogenic nitrosamines formed from nitrites likely play a role. Heme iron in red meat may also contribute to cancer formation.

Based on this evidence, health authorities recommend limiting intake of processed meat:

• The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends consuming no more than 3 servings of processed meat per week.

• The American Cancer Society advises minimizing consumption of processed meats and choosing healthier protein sources whenever possible.

How Much Nitrate is in Arby’s Roast Beef?

The amount of nitrates in Arby’s roast beef varies by the type of sandwich:

• A regular Arby’s roast beef sandwich contains around 270 mg sodium nitrite per sandwich, according to Consumer Reports’ testing.

• Arby’s Half-Pound Beef ‘N Cheddar Roast Beef Sandwich contains significantly more nitrates. Consumer Reports found it has around 470 mg per sandwich.

• Specialty sandwiches like the Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich also have higher nitrate levels than the classic roast beef.

To put this in perspective, the World Health Organization recommends limiting sodium nitrite intake from processed meats to around 100 mg per day.

So eating just one Arby’s roast beef sandwich could provide more than twice the recommended daily limit for nitrite. Frequent Arby’s customers may be far exceeding health-based recommendations for nitrite consumption from processed meats.

Can You Get Arby’s Roast Beef Without Nitrates?

Unfortunately, nitrates are an integral ingredient in Arby’s roast beef. There is no option to order their roast beef sandwiches without nitrates. The only way to avoid them is to select a non-roast beef menu item at Arby’s.

Some healthier sandwich options at Arby’s that don’t contain nitrated meats include:

• Roasted Turkey Farmhouse Salad Sandwich

• Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich

• Veggie Delite Sandwich

You can also request sandwiches without meats like the Veggie Delite to avoid nitrates entirely.

Of course, these non-meat sandwiches still have their own potential drawbacks. Some are high in sodium, sugars, and less healthy fats that you may want to limit.

Healthier Alternatives to Arby’s Roast Beef

If you want to reduce your nitrate intake but still enjoy a tasty roast beef sandwich, what are some alternatives to Arby’s? Here are a few options:

1. Nitrate-Free Deli Roast Beef

Many supermarkets now offer deli roast beef and other lunchmeats cured without nitrates. Brands like Applegate, Coleman Natural, and True Story offer nitrate-free roast beef slices. You can use these to create a roast beef sandwich at home.

2. Roast Beef from Restaurants Using Nitrate-Free Suppliers

Some restaurant chains now offer nitrate-free roast beef options by sourcing from suppliers who make uncured meats. For example:

• Firehouse Subs has roast beef sandwiches made with nitrate-free meat.

• Which Wich Superior Sandwiches uses nitrate-free roast beef in some locations.

• Jason’s Deli also serves nitrate-free roast beef sandwiches.

3. Other Healthy Sandwich Fillings Besides Roast Beef

Roast beef is tasty, but there are many other lean, nutrient-dense sandwich fillings you can enjoy. Some good options include:

• Lean roasted chicken or turkey breast

• Hummus and vegetables

• Egg salad made with light mayo

• Canned tuna or salmon mixed with Greek yogurt

• Peanut or other nut butters with banana slices or apple slices

The Bottom Line on Arby’s Roast Beef and Nitrates

Arby’s classic roast beef sandwiches do contain nitrates, with around 270 mg per regular sandwich. The nitrate content is even higher in some of their specialty roast beef offerings.

Nitrates give the roast beef its characteristic pink color and help prevent bacterial growth. However, frequent intake of nitrate-cured meats may increase risk for some cancers and other adverse health effects.

Health authorities recommend limiting processed meat intake and choosing more unprocessed, nitrate-free options when possible. If you enjoy roast beef sandwiches, look for options made without nitrates from brands like Applegate or restaurants using nitrate-free suppliers.

Or explore some equally delicious but more nutritious sandwich fillings like hummus, tuna salad, and peanut butter. By being mindful of ingredients and getting creative, you can still enjoy flavorful sandwiches while maximizing your health.