Cured bacon is soaked in salt and nitrites for preservation, while uncured bacon uses naturally occurring nitrites. However, the healthiness of uncured bacon compared to cured bacon is still unclear.
Bacon. Bacon is calling to you on the menu, sizzling on the stove, or beckoning you in all its fatty glory from the ever-growing bacon section at the grocery store.
Why is that section always getting longer? Because bacon makers are always coming up with new ways to describe bacon that sound even better, like “applewood,” “center cut,” and “Irish bacon.”
But the only thing about bacon that might be good for you is whether it is cured or not.
Bacon is typically high in sodium, total fat, and saturated fat. And if you aren’t eating small servings, you’re getting even more sodium and fat.
Recently, there has been some discussion about whether the bad effects of saturated fat on health have been exaggerated. However, the research focuses on foods like dairy, fresh meat that hasn’t been processed, and dark chocolate, not processed meats like bacon.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2020–2025 say that saturated fat shouldn’t make up more than 10% of all calories.
There are a lot of calories in bacon, but it’s not as healthy as foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats that should be on a balanced plate.
Curing is a process used to preserve food. It also adds flavor. You can cure foods yourself with smoke or by packing them with salt. A combination of salt, sugar, and other flavors tastes better, though.
Cured bacon technically means any form of preserved bacon. Since all bacon is preserved with either smoke or salt, there is no such thing as uncured bacon. But that fact hasn’t stopped marketers from seizing on the terms “cured” and “uncured. ”.
Cured bacon is preserved with a commercial preparation of salt and sodium nitrites. Nitrites are additives responsible for giving bacon its pink color, among many things.
There are two methods of curing: pumping and dry-curing. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says that the amount of nitrites in dry-cured bacon can’t be more than 200 parts per million (ppm) and in pumped bacon it can’t be more than 120 ppm.
Uncured bacon is bacon that hasn’t been cured with sodium nitrites. A type of celery, which has natural nitrites, is often used to cure it, along with sea salt and flavorings like parsley and beet extracts.
Since 2020, the FDA requires that uncured bacon has to be labeled “Uncured bacon. Nitrates and nitrites are only found naturally in foods like celery juice powder, parsley, cherry powder, beet powder, spinach, sea salt, and so on. ”.
You may have heard that the nitrites used to cure bacon and other meats are linked to a higher risk of some cancers. Or that nitrites are in rat poison. So why are nitrites added to food in the first place?.
Nitrites keep the flavor of bacon, stop bad smells, and slow the growth of bacteria that cause botulism. They also turn bacon pink.
Nitrites also occur naturally in many foods, including many vegetables. There is less chance of getting colon or pancreatic cancer if you eat a lot of vegetables than if you eat a lot of processed bacon and hot dogs.
This is because vegetables also have a lot of healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, like vitamin C.
In the highly acid environment of your stomach, nitrites can be converted to nitrosamines, a deadly carcinogen. However, vitamin C and other antioxidants found in vegetables make more nitric oxide, which is better for your heart than nitrosamines.
Nitrates in vegetables are not as bad for you as nitrates in bacon because vegetables have more healthy things in them, like fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols that work as antioxidants. Bacon doesn’t have any of these things.
So is uncured bacon better for you than bacon cured with nitrites? Not by much. It’s still not clear if the nitrites that come from celery are less harmful than the ones that are added to cured bacon.
And bacon still has a lot of salt and saturated fat, which are both things you should eat less of to lower your risk of heart disease.
Eat a small amount of bacon every day, and make sure your diet is full of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Healthline uses only peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The most recent medical review was on April 28, 2023. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our.
Our health and wellness experts are always keeping an eye on the news, and we update our articles when new information comes in.
Bacon is cherished by many as a delicious, savory treat. But with growing health concerns over processed meats and added nitrates, more consumers are seeking out nitrate-free bacon options. The question is, can you really get bacon without nitrates?
It may seem like you can’t avoid nitrates in bacon, but there are some options that don’t have them. But before you decide if nitrate-free bacon is right for you, you should learn about the terms, health effects, and other options.
What are Nitrates and Why Are They Added to Bacon?
Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds used extensively in cured meats like bacon, deli meats, hot dogs and sausages. They serve several key functions
- Cure the meat and develop flavor
- Inhibit bacteria growth to prevent spoilage
- Maintain a pink/red color
- Extend shelf life
The problem is that during cooking at high heat, nitrates can convert to nitrosamines – compounds linked to an increased cancer risk Bacon is especially concerning because it is often fried at high temperatures
Health Concerns Over Nitrates in Bacon
Studies suggest a link between consuming processed meats high in nitrates and increased risks of:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Complications in pregnant women
The World Health Organization says that eating 2,500 grams of processed meat a day, which is equal to 2 bacon slices, can raise the risk of cancer by 20 percent.
Even though there isn’t a lot of solid evidence yet, many health professionals say that people should limit their intake of processed meats that are high in added nitrates.
What is Nitrate-Free Bacon?
If bacon is labeled “no nitrate or nitrite added” or “uncured bacon” it’s considered nitrate-free bacon.
Ironically, nitrate-free bacon is still cured, just using a non-synthetic curing agent like celery powder—which is naturally high in organic nitrate—or sea salt.
The term “uncured” is misleading, as these products will still convert to nitrite when eaten. So in terms of health, nitrate-free bacon may not be significantly different from conventional bacon.
Should You Buy Nitrate-Free Bacon?
Whether you opt for nitrate-free bacon comes down to your risk tolerance and priorities:
For minimal cancer risk: Conventional bacon may actually be a better choice, as nitrate-free bacon can test higher in nitrites. Stick to occasional consumption of bacon in moderation.
For less processed ingredients: Nitrate-free bacon has more natural curing agents like celery powder instead of sodium nitrite. This appeals to consumers wanting less processing.
For curiosity: Try nitrate-free bacon to see if you notice any taste difference. Some find it has a lighter, less smoky flavor.
To support brands: Some smaller brands offer nitrate-free options. Buying these products helps these companies thrive.
For peace of mind: The idea of a more “natural” cured bacon may offer peace of mind for some consumers. Just be aware it likely has similar levels of nitrite/nitrate.
How to Choose Nitrate-Free Bacon
If you opt to buy nitrate-free bacon, look for:
-
“No nitrate/nitrite added” or “uncured bacon” on labels
-
Know it still has nitrates naturally occurring from ingredients like celery powder or sea salt
-
Choose reputable brands and check ingredient lists
-
Look for minimal processing and fewer additives
-
Consider organic and sustainably raised options
Popular brands offering nitrate-free bacon include Applegate, Coleman Natural, Oscar Mayer, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Niman Ranch. Pricing is typically slightly higher than conventional bacon.
Healthier Ways to Enjoy Bacon
To reduce any nitrate-linked health risks from bacon, consider these tips:
-
Choose nitrate-free bacon or eat conventional bacon in moderation
-
Opt for bacon from pasture-raised pigs when possible
-
Cook bacon thoroughly to reduce nitrosamine formation
-
Limit charring or burning of bacon when frying
-
Bake bacon in the oven instead of frying to reduce nitrosamine formation
-
Add antioxidant-rich foods like berries and dark leafy greens to meals with bacon
-
Consume a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains
While nothing can quite replace the taste and smell of sizzling bacon, being mindful of preparation, portion size and diet can let you continue enjoying it while limiting associated risks.
Bacon Cured With and Without Sodium Nitrite | Side by Side Comparison
FAQ
What bacon has no nitrates?
Do supermarkets sell nitrate free bacon?
What is the healthiest bacon to eat?
Does uncured bacon still have nitrates?
Can you eat nitrate-free Bacon?
For a Bulletproof take on nitrate-free bacon, get a pastured pork belly from a local farmer (or a reputable retailer like U.S. Wellness Meats) and follow these guidelines: Use a small amount of sodium nitrate and smoked salt to cure the pork. Yes, you’re directly adding nitrates to the meat, but fewer overall than you would find in celery powder.
Where can I find nitrate-free Bacon?
1. Niman Ranch: This brand uses natural sources of nitrates, such as sea salt and celery powder, in their bacon. Their pork is also free from antibiotics and hormones. 2. Applegate Farms: Applegate Farms offers a variety of flavors of nitrate-free bacon, all made with celery powder as a natural source of nitrates.
Is Bacon nitrite free?
Bacon and other cured meats with celery powder are not truly nitrite free, and should be avoided by those looking to buy nitrate free bacon and nitrite free bacon. This bacon is typically titled “uncured bacon” or “pure bacon” or “nitrate free bacon,” but they still contain nitrites.
What are the best nitrate-free Bacon brands?
If you’re looking for nitrate-free bacon, here are some top brands to consider: 1. Niman Ranch: This brand uses natural sources of nitrates, such as sea salt and celery powder, in their bacon. Their pork is also free from antibiotics and hormones. 2.