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The Healthiest Nitrate-Free Deli Turkey Options for Guilt-Free Sandwiches

Eating deli meat can be an easy way to make a tasty sandwich or wrap in minutes. However, most deli meats contain concerning ingredients like nitrates, nitrites, and other preservatives that are linked to health issues The good news is there are delicious nitrate-free deli turkey options that deliver on flavor without the harmful additives

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What are nitrates and why you should avoid them
• The top 9 best nitrate-free deli turkey brands
• Tips for picking the healthiest deli turkey
• Healthy meal ideas with deli turkey

So you can feel good crafting your next sandwich or snack with better-for-you turkey!

What Are Nitrates and Why Should You Avoid Them?

Nitrates and nitrites are chemical preservatives commonly added to cured and processed meats like deli turkey. They help prolong shelf life and enhance the color and flavor.

However, studies have linked nitrate and nitrite consumption to an increased risk of cancer and other issues like heart disease. These preservatives can form cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines in your body.

To reduce your risk, nutrition experts advise limiting processed meat intake and choosing nitrate-free options when possible.

Top 9 Nitrate-Free Deli Turkey Brand Applegate Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

1. Applegate Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

• Made with organic, humanely raised turkey with no antibiotics or added hormones
• Roasted for delicious flavor without nitrates/nitrites
• 60 calories, 1g fat, 490mg sodium per serving

1. Boar’s Head Organic Ovengold Turkey Breast

• Boar’s Head turkey raised with no antibiotics or added hormones
• Minimally processed with no artificial ingredients
• Lean protein source at 60 calories, 1.5g fat per serving

1. Plainville Organic Oven Roasted Turkey

• Organic, free-range turkey raised sustainably
• Only turkey breast, water, sea salt, and rosemary extract
• Just 50 calories and 1g fat per serving

1. Jones Naturally Hickory Smoked Oven Roasted Turkey

• Smoked over real hickory wood for bold flavor
• No nitrates, nitrites, gluten or artificial ingredients
• 70 calories, 1g fat, 350mg sodium per serving

1. Trader Joe’s Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

• Roasted turkey breast with no artificial preservatives
• Short ingredients list including turkey, water, vinegar, sea salt
• 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 450mg sodium per serving

1. Whole Foods 365 Organic Everyday Value Oven Roasted Turkey

• Organic turkey raised without antibiotics or hormones
• Contains only turkey breast, water, sea salt, and natural flavor
• 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 380mg sodium per 2 slices

1. Butterball Naturally Roasted Turkey Breast

• Roasted turkey breast seasoned simply with sea salt
• Minimally processed with no preservatives
• 50 calories, 0.5g fat, 330mg sodium per slice

1. Columbus Italian Dry Salami Turkey Breast

• Nitrate-free turkey salami with bold Italian seasoning
• Made with turkey, salt, spices, garlic, vinegar, starter culture
• 80 calories, 3g fat, 470mg sodium per serving

1. Pederson’s Natural Farms Hickory Smoked Oven Roasted Turkey

• Hickory smoked turkey breast without artificial ingredients
• Turkey, water, celery juice, sea salt, smoke flavor
• 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 630mg sodium per serving

Tips for Picking the Healthiest Deli Turkey

When shopping for deli turkey, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the label for “no nitrates or nitrites added” and short ingredients lists

• Choose organic turkey raised without antibiotics or hormones

• Buy from the deli counter where meat is freshly sliced

• Look for uncured turkey that doesn’t use preservatives

• Avoid added sugar for flavor

• Check the sodium and pick options under 500mg per serving

Healthy Ways to Enjoy Deli Turkey

Here are some nutritious meal ideas using nitrate-free deli turkey:

• Turkey wraps with veggies and hummus
• Lettuce-wrapped turkey tacos
• Turkey panini with roasted veggies and cheese
• Turkey salad sandwich with avocado mayo
• Turkey club salad with bacon, egg, avocado
• Turkey veggie stir fry over cauliflower rice
• Turkey skillet with peppers, spinach, and quinoa

The next time you reach for deli meat, go for nitrate-free turkey breast to make a sandwich or meal that satisfies. With so many tasty options without concerning additives, you can feel good enjoying the convenience and flavor of healthier deli turkey.