The Best Nitrate-Free Bacon Brands for Healthier Breakfasts

Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is one of life’s simple pleasures But traditional bacon contains sodium nitrite, a preservative that can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures Thankfully, several brands now offer nitrate-free bacon made without these concerning additives.

Choosing nitrate-free bacon is an easy way to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful compounds. Read on to learn all about nitrates their health implications and the top nitrate-free bacon brands for a healthier breakfast.

What are Nitrates and Why are they Used in Bacon?

Nitrates and nitrites are chemical preservatives used to cure meats like bacon, ham, salami and hot dogs. They give cured meats their characteristic pink color and smoky, salty flavor.

The primary reason nitrates are added to bacon is to prevent spoilage and food poisoning from bacteria. They block the growth of harmful germs like botulism and listeria. This allows bacon to be shelf-stable without refrigeration.

Sodium nitrite also reacts with the meat’s proteins to form nitrosamines, molecules that convey the characteristic bacon flavor. However, at high heats, nitrosamines can convert into carcinogenic compounds.

Potential Health Risks of Nitrates

While nitrates provide preservative benefits, they may come with health risks when consumed in excess.

The biggest concern is the formation of nitrosamines during high-heat cooking like pan-frying or grilling. Studies suggest a link between consuming nitrosamines and increased colon, stomach, and esophagus cancer risk.

Some researchers also propose nitrates may cause inflammation, migraines, insulin resistance, and thyroid issues, though more research is needed. Potential risks apply mainly to processed meats rather than vegetables containing nitrates.

To reduce nitrosamine formation, many conventional bacon brands use vitamin C or celery powder, which help block the reaction. But completely removing nitrates is the only way to avoid exposure.

The Benefits of Choosing Nitrate-Free Bacon

Switching to nitrate-free bacon provides peace of mind by minimizing your exposure to concerning compounds:

• Eliminates cancer-linked nitrosamines from your diet

• Avoids controversial synthetic preservatives

• Reduces your intake of processed ingredients

• Provides a healthier alternative to feed your family

• Promotes clean eating and diet transparency

• Gives consumers control over what they eat

• Encourages manufacturers to adopt cleaner practices

While naturally cured bacon costs a bit more than traditional varieties, the investment in your wellbeing is worthwhile.

What to Look for in Nitrate-Free Bacon

When shopping for nitrate-free bacon, look for:

• No sodium or potassium nitrate/nitrite in the ingredients

• Uncured, no nitrates/nitrites, or nitrate-free labeled on package

• Naturally cured with ingredients like sea salt, celery juice/powder, vinegar, or fruit powders

• From reputable brands you trust

• Minimal processing and health-conscious ingredients

• Humanely raised and antibiotic-free pork

• Free of artificial preservatives like MSG

• Certified gluten-free and paleo/keto-friendly options

The Best Brands of Nitrate-Free Bacon

After extensive research, here are my top 7 recommendations for naturally cured, nitrate-free bacon:

1. Pederson’s Natural Farms Bacon

Pederson’s bacon contains no nitrates/nitrites and is slow-cured using celery powder. It’s keto-friendly, certified Paleo, Whole30 approved, and made from humanely raised pork. They offer convenient microwaveable packs.

2. Applegate Naturals Sunday Bacon

Applegate cures its Sunday Bacon with vinegar and celery juice, keeping nitrates and glutens at bay. The bacon boasts an artisanal maple flavor and pasture-raised pork.

3. Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon

Oscar Mayer entered the nitrate-free market with naturally hardwood smoked bacon cured with celery juice. It provides affordable convenience from a well-known brand.

4. Wellshire Farms Sugar Free Uncured Bacon

Wellshire Farms dry cures its premium bacon with a touch of maple sugar. It contains no added nitrates/nitrites or antibiotics.

5. Naked Bacon

This aptly named Naked Bacon eliminates nitrates and uses simple ingredients like brown sugar, sea salt, and vinegar for curing. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and made in small batches.

6. Whole Foods 365 Uncured Bacon

Whole Foods’ high welfare, no nitrate bacon is reasonably priced. It’s cured with celery juice and sea salt.

7. Bragg Live Organic Uncured Bacon

Bragg’s USDA organic dry cured bacon gets its smoky flavor from natural coconut powder. It’s nitrate-free, GMO-free, and soy-free.

Cooking and Storing Nitrate-Free Bacon

Nitrate-free bacon is more perishable than traditional bacon due to the lack of synthetic preservatives. Here are some tips for cooking and storing it:

• Refrigerate bacon in the coldest part of fridge, ideally at 35-40°F

• Cook within 1 week of opening for optimal freshness

• Cook gently over medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning

• Bake at 375°F on a wire rack lined sheet pan to prevent sticking

• Microwave in 30 second increments if pan-frying isn’t preferred

• Let cooked bacon cool slightly before touching to prevent sticking

• Store cooked bacon in an airtight container and consume within 1 week

• Freeze raw bacon up to 2 months; thawed bacon cooks faster so adjust cook times

With a little extra care, natural bacon stays fresh and flavorful. The small effort is worth the benefit of reducing your nitrosamine intake and enjoying cleaner ingredients.

Start Your Day Healthier with Nitrate-Free Bacon

Ditching the nitrates and embracing a more wholesome breakfast is easy with bacon from a reputable natural brand. Voting with your dollar encourages food manufacturers to adopt safer curing practices, too.

So next time you shop for bacon, look for uncured, no nitrate products without artificial preservatives. With so many quality options available today, there’s no need to settle for less. Try nitrate-free bacon and experience the delicious difference!