Does Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Have Nitrates?

Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon for those looking to cut fat and calories. Oscar Mayer is one of the leading brands of turkey bacon. But with concerns over nitrates in processed meats, does Oscar Mayer’s turkey bacon contain these controversial preservatives?

As a nutrition-conscious bacon lover, I decided to dig into the ingredients of this popular turkey bacon brand to find out if nitrates are used in their curing process. Keep reading for the full nitty gritty on nitrates in Oscar Mayer turkey bacon.

The Potential Health Concerns of Nitrates

First, let’s look at why nitrates have come under scrutiny Nitrates and nitrites are commonly used preservatives and flavor enhancers in processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages and deli meats However, there are some potential health drawbacks

• High nitrate intake has been linked to increased risk of colon cancer.
• Nitrites can convert to nitrosamines, compounds that are considered carcinogenic.
• Some studies connect nitrate consumption to higher incidence of thyroid disorders and miscarriages.
• Infants and young children may be most susceptible to nitrate toxicity.

While more research is still needed, these concerns have led health-conscious consumers to seek out bacon and meat products preserved without nitrates/nitrites

Turkey Bacon as a Potentially Safer Alternative

Turkey bacon emerged as an alternative to regular pork bacon that boasts some potential health advantages:

• Lower in fat, calories, and sodium than pork bacon
• Contains less saturated fat considered unhealthy for cholesterol levels
• No risk of pork allergies or avoiding pork for religious reasons
• Perceived as a “healthier” choice by consumers

But not all turkey bacon is nitrate-free. Most contain celery powder or celery juice which naturally contain saltpeter, a nitrate compound. So scrutinizing ingredients is key for those trying to avoid nitrates.

Examining Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Ingredients

To determine if their turkey bacon contains nitrates I closely examined the Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon ingredients list

• Turkey Thigh Meat
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Sodium Phosphates
• Sodium Erythorbate
• Sodium Nitrite

The last ingredient clearly indicates that Oscar Mayer turkey bacon contains sodium nitrite, a nitrate-based preservative. Other Oscar Mayer turkey bacon varieties also contain nitrites.

Why Oscar Mayer Uses Nitrates in Their Turkey Bacon

Oscar Mayer likely uses sodium nitrite in their turkey bacon for several reasons:

• Extends shelf life and prevents spoilage and bacteria growth
• Produces desired pink/red smoked turkey meat color
• Imparts specific cured meat flavor consumers expect from bacon
• Allows high volume production to meet widespread retail distribution

While natural preservative methods exist, for a large company like Oscar Mayer, using nitrites allows them to maximize production and profits. The trade-off is that health-conscious consumers should look elsewhere to avoid this controversial ingredient.

Seeking Out Nitrate-Free Turkey Bacon Options

Thankfully, with growing consumer concern over nitrate consumption, more nitrite-free turkey bacon options have emerged, including:

• Applegate – All Applegate turkey and pork bacons are preserved with celery juice, not synthetic nitrites.

• Ozery Bakery Inc – Their organic turkey bacon only contains sea salt and vinegar as preservatives.

• Wellshire Farms – Celery powder is the only curing agent in their premium line of turkey bacons.

• Naked Bacon – Celery salt cures their hormone-free, gluten-free turkey bacon with no nitrites.

• True Story Foods – Only use organic celery extract, not sodium nitrite, in their turkey bacons.

While it takes more effort to find nitrate-free options, there are quality turkey bacons preserved naturally without concerning compounds.

Should You Avoid Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon?

Oscar Mayer’s ubiquitous turkey bacon delivers on convenience, cost, and consistent quality. However, the inclusion of sodium nitrite poses concerns for some consumers trying to minimize intake of this controversial compound.

Thankfully, more nitrite-free options exist today for those who don’t mind paying a bit more for healthier alternatives. So while Oscar Mayer turkey bacon has its place for quick weekday breakfasts, natural turkey bacons may be a smarter choice for the nitrate-conscious.

At the end of the day, it comes down to individual risk tolerance and priorities. But understanding if your favorite turkey bacon contains questionable ingredients allows you to make the right choice for your health.