Can You Get Bacon Without Nitrates?

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple for many. However, there is growing concern over the nitrates and nitrites added to most conventional bacon These chemical preservatives give bacon its iconic pink color and longer shelf life, but also come with potential health risks

Many consumers want to enjoy bacon but avoid the controversial nitrate additives. So is it possible to get nitrate-free bacon? Let’s take a closer look at what exactly nitrates are, the health implications, and how to find better-for-you bacon options without nitrates or nitrites added.

What Are Nitrates in Bacon?

Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds frequently added to processed and cured meats like bacon, deli meats, hot dogs and sausages.

Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are the most common types used They serve several functions

• Preserve color – Give meats a pink/red color even after cooking.

• Extend shelf life – Slow down bacteria growth and rancidity.

• Add flavor – Contribute to distinctive taste in cured meats.

• Prevent botulism – Inhibit growth of the bacteria that causes this illness.

For these reasons, the meat industry widely uses nitrate and nitrite preservatives. However, conflicting research on the safety of nitrates has raised concerns.

Are Nitrates in Bacon Bad? Health Concerns

There is debate around whether added nitrates/nitrites in processed meats are harmful or not. Here are some of the potential risks and benefits:

Potential Risks

• Form cancer-causing compounds – Can convert to nitrosamines in the body, linked to cancer.
• Cause cell mutations – Animal studies show cell damage from high intake.
• Lead to infertility – Associated with lower sperm counts in men.
• Cause insulin resistance – May increase risk of type 2 diabetes.

Potential Benefits

• Inhibit botulism toxin – Help prevent this life-threatening illness.
• Enhance vascular health – When consumed in moderation from vegetables.
• Exercise performance – Beetroot juice nitrates may improve stamina.

More research is still needed to make definitive conclusions about nitrate/nitrite safety. But some health professionals advise limiting intake of processed meats for certain groups due to potential cancer risk.

Bacon Cured Without Nitrates

Due to the health concerns, many consumers look for bacon and deli meats without nitrates or nitrites added. There are a few different ways these are produced:

Naturally Cured

• Uses natural sources like celery powder, celery juice, sea salt.
• Forms nitrite from vegetable nitrates.
• Label may say “no added nitrates or nitrites”.

Uncured

• Uses alternatives like lemon, cherry or apple juice.
• Does not use nitrate or nitrite curing.

Nitrate-Free

• No direct addition of sodium nitrate or nitrite.
• Uses “natural” curing sources.

Organic

• No synthetic nitrate or nitrite.
• Uses non-synthetic sources like celery.

However, testing shows many naturally cured bacons can actually test quite high in nitrates. So these may not offer much advantage for limiting nitrosamine formation.

Finding Low-Nitrate Bacon

When shopping for low-nitrate bacon, read labels closely and look for:

• No sodium or potassium nitrate/nitrite in ingredients
• Uncured rather than naturally cured
• Minimal ingredients and no MSG
• From reputable producers like Applegate, Wellshire Farms

Also check if your local butcher or farmer’s market offers bacon truly cured without any added nitrates/nitrites.

While not always easy to find, it is possible to get high-quality bacon without concerning additives. You may just have to read ingredients diligently and be willing to pay a little more.

Making Your Own Nitrate-Free Bacon

For the absolute best control over ingredients, consider making DIY homemade bacon! This allows you to customize the cure to avoid sodium nitrite.

You can find many recipes for nitrate-free bacon cured with natural ingredients like:

• Sea salt or Himalayan salt
• Maple syrup or brown sugar
• Smoked paprika or garlic powder
• Fruit juices
• Spices like coriander, juniper berry, black pepper

Home curing takes more effort but can yield tasty, additive-free bacon.

Is Nitrate-Free Bacon Healthier?

While research is still inconclusive, limiting intake of chemical nitrate additives may be prudent for those at higher risk of certain cancers or infertility. Moderately consuming nitrate-cured meats is unlikely to cause harm in healthy adults.

That said, choosing uncured or no-nitrate bacon may offer some health advantages. But this still should be eaten in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Other ways to limit nitrosamine exposure include:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and E
• Avoid overcooking nitrate-cured meats
• Balance intake with exercise and not smoking

In the end, nitrate-free bacon may be somewhat healthier by avoiding controversial additives. But it should still be enjoyed in moderation along with an active, produce-rich lifestyle for optimal wellbeing.