Bacon is not a health food, lets just come right out of the gate owning that. It is likely that even the “healthiest” bacon will have more fat and sodium than most other meats and plant-based foods that are similar. That said, enjoyed in smaller quantities and without frequency, bacon is pretty great stuff. It makes foods taste great whether you eat it with eggs and toast, wrap chicken or sausages in it, chop it up and put it in soup or on top of a baked potato.
The problem is that a lot of brands use nitrates and nitrites to keep the meat a nice pink or red color and make it taste better. These additives, according to Healthline, are potentially carcinogenic. Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, an award-winning nutritionist, says that to choose healthier bacon, stay away from “chemical nitrates or nitrites” and pick bacon that is made with few ingredients. When we talked about how to find the best bacon for you in The Best
If you want bacon that is as good as it gets, here are seven brands that focus on using only the best ingredients. Plus, dont miss 8 Hot Dogs That Use the Highest Quality Ingredients.
Crispy, savory bacon is a breakfast staple for many. But traditional bacon contains concerning preservatives like sodium nitrate and nitrite. When exposed to high heat, these form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Thankfully, you can now find nitrate-free bacon options that rely on natural curing methods instead. These cleaner bacon brands allow you to enjoy your morning bacon without the health worries.
In this article, we highlight some top nitrate-free bacon brands to look for. We’ll overview their ingredients, flavor, certifications, and more. Read on to discover the best nitrite and nitrate-free bacons to start your day right!
Why Go Nitrate-Free?
First, let’s review why nitrate-free bacon is the smarter choice. Sodium nitrate and nitrite are commonly used in cured bacon and other processed meats as preservatives. But research shows they can be harmful:
- Form nitrosamines when cooked at high heat – a carcinogen
- Linked to increased colorectal cancer risk
- May cause inflammation and vascular damage
- Classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by WHO
Nitrate-free bacons avoid these risks by using natural curing agents like celery powder instead. While small amounts of nitrates occur naturally in veggies like celery, excessive amounts are concerning By choosing nitrate-free bacon, you skip these potential toxins
Wellshire Farms Calabrese Uncured Bacon
- No nitrates/nitrites added
- Gluten-free and paleo-friendly
- Aged using celery juice powder
- Calabrese style – spicy and bold
- Thick-cut Italian bacon
Wellshire Farms specializes in nitrate-free cured meats. Their Calabrese bacon features Italian-inspired seasoning like garlic paprika and spices. It has a vibrant red color from the natural cayenne and chili pepper. The thick slices have a peppery bite balanced by maple syrup sweetness.
Applegate Sunday Bacon
- Certified humane and organic
- Minimally processed
- No nitrates, nitrites, phosphates or antibiotics
- Sweetened with organic maple syrup
- Thin and flexible slices
As an organic brand, Applegate sets a high bar for ingredients. Their Sunday Bacon contains no synthetic preservatives. Instead, celery juice powder provides clean curing. The maple syrup gives it a touch of sweetness. The thin, pliable slices cook up crispy and are perfect for BLTs or breakfast sandwiches.
Pederson’s Natural Farms Uncured Bacon
- Contains no nitrates or nitrites
- Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
- Made from pasture-raised pork
- Aged using celery juice powder
- Smoky, savory flavor
- Thick-cut slices
Pederson’s bacon has short ingredients – just pork, water, sea salt, vinegar, celery juice powder, and spices. The old-fashioned dry cure gives it robust flavor. At 80 calories a slice, it has slightly less fat than traditional bacon. The thick slices fry up crispy outside with a tender bite inside.
North Country Smokehouse Uncured Bacon
- Minimally processed
- Aged using celery juice concentrate
- Gluten-free, no added hormones or antibiotics
- Smoky, subtle sweetness
- Thin sliced
North Country Smokehouse prides itself on traditional smoking methods. For their bacon, they use natural maple sugar combined with celery juice to preserve the meat. It has a lovely balance of smoky and sweet flavors. The thin slices deliver crunchy, flavorful bacon goodness.
Earlys Honey Stand Nitrate-Free Bacon
- Contains no nitrates, nitrites or preservatives
- Made from all-natural pork
- Dry cured using salt
- Thick sliced
- Robust salty, smoky, savory flavor
Earlys Honey Stand relies on traditional dry curing technique to preserve their bacon without chemicals. Their process results in rich, robust bacon packed with old-fashioned flavor. Each thick slice offers a hearty meaty bite that feels indulgent.
Buying and Cooking Tips for Nitrate-Free Bacon
When shopping for nitrate-free bacon, look for:
- Clear labeling claiming no nitrates or nitrites
- Short, simple ingredients lists
- Reputable brands committed to clean practices
Then keep these cooking tips in mind:
- Opt for baking instead of frying to reduce fat
- Bake on a wire rack over a sheet pan to drain grease
- Microwave between paper towels for easy cleanup
- Blot cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease
- Add maple syrup, honey or brown sugar to recipes for sweetness
With so many tasty options now available, you can feel good choosing nitrate-free bacon brands. Ditch the sodium nitrate and nitrite, and make the clean switch to natural bacon!
Smithfield All-Natural Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon
Two pieces of this flavorful bacon will only net you 250 milligrams of sodium, or about 10% of your daily recommended allotment, so its not bad in terms of sodium. Same 10% story with saturated fats, too. All told, this six-ingredient bacon is a decent choice for a decent price.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
North Country Smokehouse Organic Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
Once you get past the mouthful of a name that is North Country Smokehouse Organic Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon you can feel pretty good about eating a few mouthfuls of this bacon. Impressively, its made with just four ingredients, which are organic pork meat, water, sea salt, and cultured celery powder.
How to Make Amazing Bacon – Very Simple and Nitrate Free
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.
Is Bacon nitrate free?
Bacon is cured with sodium nitrate and nitrite, but some bacon manufacturers produce nitrate-free varieties which are cured with celery juice powder or sea salt, instead. Nitrate-free bacon still contains organic nitrates and might not be any healthier than regular bacon.
Does Bacon have nitrite?
Unfortunately, bacon cured with salt and celery juice will react with saliva to form nitrite, which in turn becomes harmful nitrosamines. In fact, WebMD states that bacon packages labeled “nitrite-free” were tested to have more than double the amount of nitrates as regular bacon.
How do I find nitrate-free Bacon?
Finding nitrate-free bacon is becoming easier as more and more consumers become aware of its health benefits. Here are some tips for finding nitrate-free bacon: Check the Label: The ingredient list on bacon packaging will clearly indicate whether or not nitrates or nitrites are present.
Why should you eat nitrate-free Bacon?
Choosing nitrate-free bacon offers several potential health benefits: Reduced Cancer Risk: Nitrates and nitrites have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal and stomach cancer. Nitrate-free bacon eliminates this potential risk, making it a healthier choice for your diet.
Does Applegate Farms use nitrates in bacon?
Another option is Applegate Farms, which uses celery powder as a natural source of nitrates in their bacon. They also offer a variety of flavors, including uncured turkey bacon for those looking for a leaner option.