Turkey, Water. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Onion Powder, Spices.
If you want to pan fry, cook slowly over medium-low to medium heat, turning the food often to make sure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn, until it’s the crispiness you want. Drain on paper towels.
Microwave: Place uncured bacon on paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel and cook on high to desired crispness: 2 Slices: 1-2 min. 4 Slices: 2-3 min.
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to regular pork bacon for those looking to cut back on fat, calories, and sodium. But not all turkey bacons are created equal. Many contain additives like nitrates and nitrites to preserve color and extend shelf life. For a truly healthy option, you need to find a nitrate-free turkey bacon brand.
In this article, we will explore some of the top nitrate-free additive-free turkey bacon options on the market. We’ll look at ingredients taste, texture, certifications, and other factors to help you determine the healthiest choice for your morning bacon cravings!
Why Choose Nitrate-Free?
First, let’s look at why nitrate-free turkey bacon is the way to go. When exposed to high heat, nitrates combine with amino acids to form nitrosamines. Studies show nitrosamines are potent cancer-causing compounds
Even small amounts of nitrosamines over time could potentially increase cancer risk. Nitrite-cured meats are classified as carcinogenic by the WHO.
By choosing nitrate and nitrite-free turkey bacon, you avoid these risky compounds. Brands without these additives rely on natural preservatives like celery powder instead.
Nitrate-free turkey bacon is ideal for health and safety. Now let’s explore some top nitrite and nitrate-free brands.
Diestel Family Ranch Uncured Turkey Bacon
- Made with whole muscle turkey thighs
- Minimally processed
- No added nitrates/nitrites
- Gluten-free and sugar-free
- Smoky and savory flavor
- Lean and meaty texture
Diestel turkey bacon has simple, clean ingredients – just turkey, water, sea salt, spices, and cherry powder for flavor. With no chemical preservatives, it offers a healthier option. Reviewers love the authentic smoky bacon taste. The meaty, juicy bites make it one of the tastiest nitrate-free turkey bacons.
Applegate Organics Sunday Bacon
- Certified organic
- No nitrates/nitrites added
- Made from organic, free-range turkeys
- Sweetened with organic maple syrup
- Tender and flexible texture
As an organic brand, Applegate sets a high bar for ingredients. Its Sunday Bacon contains no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, GMOs, fillers, or chemical preservatives. The bacon gets its signature sweetness from organic maple syrup. The thin, pliable slices have a lovely browned and crispy texture when cooked. Overall an excellent nitrate-free choice.
Naked Bacon Organic Uncured Turkey Bacon
- USDA Organic certified
- Minimally processed
- No nitrates, nitrites, or phosphates
- Aged in a kosher brown sugar solution
- Hickory smoked flavor
- Thin and crispy
With simple organic ingredients, Naked Bacon turkey bacon keeps it healthy. It uses old-world curing methods with kosher brown sugar instead of dangerous chemicals. The hickory smoke gives it robust flavor. Fans love its crispy, almost chip-like texture when cooked. A tasty clean choice.
Wellshire Farms Uncured Turkey Bacon
- Contains no nitrates or nitrites
- Gluten-free and paleo-friendly
- Made from whole muscle turkey thighs
- Aged using celery juice powder
- 35% less fat than pork bacon
Wellshire Farms turkey bacon skips the chemical preservatives and uses natural celery extract for curing. It has a pleasing balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The meat has a tender bite and crisps up nicely in the pan or oven. At just 45 calories a slice, it’s a smart nitrate-free option.
Wright Brand Naturals Cured Turkey Bacon
- Minimally processed
- No nitrates or nitrites added
- Gluten-free, soy-free, casein-free
- Aged using celery powder and cherry juice
- Robust seasoned turkey flavor
- Firm and meaty texture
Wright turkey bacon keeps the ingredient list simple and natural. It uses cherry juice and celery juice for old-fashioned curing. The seasoned turkey flavor really shines through. It has a hearty, chewy texture when cooked that bacon lovers enjoy. An easy nitrate-free swap for regular bacon.
Tips for Cooking Nitrate-Free Turkey Bacon
To get the best flavor and texture from your nitrate-free turkey bacon, follow these cooking tips:
- Cook it slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- Bake it in the oven on a wire rack set on a sheet pan.
- Microwave between paper towels for easy cleanup.
- Drain on paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease.
- Add maple syrup or brown sugar to caramelize for sweetness.
- Try rubbing on a mix of brown sugar and spices before cooking.
- Chop up turkey bacon and use it as a smoky salad topping.
With its leaner nutrition stats and lack of harmful additives, nitrate-free turkey bacon is the smart, heart-healthy way to get your bacon fix. Try brands like Diestel, Applegate Organics, Naked Bacon, Wellshire Farms, and Wright Brand Naturals for a delicious nitrite and nitrate-free option. Ditch the dangerous chemicals and start your day the right way with clean turkey bacon!
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Turkey Bacon Brands Ranked From Worst To Best
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.
Where can I find nitrate-free Bacon?
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. Applegate Farms: Applegate Farms offers a variety of flavors of nitrate-free bacon, all made with celery powder as a natural source of nitrates.
Does uncured turkey bacon have nitrates?
Manufacturers generally use wet curing, which injects the flavored liquid directly into the meat. When bacon is labeled uncured, only naturally occurring nitrates, typically from a form of celery, are used. The seal on this package was the only one that was easy to open. How did this uncured turkey bacon fare? The slices were nice and thick.
Are bacon packages nitrite-free?
In fact, WebMD states that bacon packages labeled “nitrite-free” were tested to have more than double the amount of nitrates as regular bacon. Similarly, Cook’s Illustrated found that “uncured” brands were higher in nitrites after sending different packages in for lab testing.
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.
Does Bacon have nitrates?
Cue the Homer Simpson drool. Nitrates are recognized by the World Health Organization as carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. 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.