Who Makes Nitrate Free Bacon? Your Guide to Healthier Pork Products

Bacon is a breakfast staple for many, but the nitrates and nitrites used to cure most conventional bacon have been linked to some health risks. Thankfully more and more bacon producers are now offering nitrate- and nitrite-free options that deliver all the tasty bacon flavor without the concerning additives.

What Are Nitrates and Nitrites in Bacon?

Traditional bacon contains sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite added during processing. These curing agents:

• Preserve the pink color of bacon and prevent it from turning grey
• Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like botulism to extend shelf life
• Contribute to the characteristic salty, smoky bacon flavor

However, research shows potential health risks associated with frequent intake of these meat additives.

Are Nitrates and Nitrites Bad for You?

There are a few key health concerns linked to nitrates and nitrites:

• Increased cancer risk – When exposed to high heat, nitrates and nitrites can convert into carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds. Studies show a correlation between high processed meat intake and colorectal cancer.
• Inflammation – Nitrites may cause inflammation in blood vessels that can contribute to heart disease. They may also worsen inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
• Insulin resistance – Frequent processed meat consumption is associated with impaired insulin response and type 2 diabetes risk. Nitrites may play a role.
• Migraines – Some research shows nitrates can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.

While more research is still needed, minimizing intake of processed meats with these additives is generally encouraged for optimal health.

Benefits of Nitrate/Nitrite Free Bacon

Choosing bacon cured without nitrates or nitrites offers several benefits

• Avoids cancer-linked compounds from forming
• Reduces inflammation throughout the body
• Supports healthy blood flow by limiting nitrite exposure
• Prevents migraine triggers in sensitive individuals
• Still provides delicious smoky, salty bacon flavor

So by opting for nitrate-/nitrite-free bacon, you can feel better about enjoying the occasional slice.

How to Identify Nitrate-Free Bacon

When browsing your grocer’s bacon selection, here are some tips for spotting nitrate- and nitrite-free options

• Check the ingredients list for “no sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite”
• Look for labels stating “uncured,” “no nitrates or nitrites added,” or “nitrite-free”
• See if celery juice concentrate or celery powder is listed, as these naturally contain nitrites but at lower levels
• See if sea salt, vinegar, or fruit/spice extracts are listed as alternative curing agents
• Note if the packaging indicates a shorter shelf life, as nitrate-free bacon doesn’t last as long without preservatives

When uncertain, you can always contact the manufacturer to confirm their bacon contains no nitrates or nitrites.

Top Brands Making Nitrate-Free Bacon

Many major bacon producers now offer high-quality nitrate- and nitrite-free options including:

• Applegate – Their nitrate-free Sunday Bacon and Organic No Nitrates Uncured Bacon are cured with celery juice powder instead of sodium nitrite.

• Niman Ranch – Their applewood smoked and honey chipotle uncured bacon varieties are cured with celery juice concentrate and celery powder respectively.

• Oscar Mayer – Their Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon line contains no added nitrates or nitrites. Their turkey bacon also contains no nitrates.

• Wellshire – Both their sugar free uncured and hickory smoked short cut bacon products are cured with cultured celery extracts and juice.

• Pederson’s – Their natural uncured bacon in original and peppered varieties are cured with celery juice powder and vinegar.

• Whole Foods 365 – Their no nitrates added and organic no nitrates uncured bacon options use celery powder for curing.

This covers some of the major brands, but small local producers may also have nitrate-free options worth trying.

Other Healthier Bacon Alternatives

If you can’t find nitrate-free, here are some other healthier bacon options that limit nitrosamine exposure:

• Organic – While not always nitrate-free, organic operations have stricter processing standards that may limit use of these additives.

• “Uncured” – Though “uncured” bacon may contain some nitrites from natural sources like celery, levels are lower than conventionally cured bacon.

• Turkey bacon – Much lower in saturated fat than pork bacon, though some turkey bacon may still contain nitrates.

• Proscuitto – Dry-cured Italian ham that contains no added nitrates or nitrites.

• Beef or lamb bacon – Provides an alternative to pork, though may contain some nitrates.

• Vegan bacon – Eliminates all concerns over meat additives, though may be highly processed.

While not completely additive-free, these options help limit nitrosamine formation from nitrites and nitrates.

Tips for Safely Enjoying Nitrate-Free Bacon

When cooking nitrate-free bacon, follow these tips for safety and maximizing flavor:

• Cook over medium vs. high heat to avoid charring that can create carcinogens
• Lightly crisp bacon instead of burning to a charred crisp
• Blot cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease
• Avoid microwaving uncured bacon as it may still form nitrosamines
• Refrigerate and eat cooked bacon within 4-5 days before the quality declines
• Incorporate bacon into dishes like omelets and sandwiches rather than eating solo

Overall, seeking out nitrate- and nitrite-free bacon options allows you to feel better about still enjoying the occasional serving of this tasty cured pork product. Combined with cooking best practices, you can indulge in bacon as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.