does turkey sausage have nitrates

Does Turkey Sausage Have Nitrates? A Closer Look at This Common Additive

As more people become concerned about their health and what goes into their food, questions arise about additives and ingredients found in common products. One such concern is whether nitrates commonly used as preservatives in processed meats, are present in turkey sausage. This additive has faced scrutiny over potential health risks with regular consumption. Let’s take a closer look at what nitrates are their use in turkey sausage, and some healthier buying options.

What are Nitrates?Nitrates are chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms. They occur naturally in vegetables, fruits grains, water sources and even our own saliva. Nitrates are also artificially produced and added to certain foods as preservatives, especially cured and processed meats.

In meats, nitrates serve several key functions:

• Prevent bacterial growth – Nitrates inhibit the growth of harmful botulism and listeria bacteria. This makes processed meats safer to eat.

• Enhance flavor – Nitrates react with meat proteins to produce a distinct, cured taste expected in sausages, deli meats and bacon.

• Improve color – Nitrates give cured meats their characteristic pink hue, which consumers find appealing. Without nitrates, these meats would look unappealing grayish brown.

• Extend shelf life – The preservative abilities of nitrates allow processed meats to remain fresh much longer than unpreserved varieties.

For all these reasons, food manufacturers have relied on nitrates for decades to cure all kinds of meat products, including turkey sausage.

The Controversy Around Nitrates
But in recent years, nitrates have come under scrutiny for potential health risks with regular high consumption:

• Convert to carcinogenic nitrosamines – Nitrates can convert into compounds called nitrosamines in the body, especially in acidic conditions like the stomach. Nitrosamines have been linked to higher risks of stomach, esophageal and colorectal cancers.

• Increase risk of thyroid disorders – High nitrate intake may interfere with iodine uptake leading to thyroid problems.

• Cause methaemoglobinaemia – This potentially fatal blood disorder prevents oxygen transport and causes bluish skin tones in infants.

So should we avoid nitrate-cured meats altogether? Not necessarily – in moderation, nitrates pose minimal risks for most people. But it is wise to limit intake of highly processed meats with added nitrates.

Do Turkey Sausages Contain Nitrates?

The answer is – it depends. Unlike pure raw turkey, some turkey sausages contain added nitrates while others do not. Here are the key factors:

• Preserved varieties more likely to contain – Turkey sausages labelled cured, smoked or cooked are more likely to contain nitrates compared to raw.

• Check the ingredients – Look for “sodium nitrate” or “potassium nitrate” on the ingredient list to confirm if nitrates are present.

• Uncured does not guarantee nitrate-free – Even sausages labelled “uncured” may use natural sources of nitrates like celery powder.

• Nitrate-free options available – More brands now offer nitrate-free turkey sausage, but check labels carefully.

• Lower sodium, no MSG – These label claims do not mean a product is nitrate-free.

So while some turkey sausages contain nitrates, consumers have ample options to choose versions without this additive by verifying labels. Leading brands are responding to demand for cleaner, nitrate-free processed meats.

Healthier Buying Options to Avoid Nitrates

When shopping for turkey sausage, look for these healthier options:

• Nitrate-free labelled – Choose products that explicitly state “No Nitrates Added” or “No Nitrates or Nitrites”.

• No synthetic ingredients – Opt for brands listing only natural, recognizable ingredients.

• Organic and preservative-free – Organic and preservative-free sausages avoid synthetic additives like nitrates.

• Minimal processing – Sausage containing whole, minced turkey meat has fewer additives than heavily processed varieties.

• Reputable brands – Stick to trusted, health-conscious brands that avoid harmful additives.

• DIY sausage – Make your own sausage at home from quality turkey meat without any additives.

While fresh, homemade turkey sausage is ideal, for a quick meal, a quality store-bought option works well. Just be sure to vet labels carefully for nitrates and other concerning ingredients.

Healthier Cooking and Serving Tips

To maximize nutrition and flavor when cooking turkey sausages:

• Bake, grill or pan fry – Healthier than deep frying in oil.

• Use a small amount of avocado or olive oil if pan frying.

• Flavor boost – Add fresh herbs, spices, mustard, etc. to enhance taste without excess sodium.

• Saute onions, peppers, etc. – Cook sausage with antioxidant-rich vegetables.

• Whole grain bun or low carb wrap – Serve in a healthier carbohydrate package.

• Veggie sides – Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted cauliflower rice.

• Condiments – Slather with ketchup, mustard, or chimichurri sauce instead of mayo.

• Go bun-less – Serve sliced sausage over greens for a nitrate-free, lower carb option.

The Bottom Line

While fresh, homemade turkey sausage has no concerning additives, even store-bought varieties can be a healthy choice with careful label reading. Seek clean ingredients, minimal processing and brands clearly labelled as “No Nitrates Added”. Cook and serve the sausage alongside antioxidant-rich vegetables and grains for a well-rounded meal.

With some savvy shopping and cooking, you can enjoy all the convenience, flavor and nutrition of turkey sausage without exposure to potentially harmful nitrate preservatives. Your taste buds and health will thank you!