Can You Eat Uncured Bacon While Pregnant? Getting the Facts on Nitrate-Free Bacon

Pregnancy cravings are real, and bacon is a common one! That smoky salty crispy meat is hard to resist. But when you’re eating for two, it’s important to pay attention to what goes in your body. Regular cured bacon contains nitrates, which may be risky during pregnancy. This leaves many moms-to-be wondering can I eat uncured bacon while pregnant?

Uncured bacon is becoming more popular as a nitrate-free alternative Keep reading to learn all about uncured bacon, if it’s actually nitrate-free, whether it’s safe in pregnancy, and how to enjoy it as part of a healthy prenatal diet.

What is Uncured Bacon?

Uncured bacon is pork bacon that has been preserved without the use of sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate during processing. Instead, it’s cured with natural preservatives like celery powder, cherry powder, vinegar, lemon juice or cultures of lactic acid bacteria. This gives a similar preservation effect and flavor development without the nitrates and nitrites.

You’ll often see it labeled as “no nitrates or nitrites added except those naturally occurring in celery powder or other natural ingredients”. It looks, tastes, smells and cooks like regular cured bacon, but without the controversial chemical curing agents.

Is Uncured Bacon Actually Nitrate-Free?

This is a tricky question! By definition, uncured bacon has no added sodium nitrite or nitrate. However, the celery powder and other plant ingredients used for natural curing contain nitrates that convert to nitrites.

So while uncured bacon doesn’t directly contain added nitrites, those naturally present can still form during processing. One study found up to 10 mg of nitrite per 1 kg portion of uncured bacon

So in reality, uncured bacon is not completely nitrate or nitrite-free. But the small amounts occurring naturally are insignficant compared to traditional cured options. For most purposes, it can be considered nitrate-free.

Is Uncured Bacon Safe to Eat While Pregnant?

Eating uncured bacon in moderation is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Here’s a look at the potential risks and benefits:

Nitrate Content – The very low nitrates occurring naturally in uncured bacon pose little risk. Much lower than cured bacon.

Bacteria Risk – Uncured bacon carries the same food safety risks as regular bacon if undercooked. Proper handling and cooking is key.

High in Fat & Sodium – Like regular bacon, uncured is high in saturated fat and sodium, something to limit in pregnancy.

Free of Chemical Preservatives – Uncured avoids controversial curing agents and additives found in processed meats.

Overall, as an occasional treat, uncured bacon is a safer choice than regular bacon for moms-to-be. But it should still be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Tips for Cooking Uncured Bacon While Pregnant

Uncured bacon needs to be handled and cooked properly for safety, just like regular bacon:

Cook thoroughly until crispy to kill bacteria. 165°F minimum internal temperature.
Avoid undercooked bacon or sampling meat before fully cooked.
Wash hands and cooking tools thoroughly before and after handling raw bacon.
Separate raw bacon from other foods during storage and prep.
Don’t rely on appearance – use a food thermometer to check doneness.

Following basic food safety practices keeps both you and baby safe from illness. Crispy well-done bacon is a must!

Healthy Ways to Enjoy Uncured Bacon While Pregnant

You can easily fit uncured bacon into a balanced pregnancy diet by following healthy cooking methods and portion control:

Use it as a flavor-boosting topping – add crumbled bacon to salads, baked potatoes, soups.
Bake bacon in the oven on a rack for even cooking without added oils.
Limit to 1-2 servings of bacon a week – around 2-3 strips per serving.
Pair bacon with vegetable sides and proteins – don’t make it the star of the plate.
Create bacon bits from cooked and crumbled pieces to sprinkle on dishes.
Cook in a skillet with minimal oil – just enough to prevent sticking.
Choose turkey or veggie bacon for an occasional lower-fat option.

With smart preparation, you can still enjoy that bacon taste during pregnancy without overdoing it on fat, sodium and nitrates.

Should You Avoid All Cured Meats in Pregnancy?

While uncured meats are ideal, strictly avoiding all cured meats may be unrealistic for many expecting mothers. Here are some things to consider:

Bacon and deli meats have the highest levels of nitrates/nitrites compared to other cured meats.
Hot dogs, salami, sausages, ham, jerky, smoked or dried meats also contain nitrates/nitrites in lower amounts.
Leftover cooked meats present less bacteria risk than raw meats.
Cooking any cured meat thoroughly and eating in moderation is key to reducing risk.
Check with your doctor about your individual risk factors before completely eliminating foods.

Rather than a 100% avoidance of all cured items, being mindful of preparation, portion sizes and frequency is a more realistic approach for most pregnant women.

Other Bacon Alternatives to Try

If you decide to skip all cured meats including uncured bacon, try these healthier bacon replacements:

Turkey bacon – Less fat than pork but still contains some nitrates.
Tempeh or coconut bacon – Get smoky flavor from plant-based soy or coconut products.
Mushroom bacon – Sliced mushrooms replicate the texture nicely.
Eggplant or zucchini bacon – Roasted veggie slices create a crispy alternative.
DIY bacon seasoning – Add smoked paprika, salt, maple and pepper to veggies.

These options let you replicate the bacon flavor without the same concerns as real cured bacon products.

The Takeaway on Uncured Bacon in Pregnancy

Pregnancy means being more selective about your diet, but it doesn’t have to mean deprivation. While uncured bacon is not 100% nitrate-free, the small amounts from natural sources are considered safe as an occasional treat during pregnancy. As always, proper handling, cooking, and portion control are key. Uncured bacon can be part of an overall balanced prenatal diet when eaten in moderation. Follow your cravings but also your common sense!

4 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Eat Bacon

FAQ

Is cured or uncured meat better for pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you should be careful what foods you eat in order to get your protein. In particular, it is advised that you avoid eating meat and cured meats that are raw, just as you should avoid eating raw fruit and vegetables, if they’re not washed properly.

Is it safe to eat nitrates in bacon while pregnant?

Because processed foods with nitrate like bacon, sausage, deli meats, and hotdogs may be carcinogenic due to nitrosamines, you may want to play it safe — for both the baby and yourself — and limit or avoid these foods during pregnancy.

Can I eat cooked uncured ham while pregnant?

Cooked ham in pregnancy? Yes, you can! Thanks to the high temperature production process, cooked ham is a safe product for moms-to-be. This treatment removes bacteria and protozoa, including toxoplasma.

Can you eat cooked uncured pepperoni while pregnant?

However, cooked pepperoni is fine. So when that triple meat lover’s pizza craving hits, you can feel safe indulging — just be mindful that it probably shouldn’t be an everyday thing, and that a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will serve you well during these 9 months.

Can pregnant women eat bacon?

Board-certified doctor of obstetrics and gynecology Maryam Tarsa, MD, and board-certified doctor of family medicine Joel Fuhrman, MD, shared the four main reasons pregnant people should avoid bacon. Bacon is a class-one carcinogen. Ever wonder why it’s safe to eat pork during pregnancy but not bacon?

Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?

It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.

Is Bacon a carcinogen if you’re pregnant?

This classifies it as a carcinogen, the effects of which are heightened for pregnant people. “The consumption of bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, and lunch meats, even prior to conception in women, increases the risk of childhood cancers, autism, and brain tumors in their offspring,” Dr. Fuhrman told POPSUGAR.

Can pregnant women eat turkey bacon?

Turkey bacon is processed, which means it may contain harmful bacteria that could harm the developing baby. Pregnant women should only eat turkey bacon that has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent foodborne illness. Additionally, turkey bacon is often high in sodium.