can you get bacon without nitrates

Can You Get Bacon Without Nitrates? Exploring Healthier Bacon Options

Crispy, savory bacon is a beloved breakfast food for many However, concerns around nitrates in bacon have some seeking out nitrate-free options But is it possible to get bacon without nitrates?

In this article, we’ll explore what nitrates are, their health impacts, whether you can buy nitrate-free bacon, and healthier bacon alternatives to consider

What are Nitrates in Bacon?

Nitrates and nitrites are food additives used in processed meats like bacon to preserve color and extend shelf life. According to Healthline, approximately 80% of nitrate exposure comes from processed meats.

When consumed, nitrates can convert into nitrosamines in the body, which are carcinogenic compounds associated with increased cancer risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) both recommend limiting intake of processed meat for this reason.

However, nitrates are also naturally occurring compounds found in vegetables like spinach, arugula, and beets. These naturally-derived nitrates don’t carry the same risks as artificial nitrates added to meat.

Can You Buy Nitrate-Free Bacon?

You’ll often see “no nitrates added” on bacon packaging, making it seem like a healthier option. However, as John J Lee points out in Tasting Table, these products frequently use celery powder or celery juice to cure the meat.

During digestion, nitrates naturally present in celery convert into nitrites which then form the same carcinogenic compounds as artificial nitrate additives. So bacon cured with celery powder doesn’t eliminate nitrates or their risks.

Pure uncured bacon without any curing agents does exist, but it is difficult to find. Without preservatives, the shelf life is much shorter. And because nitrates give cured meats their distinctive pink color, uncured bacon will look grayish rather than pink.

So while possible to find, truly nitrate-free bacon is rare and may look and taste different from what you’re used to.

Healthier Bacon Options to Consider

Rather than trying to find the elusive nitrate-free bacon, you may wish to consider some healthier bacon alternatives including:

• Turkey bacon – While processed like regular bacon, turkey bacon contains less saturated fat and fewer calories while still providing savory flavor.

• Prosciutto – This Italian cured ham is salt-cured rather than using nitrate additives. Opt for prosciutto cotto (cooked) rather than crudo (raw) for food safety.

• Beef bacon – Beef bacon has a richer, meatier flavor than pork. It still contains some nitrates from curing but may have less than traditional pork bacon.

• Mushroom bacon – For a vegetarian alternative, mushroom bacon mimics the salty, smoky, crisp texture of real bacon without any nitrates.

• Tempeh bacon – Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh bacon delivers protein, fiber and nutrients without nitrate concerns.

• Bacon bits – Sprinkling bacon bits on dishes adds smoky bacon flavor without eating whole strips of cured meat product.

These options provide different ways to get the bacon taste you crave while limiting nitrates and other less-healthy components of traditional pork bacon.

Should You Avoid Bacon Altogether?

At the end of the day, processed meats like bacon, ham and sausage do post certain health risks so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. But nitrates are just one factor to consider.

Even if you can find nitrate-free bacon, regular intake of the saturated fat and sodium from most bacon still may negatively impact heart health and blood pressure. Cooking methods like frying can also produce carcinogens.

However, occasional, sensible consumption of bacon as part of a vegetable-rich diet is unlikely to pose major concerns for most healthy individuals. People at higher risk for cancer, heart disease, or during pregnancy may want to exercise greater caution when it comes to processed meat.

Rather than eliminating it fully, focus on controlling portion sizes, opting for leaner cuts and cooking methods, and pairing bacon with antioxidant-rich foods like spinach, kale and berries. Above all, make sure to enjoy quality over quantity when indulging in cured bacon.

The Takeaway on Nitrate-Free Bacon

While bacon packages boasting “no nitrates added” may seem like a healthier choice, these products frequently just substitute in natural nitrate sources like celery powder which can still form carcinogens during digestion. Truly nitrate-free bacon is difficult to find and will look and taste quite different from what you’re accustomed to.

Rather than getting hung up on trying to find nitrate-free or “uncured” bacon, your best bet is simply to enjoy all cured and processed meats in moderation as part of an overall nutritious diet, and balance out any bacon indulgences with plenty of fruits, veggies, fiber and plant-based proteins. With some mindfulness, you can still enjoy a little bit of bacon flavor without going hog-wild.