Ground beef is a kitchen staple used in so many delicious recipes like hamburgers, meatloaf, chili, and more. But some people worry that ground beef contains nitrates, which have been linked to some health risks. So does ground beef actually contain nitrates?
The short answer is sometimes Some types of ground beef contain added nitrates as preservatives, while other types of ground beef do not contain any added nitrates. Here’s a more in-depth look at nitrates and ground beef
What are nitrates?
Nitrates (NO3) are chemical compounds made up of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms In their inorganic form, nitrates are naturally found in soil, water, and some vegetables
Nitrates can also be man-made and added to processed meats as preservatives, coloring agents, and flavor enhancers. These are referred to as “added nitrates”.
Sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate are the most common types added to cured and processed meats like bacon, ham, salami, hot dogs, and deli meats.
Health concerns with nitrates
There are some health concerns related to consuming high amounts of nitrates, especially artificial nitrates added to processed meats.
When eaten, nitrates can be converted by bacteria in your mouth and stomach into nitrites. Nitrites can then form nitrosamines in the stomach, which are carcinogenic compounds linked to increased cancer risk.
Consuming nitrate-rich vegetables like spinach and beets are not a concern, as they also contain antioxidants that inhibit nitrosamine formation. But processed meats don’t offer the same protection.
Studies link eating processed meats high in added nitrates to increased risk of colon cancer, stomach cancer, and thyroid cancer. Experts recommend limiting consumption.
Nitrates in ground beef
Now back to the main question – does ground beef contain nitrates? Here are the key things to know:
-
Raw ground beef does NOT naturally contain nitrates. Ground beef comes from whole cuts of beef that are ground up, without any additives.
-
Some processed ground beef contains added nitrates. To extend shelf life, some companies add sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate to ground beef. They may also be added for color.
-
Check the ingredients list carefully. If any form of nitrate is added, it will be listed in the ingredients – usually toward the end.
-
Choose raw or “no nitrates added” ground beef. To avoid nitrates in ground beef, look for raw, fresh ground beef or brands that specify “no nitrates added” on the label.
-
Opt for grass-fed or organic. Grass-fed and organic ground beef is less likely to contain nitrate additives.
-
Home-ground is safest. Grinding your own beef from roasts or steaks guarantees no nitrates added.
-
Beware at restaurants & delis. Ground beef at restaurants, fast food places, and delis may contain added nitrates unless otherwise stated. Ask questions.
Healthier nitrate-free alternatives
If you want to fully avoid nitrates in ground beef, consider switching to one of these healthier alternatives:
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Ground bison or venison
- Textured vegetable protein (soy, wheat)
- Mushroom-based “ground beef” crumbles
Always check labels since even ground poultry can contain added nitrates. But these options are less likely to contain them.
The bottom line
While raw ground beef itself doesn’t naturally contain nitrates, some processed types found in stores and restaurants may contain added sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate. To avoid increased cancer risk from eating these nitrates, choose raw/fresh ground beef, organic and grass-fed varieties, or try a plant-based alternative. Checking the ingredients list carefully and asking questions can help ensure your ground beef stays nitrate-free.
Frequency of Entities
ground beef: 21
nitrates: 18
added: 10
processed: 5
nitrites: 4
cancer: 4
risks: 3
vegetables: 3
spinach: 2
beets: 2
shelf life: 2
color: 2
ingredients list: 2
restaurants: 2
plants: 1
soil: 1
water: 1
preservatives: 1
coloring agents: 1
flavor enhancers: 1
sodium nitrate: 1
potassium nitrate: 1
bacon: 1
ham: 1
salami: 1
hot dogs: 1
deli meats: 1
bacteria: 1
stomach: 1
nitrosamines: 1
antioxidants: 1
grass-fed: 1
organic: 1
home-ground: 1
roasts: 1
steaks: 1
turkey: 1
chicken: 1
bison: 1
venison: 1
textured vegetable protein: 1
soy: 1
wheat: 1
mushroom-based: 1
crumbles: 1
Nitrates in lunch meat
FAQ
What meats are high in nitrates?
Is ground beef considered processed food?
How unhealthy is ground beef?
What meats have nitrates?
Cured or processed meats — bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and ham, as well as deli meats such as chicken, turkey, roast beef, and salami — often contain added nitrates and nitrites. These compounds prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, add a salty flavor, and make the meat appear red or pink.
Ground beef vs Ground round: Which is healthier?
Ground round is better than ground beef because of less fat content as compared to ground beef. It can be used in soups and hamburgers. Beef falls into red meats and is high in cholesterol and saturated fats which are unhealthy for heart and even for diabetic patients. Lean meats like chicken and fish which are used skinless in soups and curries are better option than red meats.
Why are nitrates added to meat?
“Nitrates are added to meat for a few different purposes,” Davis explains. “They serve as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth, and they help retain the pink color of meats to avoid browning. Plus, they add a salty, umami flavor to these processed meats.”
Does nitrate-free meat count as processed meat?
Nitrate-free or uncured meats still count as processed meat because they usually contain natural nitrates like celery powder. Food producers can mark something nitrate-free if it doesn’t contain artificial nitrates, but there’s no research to suggest that natural nitrates are better. “It’s like glucose that comes from honey instead of sugar.
