Does Oscar Mayer Bacon Have Nitrates? A Detailed Look at Their Uncured Bacon Products

Bacon has become a staple breakfast food for many Americans. The crispy, salty smoky flavor is hard to resist. Oscar Mayer is one of the most recognizable bacon brands on the market. But many health-conscious consumers are concerned about nitrates and nitrites in processed meats. So does Oscar Mayer bacon have nitrates?

The answer is a bit complicated. Traditional Oscar Mayer bacon like their Original variety does contain sodium nitrite. However, Oscar Mayer has also introduced a line of uncured bacon products that do not contain added nitrates or nitrites. Let’s take a detailed look at what exactly these terms mean and which Oscar Mayer bacon products are uncured.

What are Nitrates and Nitrites in Bacon?

Nitrates and nitrites are food preservatives used in processed meats like bacon ham, sausages and deli meats. When added to meat nitrates are converted into nitrites. The purpose is to prevent bacterial growth and enhance color. Nitrites help give cured meats their distinctive pink color.

However, there have been health concerns around nitrates and nitrites. When exposed to high heat, nitrites can turn into compounds called nitrosamines which are linked to an increased risk of cancer.

This is why you may see packaging of products like bacon and hot dogs with the statement “No Nitrates or Nitrites added Except Those Naturally Occurring in Celery Juice and Sea Salt”. This indicates no artificial nitrates or nitrites were used but nitrites are still present from natural sources like celery powder.

Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Bacon

Oscar Mayer has introduced several varieties of uncured bacon including their Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Bacon. As the name states, these products do not have nitrates or nitrites added.

According to the nutrition label and ingredients list, these Oscar Mayer uncured bacon varieties get their nitrites from cultured celery juice and sea salt. So while they still contain nitrites, no man-made sodium nitrite is added. Only nitrites naturally found in celery juice powder are present.

Specific uncured Oscar Mayer bacon varieties include:

• Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Bacon
• Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Thick Cut Bacon
• Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Center Cut Bacon
• Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Turkey Bacon

By using cultured celery juice instead of artificial sodium nitrite, Oscar Mayer can offer uncured bacon with a similar shelf life and flavor as traditional cured bacon. The bacon is also smoked over natural hardwoods like applewood and hickory to give it the expected smoky flavor.

Nutritional Profile of Oscar Mayer Uncured Bacon

So if they contain about the same amount of nitrites, how does the nutrition of Oscar Mayer’s uncured bacon compare to their regular cured varieties?

According to the nutrition labels, there are some slight differences:

• Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Bacon has 10mg less sodium per serving compared to Oscar Mayer Original Bacon.
• Fat, protein and calorie content are very similar between the uncured and original cured bacon.
• Ingredients are nearly identical except for the nitrite source. Uncured uses celery juice powder while regular cured bacon uses sodium nitrite.

So while not a huge difference in nutrients, the uncured bacon does have slightly less sodium.

Taste and Texture of Uncured Bacon

How does Oscar Mayer’s uncured bacon stack up to traditional cured bacon in terms of taste and texture?

The general consensus from consumer reviews seems to be that there is little noticeable difference:

• Most agree the uncured bacon tastes quite similar with the same salty, smoky bacon flavor.
• The texture is crisp yet tender when cooked.
• Some reviewers say the uncured bacon cooks up a little drier than cured.
• The taste is perhaps slightly “cleaner” and less salty than cured according to some.

Overall, the natural uncured bacon holds up well to the original and is largely indistinguishable in blind taste tests for most people. Those averse to nitrates and nitrites appreciate having the uncured option.

Is Uncured Bacon Healthier Than Regular Bacon?

Since the primary difference is the source of nitrites, the uncured bacon is not necessarily healthier, especially when consumed in moderation.

However, for those trying to limit intake of certain processed ingredients and preservatives, an uncured nitrate-free bacon may be preferable. Some studies also show celery juice powder is more protective against formation of nitrosamines than artificial sodium nitrite.

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting even uncured processed meats like bacon. But among popular brands, Oscar Mayer’s uncured bacon is a good option for those who still wish to enjoy bacon as part of a healthy diet.

Finding Oscar Mayer Uncured Bacon

Oscar Mayer’s naturally hardwood smoked uncured bacon is widely available at most major grocery stores such as Kroger, Safeway, Target, Walmart and more. It’s often sold alongside their traditional cured bacon varieties.

To identify it, look for the label clearly stating “uncured bacon” and that the nitrites come from celery juice powder, not sodium nitrite. This differentiates it from the cured bacon.

Or save yourself the trouble and order Oscar Mayer uncured bacon online from Amazon or a grocery delivery service like Instacart.

Is Uncured Bacon Worth It?

Oscar Mayer’s uncured bacon line offers a comparable taste and texture to their classic cured bacon with a simpler ingredients list. For those wanting to avoid added nitrates and nitrites without sacrificing the delicious flavor of bacon, it’s certainly a smart choice.

However, at a higher price point than standard bacon, the cost may be prohibitive to some. The nutrition profile is also very similar. So it comes down to your personal preference and priorities.

Many bacon lovers feel it provides peace of mind to eat uncured. Even if the differences are modest, they appreciate Oscar Mayer giving consumers a natural, nitrate-free uncured option.