Eating deli meat can be an easy and tasty way to make a quick sandwich or wrap. However, most deli meats contain concerning ingredients like nitrates, nitrites, and other preservatives. Thankfully, there are some great nitrate-free deli turkey options that deliver on flavor without the harmful additives.
What Are Nitrates and Why Should You Avoid Them?
Nitrates and nitrites are chemical preservatives commonly added to processed and cured meats like deli turkey to prolong shelf life and enhance color and flavor. However, studies have linked nitrate and nitrite consumption to an increased risk of cancer and other health issues like heart disease.
When you ingest nitrates and nitrites they can combine with amino acids in your body to form cancer-causing N-nitroso compounds. These compounds may damage DNA and lead to tumor growth over time.
To reduce your risk, nutrition experts recommend limiting processed meat intake and choosing nitrate-free varieties whenever possible.
Top 9 Nitrate-Free Deli Turkey Brands
Here are the best nitrate-free deli turkey options to enjoy:
1. Applegate Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Made with organic, humanely raised turkey with no antibiotics or added hormones
- Roasted for delicious flavor without nitrates/nitrites
- 60 calories, 1g fat, 490mg sodium per serving
2. Boar’s Head Organic Ovengold Turkey Breast
- Boar’s Head turkey raised with no antibiotics or hormones
- Minimally processed with no artificial ingredients
- Lean protein source at 60 calories, 1.5g fat per serving
3. Plainville Organic Oven Roasted Turkey
- Organic, free-range turkey raised sustainably
- Only turkey breast, water, sea salt, and rosemary extract
- Just 50 calories and 1g fat per serving
4. Jones Naturally Hickory Smoked Oven Roasted Turkey
- Smoked over real hickory wood for bold flavor
- No nitrates, nitrites, gluten or artificial ingredients
- 70 calories, 1g fat, 350mg sodium per serving
5. Trader Joe’s Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Roasted turkey breast with no artificial preservatives
- Short ingredients list including turkey, water, vinegar, sea salt
- 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 450mg sodium per serving
6. Whole Foods 365 Organic Everyday Value Oven Roasted Turkey
- Organic turkey raised without antibiotics or hormones
- Contains only turkey breast, water, sea salt, and natural flavor
- 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 380mg sodium per 2 slices
7. Butterball Naturally Roasted Turkey Breast
- Roasted turkey breast seasoned simply with sea salt
- Minimally processed with no preservatives
- 50 calories, 0.5g fat, 330mg sodium per slice
8. Columbus Italian Dry Salami Turkey Breast
- Nitrate-free turkey salami with bold Italian seasoning
- Made with turkey, salt, spices, garlic, vinegar, starter culture
- 80 calories, 3g fat, 470mg sodium per serving
9. Pederson’s Natural Farms Hickory Smoked Oven Roasted Turkey
- Hickory smoked turkey breast without artificial ingredients
- Turkey, water, celery juice, sea salt, smoke flavor
- 60 calories, 1.5g fat, 630mg sodium per serving
Tips for Picking the Healthiest Deli Turkey
When shopping for deli turkey, keep these tips in mind:
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Check the label: Look for “no nitrates or nitrites added” and short ingredients lists
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Choose organic: Organic turkey has no antibiotics, hormones or GMOs
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Buy from the deli: Freshly sliced deli turkey has less preservatives
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Look for uncured: Uncured turkey doesn’t use artificial preservatives
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Avoid added sugar: Sweetened deli turkey has extra sugar for flavor
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Check the sodium: Pick lower sodium options under 500mg per serving
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Deli Turkey
Here are some nutrient-packed meal ideas using nitrate-free deli turkey:
- Turkey wraps with veggies and hummus
- Lettuce-wrapped turkey tacos
- Turkey panini with roasted veggies and cheese
- Turkey salad sandwich with avocado mayo
- Turkey club salad with bacon, egg, avocado
- Turkey veggie stir fry over cauliflower rice
- Turkey skillet with peppers, spinach, and quinoa
The next time you reach for deli meat, opt for nitrate-free turkey breast to craft a sandwich or meal that satisfies. With so many options to pick from, you can feel good enjoying the convenience and flavor of healthier deli turkey.
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FAQ
Is there deli meat with no nitrates?
Is boar’s head nitrate and nitrite free?
Does Boar’s Head oven Gold turkey contain nitrates?
Do Dietz and Watson turkey have nitrates?
Is nitrate-free deli meat healthy?
It’s likely that buying processed meats labeled as “nitrate and nitrite-free” or “uncured” isn’t much healthier than regular deli meat. Consumer Reports tested 31 samples of packaged nitrate-free deli meats. They found that meat products with this label had similar levels of these chemicals as meats without the label.
Is oven roasted turkey nitrate free?
Slow roasted, our oven roasted turkey is free of MSG and includes no nitrates or nitrites (except in cultured celery powder and sea salt). Fully cooked and ready to eat, craft delicious ham sandwiches, stack with crackers and cheese for an afternoon snack, or make it a keto-friendly part of your diet or daily routine.
Should you buy nitrate-free meat?
But, if you’re concerned, look for nitrate-free meats when shopping for the home. Keep in mind, however, that nitrates occur in natural compounds (usually in the form of celery salt) so it’s important to look at sodium content of any packaged food.