Let's talk free-range, nitrate-free bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat, etc.

[kdmama33]

I am trying to find a good source for free-range, nitrate-free, organically raised bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat, etc. I've been looking at Applegate farms, but their prices are beyond ridiculous -- $6 per 1/4 pound of salami. That's $24 per pound, people. Now, I know it's like comparing apples and oranges, but regular old salami is less than $4 per pound in the local store. I can't justify the incredible difference in price to DH, and I have a difficult time swallowing it, myself. But the thing is, DS2 really only likes those processed types of meats, and I refuse to feed him the nitrate-laden ones. Not to mention that I'd love to have some breakfast sausage again!

So, anyone have a better source for this kind of stuff? I'd be willing to place a bulk order to get a discount, as long as I could mix and match -- I can't order 20 pounds of salami! Or is it just going to be crazy prices or nothing?

[Dar]

How about the vegetarian versions? Boca makes nearly all of the things you've mentioned, and there are veggie dogs and tofu pups for hot dogs... I think there's an veggie dog sausages, too. They're lot cheaper than the costs you quoted, and some really are tasty (and some aren't, admittedly).

dar

[Pinky Tuscadero]

I get nitrate free sausage, bacon and hot dogs (they also offer bologna) from the Amish farm where I get my meat and dairy. It's all from pastured animals. Your best bet is to find a farm to buy from directly.
Check out eatwild.com for sources.

Suzy

[Ruthla]

I get nitrite-free (but not organic) sausage at my local market- the brand I get is Neshama and I pay $7 for a package of 4 sausages. I saw 999 beef hot dogs in the freezer section of another local store (one I go to less frequently)- they're nitrite free, kosher, but also not organic. I'm not sure about the prices because I haven't actually bought any yet.

It sounds like you're going to have to make some kind of compromise: buy "the good stuff" but buy it MUCH less often due to expense, or find something without the nitrites but not with organic meat, or learn how to make your own.

[cobluegirl]

we pay $9.99 a lb for Deiztal (sp) turkey lunch meat..

[CluckyInAZ]

is there a buying club in your area? Groups buying together can get wholesale rates on Applegate Farms meats.

[saratc]

Unless you're buying direct and/or in bulk, the price difference is pretty normal. I like the Niman Ranch bacon -- it is not cured, nitrate/nitrite free, and from pastured pigs. It is expensive though -- a pack of the wellshire farms bacon runs around $4.50, and the Niman Ranch bacon is at $5.69 the last time I bought it.

[auntieM]

Trader Joes had a nitrate free bacon that is less than $4 fo 8 oz. They also sell Niman ranch for slightly more. Don't know if they are in your area though... Both are yummy.

[saratc]

Originally Posted by auntieM

Trader Joes had a nitrate free bacon that is less than $4 fo 8 oz. They also sell Niman ranch for slightly more.

Make sure you read all the package information when buying it from Trader Joes. I noticed that they had Niman Ranch bacon for less than Whole Foods, but I read the package since it's habit, and noticed that it was cured and contained either nitrates or nitrites. Very confusing, especially since the Niman Ranch site says their stuff is never cured and everywhere else I've seen Niman Ranch products, they are nitrate/nitrite free. From time to time, Trader Joes will carry name brand stuff that is not exactly the same as in other stores. Trader Joes supposedly buys product in big batches and pays cash outright for them. It may have been something that either Niman Ranch was phasing out or created just for Trader Joes.

[twins10705]

http://cawcawcreek.com/purchase.php

If you know a few people who could go in with you on purchasing a 25lb box this is an awesome deal. $6.50 per lb for nitrate free pastured bacon and $4.50 per lb. for nitrate free chemical free sausage.

[AnnC]

Originally Posted by saratc

Make sure you read all the package information when buying it from Trader Joes. I noticed that they had Niman Ranch bacon for less than Whole Foods, but I read the package since it's habit, and noticed that it was cured and contained either nitrates or nitrites. Very confusing, especially since the Niman Ranch site says their stuff is never cured and everywhere else I've seen Niman Ranch products, they are nitrate/nitrite free. From time to time, Trader Joes will carry name brand stuff that is not exactly the same as in other stores. Trader Joes supposedly buys product in big batches and pays cash outright for them. It may have been something that either Niman Ranch was phasing out or created just for Trader Joes.

Trader Joe's sells two versions of that bacon, one cured that has nitrates/nitrites, and one smoked only, no n's. The packages look identical, and cost the same, you have to read the label carefully.
Ann