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Nitrates- how do I know if deli meats contain them?

2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Theia 
#1 ·
Hi!
My hubby eats a turkey sandwich for lunch everyday, and the rest of us eat a couple sandwiches a week- either turkey or ham. How would I know if they contain nitrates? Is it actually an ingredient that I would find on the list if I asked to see the product labeling at the deli counter? I know nitrates are in most bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni etc, but you can buy nitrate free versions. I wondered if this is the case with turkey/ham from the deli counter. I hadn't looked for nitrate free versions (with things like hots dogs, bacon- it just isn't something we eat often- a couple times a year so I don't bother looking for nitrate free).
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Assume they have them, especially at a regular deli/grocery store. At WF they may not have them. But virtually all conventional lunchmeat/cured meat contain nitrates because it is a cheap and easy way to prevent spoilage.

And yes, asking to read the labels would tell you for sure, but generally speaking you're probably not going to find a nitrate free (US made) lunchmeat at a conventional deli.
 
#3 ·
Do you know how the amount of nitrates compares with hot dogs because I always see hot dogs mentioned (and sometimes bacon) but not a lot about deli meats. I'm trying to figure out how big of a deal it is. With our budget I need to choose the things that will make the most difference, we aren't going to be able to buy all organic type stuff unfortunately.
Thanks for your help!
 
#4 ·
If they are nitrate free they will proclaim it loudly and proudly on the label. You won't miss it. If it doesn't specifically say nitrate-free, it's not. At least, that has been my experience. The brands that are careful not to include nitrates make it easy for you to see that.
 
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