What Does Nitrate-Free Cured Meat Actually Mean?

It’s the newest craze on the block… “nitrate-free”. I’ll be honest, until recently, I didn’t even know nitrate was used in curing meats. I simply gorged on bacon blissfully oblivious.

Well, knowledge equals power; so what’s this nitrate-free fad all about?

You see “nitrate-free” on a pack of cured meat and think, good, that must be the healthier option – It sounds cleaner, safer, and a bit less like something cooked up in a lab.

But is it, really? What even is nitrate? Why is it used in curing meat? Is it dangerous to health? If they don’t use nitrate, what do they use instead? And, is that safe? If so, why are we only using this now?

And the most important question… Do I need to give up bacon forever?!?!?!?

Ok, so many questions. Let’s open this can of worms and see what we find.