Any Lunch Meats without nitrites/additives?

**Budgetmom** · 04-29-2008, 11:21 PM

I am just in the process of getting my family converted over to natural foods. Only things without additives/preservatives. I'm finding it to be fairly easy. Except for one thing. My whole family loves the shaved deli-style meats (turkey, ham). We usually purchase the Oscar Mayer ones. They have nitrites in them, and I know that this is bad. Are there any we can get that don't have those? Do the ones in the actual deli case not have those? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

**Buc-O-Mama** · 04-29-2008, 11:29 PM

Boar's Head has many preservative free/nitrate free lunchmeats. They might be regional, but they might be worth checking out. You could also roast your own turkey breast and slice it for sandwiches.

**mom2matty** · 04-29-2008, 11:55 PM

I was going to suggest Boar's Head too and one of my grocery stores also carries a brand by Thurman's........I've never bought it.

**Darlene** · 04-30-2008, 07:43 AM

Thought of buying yourself a new/used meat slicer? It will pay for itself in no time with all the savings you make not buying those high priced deli meats. Most deli meat is well over $5 a lb, I buy roasts at $1.99, have a meal with it then slice the rest for lunchmeat and save $$. Takes minutes & almost everything is dw safe so cleanup is a cinch.
You are in total control with price of meat, seasoning, cooking and how thin you slice it. Great investment.

Mine is an inexpensive Rival & folds up, so it doesn't take up much space. I was afraid to use it the first time, lol, but you really would have to go out of your way to get hurt using it. Just pay attention to what you are doing and you'll have no troubles. Not sure if this is the exact model but it sure looks like it. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Rival-1042W-Electric-Slicer-White/dp/B00006IV0X/ref=pd_sbs_hg_title_4"]Amazon.com: Rival 1042W Electric Food Slicer, White: Rival: Kitchen & Dining[/ame]

**quiltingmommy** · 04-30-2008, 09:06 AM

Dietz & Watson does not have nitrates or artificial ingredients. They are pretty common here in the east although I'm not sure if you can get them where you live. Their website it pretty detailed about the ingredients and nutritional value.

Also, google 'preservative, nitrate free deli meat' and see what comes up in your area.

I have already been purchasing only nitrate free hot dogs = Coleman brand = they are fantastic and I will no longer buy any other brand.

**YankeeMom** · 04-30-2008, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by quiltingmommy

I have already been purchasing only nitrate free hot dogs = Coleman brand = they are fantastic and I will no longer buy any other brand.

I think those are the organic nitrate/nitrite free hot dogs I bought last time. Everyone LOVED them.

**Budgetmom** · 04-30-2008, 09:12 AM

Thanks so much for the suggestion of boar's head meats. I didn't know that. I'm going on my weekly grocery trip today. I will have to see if my deli carries that brand.

If I can't find that in my deli case, I may have to try your suggestion, Darlene. I had no idea that they were that cheap. My one reservation is that I have a very small kitchen with a lack of storage. How is clean-up on that? Is it dishwasher safe?

**PB&J** · 04-30-2008, 10:17 AM

Wellshire Farms are free of nitrates, nitrites, antibiotics, hormones, preservatives and artificial ingredients. They aren't cheap, though. The only place that I know that carries this brand is Whole Foods.

Hebrew National also is also a really good brand. Their products are natural, but do have nitrates.

Hillshire Farms deli select, some of their meats do not contain anything artificial. I usually buy the smoked ham.

My kids are on the Feingold diet so we don't eat anything that has artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

**Darlene** · 04-30-2008, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Budgetmom

Thanks so much for the suggestion of boar's head meats. I didn't know that. I'm going on my weekly grocery trip today. I will have to see if my deli carries that brand.

If I can't find that in my deli case, I may have to try your suggestion, Darlene. I had no idea that they were that cheap. My one reservation is that I have a very small kitchen with a lack of storage. How is clean-up on that? Is it dishwasher safe?

Everything can go into the dishwasher except the main part that houses the motor & cord. It folds up to be a little bit bigger than a phone book. It's not the fanciest but it's been working for us for years. hth

**Domestic Gal** · 04-30-2008, 05:06 PM

Hormel has a new line out it is called natural choice. Here is there website about it. The are all natural no added anything.
http://www.hormelnatural.com/about_overview.html