I've read both Atkins and Suzanne Somers books -- they talk about nitrate-free bacon and deli meats -- I've read all the labels at the grocery store and they all have nitrates.

Any suggestions on where to find nitrate-free bacon etc?

I've found nitrate free bacon at Wild Oats, a health food chain store, but I don't know if you have one. Perhaps you can find them online and order some. Maybe some other health food stores carry it in your area. Also, try Canadian bacon! It's delicious and is meatier.

Thanks Carolie -- I guess I will have to find a health food store that sells bacon. Last one I looked in didn't have a meat section.

Funny, I am in Canada but I don't know what Canadian bacon is!! We probably call it something else here.

I think it might be called Pemeal (sp) in Canada.

The nitrates in the bacon, while it is stated that they are bad for you, are minimal. You will notice that most all items with sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate in them have this item listed last on the ingredient list.

Morton's TenderQuick is mostly salt and little sodium nitrate. It states on the bag to use 1 Tablespoon to a pound of meat for a cure that is to be rubbed in and left to cure for a few hours before rinsing off and cooking.

I would have to reread my book but I think the reason for nitrate free product is due to the possible carcinagens. While I am not a doctor or scientist, I don't feel the amount ingested should be of a concern. Just my opinion.

I haven't looked at there site but I am sure they would have info on the nitrates in their product or could be provided if asked to.

www.mortonsalt.com

After I sent this I did a quick search and found this site with some info.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question233.htm

dave

I've found that when shopping that the more expensive meats and bacons have less nitrate in them. And especially as Dave was saying, it's just so little when it's listed as the last ingredient that I really don't think you have to worry too much about it. Dr. Atkins in the book was just telling you that you shouldn't eat foods that have been over-processed.

Hope that helps!

BTW, my partner is Canadian, and he laughs when I show him the "Canadian Bacon" I buy...

...he says it's not something he's ever seen in Canada!

I know you can find nitrate free bacon in Canada. Check your local health food grocers or do a search in the LC products area of the forum. You'll find something!

Donald

Thanks for all your help -- yes, I know about peameal bacon -- so is that Canadian bacon!!! It's got a higher sugar content than most and has cornmeal on the edges so I have stayed away from it.

I'll see if I can find an appropriate store on the weekend. I am skittish about carcinogens -- I've already had thyroid cancer and have had so much radioactive iodine that I glow in the dark.