Is Black Label Cherry Wood Thick Cut Bacon Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Hormel
Hormel's Black Label Cherry Wood Thick Cut Bacon is reviewed here as a meat product. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
This bacon contains sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate, both synthetic additives used for preservation and color enhancement. Their presence raises concerns about processed ingredients.
Main concern
Sodium nitrite is a synthetic preservative linked to health concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains water, which helps maintain moisture in the bacon.
- Sodium phosphates are used to improve texture and moisture retention.
- Sodium erythorbate acts as a preservative, helping to maintain color.
- Thick cut provides a hearty texture, appealing to bacon lovers.
Concerns
- Sodium nitrite is a synthetic preservative linked to health concerns.
- Sugar is added, which may not be necessary for a savory product.
- Presence of multiple synthetic additives raises quality concerns.
- High sodium content from salt and preservatives may be a concern.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this meat product, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Water safe in this meat product?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is included to enhance moisture content in the bacon, contributing to a juicier texture.
Role in formula: base
Original: Water
-
Is Salt safe in this meat product?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation, but excessive sodium intake can be a health concern.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Sugar safe in this meat product?
Medium
Sugar is used here as flavor. Sugar is added for flavor balance, though its necessity in a savory product is debatable.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sugar
-
Is Sodium Phosphates safe in this meat product?
Medium
Sodium Phosphates is used here as stabilizer. Sodium phosphates help improve texture and moisture retention, but they are processed additives.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: sodium phosphates
-
Is Sodium Erythorbate safe in this meat product?
Bad
Sodium Erythorbate is used here as preservative. Sodium erythorbate is a synthetic preservative that helps maintain color but raises concerns about processed ingredients.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium erythorbate
-
Is Sodium Nitrite safe in this meat product?
Bad
Sodium Nitrite is used here as preservative. Sodium nitrite is used for preservation and color enhancement but is associated with potential health risks.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: sodium nitrite
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2435079
More from this brand: Hormel products in Zerotox
Similar products: meat_product in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.