
Hormel Natural Choice
Flavor:
Applewood Smoked Turkey
Ingredients:
Turkey Breast Meat, Water, Salt, Potato Starch, Turbinado Sugar, Rice Starch, Carrageenan (from seaweed), Baking Soda, Cultured Celery Powder, Cherry Powder, Sea Salt.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, the Hormel Natural Choice Applewood Smoked Turkey offers consumers a processed meat option that does not align with the standards of cleaner food choices due to its ingredient composition and non-organic nature.
The product is not certified organic, which reduces its green leaf rating, as the preference is for foods that avoid pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, it lacks non-GMO verification, indicating that genetically modified ingredients may be present, another factor contributing to its lower score. The inclusion of added sugars, specifically turbinado sugar, detracts from the product’s nutritional profile, as added sugars are often discouraged in health-conscious diets.
More serious concerns arise with the use of certain additives. Celery powder, employed here as a natural preservative, is a point of contention due to its potential nitrate content, which may interact with meat proteins to form nitrosamines, compounds of concern for long-term health. Additionally, carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is used to enhance texture but has been associated with gastrointestinal inflammation and other negative health effects in some studies, meriting its classification as a known harmful additive and further lowering the overall score.
The product’s green leaf rating reflects a stance to steer clear of this turkey option, favoring cleaner, more naturally produced alternatives. The assessment relies on a rigorous examination of ingredient quality, origins, and the presence of additives, prioritizing the health and well-being of consumers seeking to navigate an increasingly complex food market. The Hormel Natural Choice Applewood Smoked Turkey does not meet the criteria for a high green leaf rating and thus falls short of the recommendations for those seeking cleaner eating options.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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How We Rate
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