North Country Smokehouse

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the North Country Smokehouse Uncured Applewood Bacon Slab falls short of our clean food standards. This product is not organic, a significant factor in its low rating. Additionally, the manufacturer does not certify it as non-GMO, further detracting from its score. The presence of added sugars, specifically turbinado sugar and maple syrup, contributes to the deduction of points, as our criteria prioritize products without such additions.

Furthermore, the inclusion of cultured celery powder, despite its natural origins, is a concern. Celery powder is often used as a natural nitrate source, which under certain conditions can convert to nitrites and then to potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. This ingredient is particularly controversial and is a substantial reason for the product’s low score. While the product boasts no artificial ingredients and minimal processing, these positive attributes are overshadowed by the aforementioned issues.

The product’s composition reveals a reliance on conventional agricultural practices, as evidenced by the absence of an organic certification and the potential use of GMOs. The addition of sugars, although derived from natural sources, is at odds with the clean eating approach that prioritizes foods free from added sweeteners. Furthermore, the use of cultured celery powder as a preservative, despite being a natural compound, raises concerns due to its association with harmful additives.

The North Country Smokehouse Uncured Applewood Bacon Slab, with its current ingredient profile, does not align with the high standards of clean eating that our website promotes. To enhance its standing, the product would benefit from an organic certification, the elimination of added sugars, and the removal or substitution of cultured celery powder with a less controversial alternative. Until such improvements are made, the product remains a less favorable option for consumers seeking the cleanest food choices.