UK supermarket Tesco has unveiled its own-brand ‘Made Without Added Nitrites’ range after seeing online searches for nitrite-free products rising by over 360% year-on-year.
The retailer said that online searches for products without added nitrites were rising by over 360% year-on-year, and the new range was said to cater to customers who are looking to avoid nitrites in their diet while still enjoying their favourite products.
The new range is made from 100% British pork and includes products such as streaky bacon and wafer-thin ham.
Responding to customers’ needs
Richard Wood, meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy director, commented: “We’re excited to launch our Tesco Made Without Added Nitrites range designed to give our customers greater choice without compromising on taste.
“Our product development teams and supplier partners have worked hard to develop a great quality range made from 100% British pork that is perfect for mealtimes.”
The Made Without Added Nitrites bacon range is now available in 668 larger Tesco stores, with the ham range available from 12th October.
The move comes as Waitrose unveiled its own nitrite-free ham range in April after experiencing “soaring demand” for nitrite-free products.
According to the Coalition Against Nitrites in March 2026, sales of nitrite-cured bacon had plunged by £18.7 million in the 12 weeks up to 25th January, as British shoppers turned away from products containing nitrite additives.
