Celery powder is naturally rich in nitrate, which is closely related to nitrite and performs the same curing functions when added. Celery power can be used in any cured meat product but many times are curing agent for natural or organic products as well.

Is celery powder as bad as nitrates?

“In terms of human health risks from nitrates/nitrites in food, there is no difference between celery or other plant-based nitrate sources versus synthetic nitrates and nitrites used on non-organic meats.”

Does celery powder have sodium nitrate?

Celery powder is positively loaded with sodium nitrate. Depending on the soil and conditions in which the celery was grown, celery powder can actually add more sodium nitrate to bacon than the meat-packers do when they add pure sodium nitrate.