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What Is Uncured Meat?

The Real Difference Between Cured and Uncured Bacon, Ham and Canadian Bacon

Jones Dairy Farm boasts a diverse selection of breakfast meats that are naturally smoked, including bacon, ham and Canadian bacon. While most of these offerings are traditionally cured, Jones also offers a selection of uncured breakfast meats. But what is uncured meat? While it has become commonplace to see products labeled as “uncured” in grocery stores today, the term uncured remains a mystery to many consumers. So, what does uncured meat mean? Simply put, it boils down to how meat is preserved.

What Is Curing?

Curing is the process of preserving meat. During this process, nitrates and nitrites (natural compounds made of nitrogen and oxygen) are added to the meat to prevent spoilage. Curing also adds flavor, color, and texture to the meat. Before refrigeration, curing —through salting and drying — was one of the primary methods of food preservation.

What Is the Difference Between Cured and Uncured Meat?

So, what is uncured meat versus cured meat? Meats labeled as cured use chemical, man-made preservatives like sodium nitrite, while meats labeled as “uncured” rely on natural preservatives, such as celery powder and sea salt. The cured vs. uncured meat terminology is dictated by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) labeling regulations.

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Is Uncured Meat Still Cured?

Yes, uncured meat — such as bacon, ham, and Canadian bacon — is still preserved, just in a more natural way. Products labeled as “uncured,” such as Jones Dairy Farm’s Uncured Canadian Bacon, use fruits and vegetables like celery, which transform into nitrite when processed.

Since nitrite isn’t added as an independent ingredient, these products are considered “uncured” by law and labeled as “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added.” However, it’s important to note that these products still contain naturally occurring nitrates and nitrites. The molecules simply come from sources like celery powder rather than synthetic sodium nitrite or other manufactured preservatives.

Is Uncured Meat Healthier?

Is uncured meat better for you? The question of whether uncured meat is healthier is widely debated. As discussed, products labeled as “uncured” still contain nitrite. Nitrates and nitrites are important for preventing foodborne illnesses and also give bacon, ham, and other smoked meats their distinctive color and taste. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how you prefer your smoked meats to be preserved.

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Jones Dairy Farm’s Selection of Uncured Meats

Looking to try uncured meat for yourself? Jones Dairy Farm offers a variety of uncured, all natural, and preservative-free options, including:

Use our Product Finder to locate the grocery store nearest you that carries Jones Dairy Farm’s uncured meats.

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The Best Breakfast Lasagna Recipe

With hundreds of delicious recipes posted on the Jones Dairy Farm website, it still comes as no surprise to us that our most popular and most searched recipe of all time is:

  1. A casserole
  2. Features Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon
  3. Is gluten free
  4. Offers easy prep
  5. Has a little heat

Our Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole is a cheesy, crowd-pleasing hearty dish that subs layers of corn tortillas for lasagna noodles, then loads up with Jones Dry Aged Bacon, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, onions, Mexican-inspired spices and more. Prepare the casserole the night before, then bake in the morning for added convenience. Our certified gluten free bacon and corn tortillas make this dish naturally gluten free too.

This top rated recipe is a perfect treat for brunch, dinner or any special occasion.  If you love lasagna, here are a few more recipes from our recipe collection to add to your cooking repertoire. 

Get to Know Wholestone Farms

It might surprise many of our loyal customers to discover that at Jones Dairy Farm, we don’t raise our own pigs for the products you love. However, this doesn’t diminish the importance we place on the pork supply we trust for you and your family. In fact, we take immense pride in selecting suppliers who align not just with our company’s values but also meet our unique requirements and stringent quality and animal welfare standards.

Consider our signature Jones Dry Aged Bacon; crafted from fresh, never frozen center-cut pork bellies trimmed to our unique specifications —this bacon represents a commitment to excellence. The choice of center-cut signifies a leaner, meatier portion of the pork belly. The meticulous trimming process ensures superior quality, consistent cuts, and reduced bacon “shrinkage” during cooking. As you can imagine, not just any supplier meets these high standards.

This is why we’re taking the time to spotlight our partnership with Wholestone Farms, a unique company proudly owned by 235 multigenerational farm families across the Midwest. Spanning the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin, Wholestone Farms operates collectively as the 2nd largest pork producer in the country, and the 5th largest pork processor. The farm families are collectively responsible for over 400,000 acres of farmland that produce feed for their pigs in the most sustainable practices. 

However, it’s not merely their scale that captivated us at Jones—it’s Wholestone Farms’ business approach that truly sets them apart and solidified our partnership. For example, their vision to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers resonated deeply with us. In fact, it’s an illustration about why Jones goes out of its way to partner with companies that share the same philosophy.  Since our company was founded by Milo Jones in 1889, our customers, as well as our employees have always been the top priority.  Jones has never cut corners to benefit the bottom line. Therefore, this collaboration with Wholestone Farms not only allows us to align with like-minded Midwestern farm families but also to share their rich values, history, and captivating family narratives.

It’s crucial for consumers to recognize that the journey of meat, dairy, and produce from farm to grocery store shelf is far from miraculous—it’s the dedication of hardworking individuals, from farmers to production line workers, that brings it to fruition. Wholestone Farms, alongside their extensive network of farms, takes immense pride in ensuring top-tier products through a holistic focus on nutrition, genetics, sustainability, and exceptional animal care.  This way of life aligns perfectly with the Jones mission to provide distinctive quality products manufactured with world-class food and workplace safety. 

Both companies embody generational family pride, that’s for sure. Ultimately, it’s about doing business the right way by taking care of its people, the community and the planet.

Learn more about Wholestone Farms by visiting: wholestonefarms.com

Check out three new Jones Dry Aged Bacon offerings here.

Jones Dry Aged Bacon Returns

After a brief hiatus, Jones Dairy Farm is thrilled to announce the return of its distinctively delicious Dry Aged Center Cut Bacon to grocery stores, bringing joy to bacon enthusiasts far and wide.

In this exciting reintroduction, Jones proudly unveils a new, uniform 12-ounce package size for its bacon offerings, a great choice for all consumers. The three Jones Dry Aged Bacon options include:

Jones Dairy Farm Chairman and CEO Philip Jones, a 6th generation Jones family member, conveys the company’s commitment to bacon excellence, stating, “Jones Dry Aged Bacon is truly one-of-a-kind and our dedication to quality and flavor is evident in every slice. We’re one of the only manufacturers out there truly dry aging our bacon. It takes more time to produce, but it also sets us apart!”

The buzz surrounding the bacon’s return isn’t limited to Jones customers; industry professionals are taking notice too. Jones Cherrywood Smoked Extra Thick Bacon Slices received the “Editor’s Top Pick – 2023 Products of the Year” title from Food & Beverage magazine.

As a family-owned business with almost 120 years of bacon-making expertise, Jones Dairy Farm adheres to a meticulous process:

Jones also reintroduced All Natural Naturally Cherrywood Smoked Uncured Turkey Bacon Slices, also available in a new 12-ounce package size and now fully cooked. Crafted in small batches with the same attention to detail as our traditional bacon, Jones Turkey Bacon is made from fresh never frozen turkey thigh meat, then smoked over real cherrywood chips infusing it with a subtle sweet and smoky flavor profile. Jones never uses fillers, MSG or mechanically separated meat.

Similar to Jones Sausage and Ham, every package of Jones Bacon is certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Food Program (GFFP), recognized as the most comprehensive and practical gluten-free certification program available today.

Whether enjoyed by the slice, added to eggs, or used to elevate a burger, the quality of Jones Dry Aged Center Cut Bacon is a taste difference you can savor. Explore the new Jones Bacon offerings here and use the Jones Product Finder to locate a store near you that sells Jones Bacon and other premium Jones products.

How to Glaze a Ham

A glaze is not a requirement when cooking a ham, however, a wonderfully crafted glaze can certainly add extra flavor and dimension to your holiday dinner centerpiece. Glazes can consist of prepared mixtures such as fruit spreads, jams and chutneys or items already in your pantry or refrigerator such as honey, mustard, fruit juices or maple syrup. One of the Jones family’s go-to glazes is brown sugar and whole grain mustard.

Follow these 4 simple steps to glaze a ham:

  1. Begin glaze preparation before heating the ham or while it is in its preliminary stages of heating.
  2. Thoroughly mix the glaze before applying to easily spread on ham or let stand for a thicker textured glaze that can be poured onto the ham.
  3. Using a sharp kitchen knife, score the ham in a diagonal pattern along the top, creating thin cuts to allow the glaze to seep deep into the ham. Scoring also creates a nice, crisp crust.
  4. To keep from burning, add the glaze at the end of cooking, in the last 30 minutes. Use a pastry brush to generously apply the glaze and return ham to the oven. Repeat the process if desired.

Easy, 2 step method to moisten ham and give flavor without a glaze.

  1. Thirty minutes prior to the end of the heating time, score the fat, insert cloves and rub with brown sugar. 
  2. Moisten ham with water, ginger ale or sherry so it doesn’t get dried out. Accompany with a sauce or chutney on the side when serving.

Here are a few of our favorite ham glaze recipes:

Jones makes a variety of naturally smoked hams including:

Find our hams near you through our Product Finder.

Jones Sausage Resealable Bulk Bags Now Available in Grocery Stores Nationwide

Jones Dairy Farm recently introduced four all natural, fully cooked breakfast sausage bulk bags in resealable packaging. The new bulk bag flavors include:

• All Natural Golden Brown Pork Sausage Links, 20 oz., approximately 30 links
• All Natural Golden Brown Thick Cut Patties, 20 oz. , approximately 17 patties
• All Natural Golden Brown Turkey Sausage Links, 16 oz., approximately 32 links
• All Natural Golden Brown Chicken Sausage Links, 16 oz., approximately 32 links

Jones has been making high quality, clean label All Natural Breakfast Sausage for more than 130 years. Based on an original family recipe with minimal ingredients, Jones All Natural Sausage is produced in small batches from only fresh never frozen pork, chicken and turkey meat from local producers in the Midwest. Jones also uses an in-house made spice blend to control quality and consistency. Free from nitrites or nitrates, preservatives, fillers or binders, Jones Sausage is certified gluten-free.

Made in the U.S. in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Jones All Natural Golden Brown Sausage Links and Thick Cut Patties are fully cooked, convenient and protein packed. Frozen for freshness, Jones Sausage is always found in the grocer’s freezer section.

“Whether making a breakfast sandwich for one or serving a feast for the family, Jones now has the perfect size package of pork, chicken and turkey sausage to meet our customers’ needs,” said Lisa Caras, Marketing Director and 7th-generation family member.

In addition to the four new bulk packaging, Jones continues to offer smaller 5- to 7-ounce boxes of fully cooked All Natural Golden Brown Sausage links and patties in pork, maple pork, turkey and chicken. Visit our Product Finder to find a store near you that sells Jones Sausage.

The Very Best Holiday Sausage Stuffing Recipe, with Tips!

‘Tis the season for the irresistible aroma of holiday stuffing wafting through the kitchen! Whether you’re a purist with a taste for the traditional or an adventurer eager to infuse your stuffing with fruits, nuts, and other culinary surprises, this year’s Thanksgiving feast promises to be a flavor-packed extravaganza.

In preparation for this year’s holiday season, Jones Corporate Chef Kate Konen created a Two-Way Easy Sausage Stuffing recipe that uses the same base ingredients (Jones Roll Sausage, celery, onion, chicken stock, and herbs) but then let’s you customize by bread and other optional ingredients like apples and cranberries.

In a recent appearance on the Morning Blend television show, Chef Kate showcased the magic of this recipe. She created two delightful yet distinct variations: a classic cornbread rendition and a gluten-free cranberry apple twist. As you’ll see, the same base ingredients transform effortlessly to accommodate different bread choices, making this stuffing a boon for gluten-sensitive gatherings.

Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with a stuffing that embodies tradition while inviting personalization—thanks to Chef Kate’s two-way recipe.

Stuffing Tips from Chef Kate:

Upgrade your stuffing with Jones All Natural Pork Sausage Roll

Jones All Natural Pork Sausage Roll is based on the original Jones family recipe made with only three ingredients… pork, salt and hand-blended spices. Jones is the only major sausage manufacturer to make a breakfast sausage without added water which means more protein and fewer fat and calories per serving. 

Other product features of Jones All Natural Pork Sausage Roll include:

Jones Dairy Farm is your Stuffing Recipe Resource

The Jones Dairy Farm website has a variety of stuffing recipes to make your holiday meal more special.  Here are a few to whet your appetite:

Sweet Potato Stuffing with Sausage: Developed by Paleo Running Momma, this delicious Sweet Potato Stuffing with all natural sausage, apples and cranberries has all the flavor of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing but is grain free, gluten free, dairy free and Whole30 compliant.

Sausage and Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing: Savory sausage and flaky biscuits are a match made in heaven. To save time, use store-bought biscuits in this flavorful sausage stuffing recipe. 

Wild Rice and Water Chestnut Stuffing with Sausage: This satisfying wild rice stuffing is stress-free and ready in just 15 minutes.

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Stuffing with Jones Sausage and Ham: The flavors of the islands blend together in this side dish featuring sweet Hawaiian bread and Jones Dairy Farm ham and sausage. 

Southwest Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing: Poblano peppers add a smoky heat to complement the savory Jones Dairy Farm breakfast sausage.

For more delicious holiday recipes, follow Jones Dairy Farm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Top Trending Stuffing Recipes Just in Time for the Holidays

Top Trending Stuffing Recipes Just in Time for the Holidays Sausage, Cranberry and Apple Stuffing is the most searched stuffing recipe on the Jones Dairy Farm website over the past two years. Other popular stuffing recipes include a classic sausage stuffing, a stuffing bite with dipping sauce, one that adds Jones Dry Aged Bacon, and a version made in a slow cooker.

According to Jones Dairy Farm Chairman & CEO Philip Jones, stuffing is not only a holiday favorite that you can make for Thanksgiving or Christmas but a side dish you can have all year long. “Stuffing is extremely versatile so have some fun and consider serving it with pork chops, chicken or burgers and not just with turkey or ham.”

Reviewing search data over the past two years, Jones Dairy Farm determined the top 5 stuffing recipes searched by visitors to the Jones website include:

  1. Sausage, Cranberry and Apple Stuffing: Bright, tangy flavors of dried cranberries and tart apples provide the perfect addition to traditional stuffing made with breakfast sausage.

  2. Classic Sausage Stuffing: If traditional sausage stuffing recipe is what you’re after, look no further. Jones pork sausage provides a rich, savory flavor that your family will love.

  3. Slow Cooker Pear and Sausage Stuffing: The richness of Jones pork sausage is further enhanced by fresh pears and dried cranberries.

  4. Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce: These individual stuffing bites are packed with pork sausage, tart cranberries and even a little Wisconsin Cheddar cheese.

  5. Traditional Herb Stuffing with Bacon and Sausage: This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with a twist is bursting with bold flavors, like fresh herbs, smoky bacon and pork sausage.

For more than 20 delicious stuffing recipes that range from classic to the more adventurous and include gluten-free versions too, visit the Jones Dairy Farm recipe section on this website or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What is Braunschweiger?

Originally from Germany, Braunschweiger is a type of sausage made from ground pork livers and pork trim, then blended with various seasonings and ground into a smooth texture then stuffed into a casing. Depending on the recipe, it can also contain pork offal (aka organ meats) like kidney or heart.

What’s the Difference Between Liverwurst and Braunschweiger?

Are Liverwurst and Braunschweiger the same thing? Liverwurst and Braunschweiger are both types of German-style sausage made from liver, offal, and pork trim with added spices. The main difference being, Braunschweiger is a style of liver sausage made from only pork livers, offal and pork trim that originated in the German city of Braunschweig. Whereas liverwurst is a more general term to describe any type of liver sausage. Meaning it could contain a variety of meats like pork, beef, or chicken. Both share a similar spice profile and a spreadable smooth texture. The spice combinations and types of offal used vary based on regional tastes and traditions.

Is Braunschweiger healthy for me?

Braunschweiger is an excellent source of protein (9g per serving), healthy fats, iron (25% of your daily needs per serving), riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and selenium to name a few. The nutrient dense liver offers a complete source of protein providing essential amino acids that not all protein sources offer. It is also naturally low in carbohydrates making it an ideal food for those following a low-carb or Keto diet.

Who can eat Braunschweiger?

Everyone! It’s especially great for babies as they’re tasting their first foods. Babies love it because it’s creamy and malleable and parents love it because it’s nutrient packed. Women who are expecting can incorporate braunschweiger into their diets to help them reach their iron intake needs.

How do I prepare it?

• Eaten straight out of the package – although it does need to be refrigerated.
• Mixed with a creamy cheese like ricotta, mascarpone, or cream cheese for a delicious dip.
• Spread on bread slices or crackers.
• Layered on a sandwich with your favorite toppings and condiments (onions and mustard are popular favorites).
• Served as a pate on a charcuterie board.
• Blended into ground beef for added nutrients to a burger or meatloaf.

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What are some Braunschweiger snacking ideas?  

Many enjoy Braunschweiger with mustard on a cracker. Here are three expertly paired suggestions from our friends at the National Mustard Museum.   

A take on the classic pretzel with mustard, we just added in some Jones Braunschweiger to make it more satisfying. The pretzel is crispy and salty, the Braunschweiger is rich and salty and the mustard’s American Pale Ale flavor—straight from the BRICKSTONE® Brewery taproom—tops it off with crisp and powerful panache. 

A nostalgic, traditional favorite way to eat Braunschweiger is with yellow mustard. Kelley’s stone ground mustard elevates typical yellow mustard flavors and has a bit of kick without being spicy. Simple but delicious. 

This one will catch you by surprise. The mustard is sweet and tangy, and the Braunschweiger, when mixed with mascarpone, is smooth and creamy. Together, on top of a simple butter cracker, there is so much flavor in every bite. Those who love sweet and sour pairings or a little pineapple on their pizza will likely enjoy it.

How do I store it?

Braunschweiger must be refrigerated. Once the package is opened, store in an airtight container and consume within 7 days of opening.

What makes Jones Braunschweiger different?

Jones Braunschweiger is Certified Gluten-Free and ready to eat in sandwiches or on crackers. We use ingredients that are always fresh, never frozen, such as our very own Dry-Aged Center Cut Bacon. We even blend our own spices in-house, and never add fillers like corn syrup or potato starch. The result is an authentic flavor and uncompromised, creamy texture and quality that you won’t find anywhere else.

Ready to incorporate Braunschweiger into your diet? Try it in these recipes!
Creamy Braunschweiger Dip
Hidden Braunschweiger Meatloaf

Smothered Braunschweiger Enchiladas

Braunschweiger Cheese Ball
Bacon Braunschweiger Pistachio Truffles

Top 5 Tips for a Fun-Filled Halloween

Decorations, pumpkin carving, costumes, and trick-or-treating are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Halloween with my family. I have funny memories of trick-or-treating in the snow with my snow pants on underneath my princess costume (hello, Midwest Octobers!) or organizing all my candy by color, type, and name (just me?).

Raising my two littles, currently 2 and 4 years old, my own experiences have helped shape how I view the holiday and we’re starting to develop our own traditions, which makes it even more fun. Keeping a chill attitude and a low bar on expectations has helped us navigate the unruly waters at times but overall, Halloween is a really special time.

I’d call myself an advanced beginner at this point and will share some of my best tips, or learnings, from trick-or-treating with kids.

  1. Practice trick-or-treating. Play a game at home where your kids can practice walking up to a door, knocking or ringing the doorbell, saying “trick or treat” and “thank you,” and putting the candy in their bucket. It’s fun and helps them understand what to expect.
  2. Fuel up before you go. Get some protein in their tummies to ensure they’re fueled for walking and it’ll help balance out the sugar. Kids love our Canadian bacon because it’s like ham, but better, or they can grab a sausage link for the road. Both are perfect sizes for little hands.
  3. Be prepared for the weather and have a plan for your route. We brought a wagon that the kids could easily get in and out of which allowed them to rest between houses or sit one out. It’s also a good place to keep an extra layer or blanket. Know your path so you don’t get sucked into “one more street.”  It’s easy to get swayed by trying to hit all the houses, but know you and your kids limits. More is not always more.
  4. Have a plan for candy. Clearly communicate how many pieces the kids are allowed to have during trick-or-treating, could be zero, and after trick-or-treating. In our home, we allow a few pieces after trick-or-treating but then keep the candy pretty hidden. We’ve found that they forget about the candy when it’s not in eyesight.
  5. Be safe. Coming from a company that prioritizes food and people safety, it’s top of my mind for me. Wear bright colors or reflectors, bring flashlights, walk up to the house with your kids especially if there are big steps, heavy doors, uneven surfaces. Check all candy for signs of tampering. Be mindful of allergens if that’s a concern in your households. Some houses will use teal pumpkins to signify it’s an allergen-friendly household.

From my family to yours, hope you have a fun and spooky Halloween!!

Lisa