Frequently asked questions
Natural, Nitrate Free
What does "nitrite-free" mean — and how do you cure it instead?
Most smallgoods are cured with sodium nitrite, you'll see it on the back of the pack as additive 250. It's the synthetic agent that fixes that bright, uniform pink and does the curing job cheaply and fast. We leave it out. Our Natural range is cured with celery extract instead. A natural source that does the same job the honest way, no synthetic 250 required. Same proper cure, same safe product, just a more natural ingredient doing the work. The pay-off is a more natural, muted colour and a cleaner label which is the whole point of the range.
What does "naturally better" mean?
Exactly what it says. "Naturally" is the how, real ingredients, smoked properly in our own solar-powered smokehouse, nothing artificial snuck in to speed things up or pad it out. "Better" is what you taste for it: better taste, better ingredients, better process. Do it the natural way, the proper way, and it just comes out better than what's sitting in the supermarket deli case. That's the whole story.
Where's it all made?
In our solar-powered smokehouse in Dandenong, Victoria, which we're quietly proud of. Everything's smoked and made here, not shipped in and re-labelled. We use 100% Australian meat and certified free-range pork.
Our Products
What's the difference between your Natural and Classic ranges?
Two ranges, both made properly.
- Natural is our chemical nitrite-free range (no nasties) hams, bacons, smoked chicken, pastrami, kabana, kransky, hot dogs and salami, made without added nitrites.
- Classic is the traditional line-up of hams, bacons, smoked turkey, weisswurst, black pudding, chorizo, prosciutto, smoked salmon and trout.
Both ranges use the same 100% Australian free-range pork and the same care. The Natural range just leaves the nitrites out.
Is your pork free-range?
Yes. We use certified free-range and 100% Australian pork. No imported mystery meat.
Are your products gluten-free?
Yes, the majority of our range is gluten-free and but some isn't, so check the label or the product page for the exact item.
Where can I find allergen and ingredient information?
Every product page lists the full ingredients and allergen statement. The label on the pack is always the final word.
Are any of your products suitable for halal or kosher diets?
Our range isn't halal or kosher certified.
Which products are the most popular?
Our Natural Ham and Streaky Bacon are the one that flies off the shelf, the whole Natural Ham rules the deli counter, and the New York Pastrami is the favourite with the cafés and kitchens we supply. Good place to start if you're new to us.
Product Colour
Why doesn't your ham look as pink as supermarket ham?
Because we haven't pumped it full of the stuff that keeps supermarket ham that bright, fixed pink. Our Natural range is nitrite-free, and nitrites are a big part of what gives mass-produced smallgoods that uniform rosy colour. Ours comes out a more natural, muted pink which is closer to what cooked meat actually looks like. Less pink on the plate, more real on the fork.
My ham went pale or a bit grey-brown after I opened it. Is it off?
Almost certainly not. Without added nitrites to hold the colour, our Natural products naturally fade and dull a shade once they hit the air — that's the curing doing its honest job, not a sign anything's wrong. Trust your nose and the use-by date over the colour. If it smells fresh and you're inside the date, you're good.
The colour looks a little different from the last pack I bought.
That happens, and it's a good sign. We make it in small batches with real meat, not a factory colour chart, so there'll be slight differences pack to pack and cut to cut. It's the trade-off for the real thing — perfectly consistent colour usually means perfectly artificial.
Online Ordering
How do I place an order?
Add what you want to your cart and check out. You don't need an account. Guest checkout is there if you'd rather not sign up. That said, making an account makes reordering quicker and we'll keep your details handy.
Do I need to spend a minimum amount?
Minimum orders are over $99 and for orders over $200 shipping is on us. Very handy if you're stocking the fridge or splitting an order with the family. See our shipping page for full information.
Can I change or cancel my order after I've placed it?
If it hasn't shipped yet, yes but get onto us quickly at (orders@unclessmallgoods.com) and we'll do our best. Once it's packed cold and on a truck, we can't pull it back.
Do you do bundles or packs?
We do. These are built around how people actually eat. Think family packs, sandwich builders, entertainers and build-your-own options. Easiest way to fill the fridge without thinking too hard.
Where to Buy
You can buy Uncle’s products at top retail and deli stores across the country, please refer to our stockist list online. You can also purchase directly from Uncle's website.
Where can I buy Uncle's in a shop?
You'll find us in plenty of good independent grocers and delis around the country including Coles Local stores, Harris Farm, Ritchies IGA, and a stack of quality independents. You can find all our current stockist on our store locator.
I run a shop / café / kitchen — can I stock Uncle's?
We'd love that. Hit up Glen at glen@unclessmallgoods.com and we'll get you set up.
Something's Not Right
My order arrived warm / damaged / wrong. What now?
That's not on, let us investigate. Email (orders@unclessmallgoods.com) within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a photo if you've got one.
Can I return a product?
Because it's fresh food, we can't take back smallgoods once they've been delivered. These are food safety rules, not us being difficult. But if there's a problem with quality or your order, tell us and we'll make it right.
How do I get a refund?
If we've agreed a refund, it goes back to your original payment method within 3 - 5 days.
Still Stuck?
Email family@unclessmallgoods.com. A real person, not a robot, will come back to you.