Understanding the Calorie Differences
Not all Hillshire Farm turkey products are created equal when it comes to calorie counts. The primary factors influencing the per-slice calorie number are the product line and the thickness of the slices. For example, a single 'hearty' slice contains significantly more calories than a single 'ultra thin' slice simply because there is more turkey meat in it. Additionally, different recipes might include varying amounts of broth, seasonings, and added sugars, which can also affect the final caloric value.
Calorie Breakdown by Hillshire Farm Product
Here is a breakdown of the calorie counts based on publicly available nutritional information for different Hillshire Farm turkey varieties. Note that manufacturers can alter recipes, so it's always best to check the label on your specific package.
- Ultra Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: A standard serving of 2 oz (56g) contains 60 calories and typically comprises 3 to 6 slices, depending on how thinly it is cut. If a 2 oz serving contains 6 slices, one slice is approximately 10 calories. If it contains 3 slices, one slice is approximately 20 calories. The label specifies the serving size, and often the number of slices, for more accurate calculation.
- Naturals Slow Roasted Turkey Breast: This variety contains 50 calories per 3-slice serving (52g), making each individual slice about 16.7 calories. This is a slightly thicker cut than the ultra-thin product.
- Lower Sodium Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: The label for this variety shows 70 calories per 2 oz (56g) serving. Assuming a serving consists of 3 to 6 slices, one slice would range from approximately 11.7 to 23.3 calories.
- Premium Hearty Slices Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: A single slice (likely thicker than the standard cuts) contains 30 calories. This shows the significant impact of slice thickness on the per-slice calorie content.
How to Calculate Calories for Your Own Slices
To get the most accurate calorie count for the slices you are eating, you can follow these simple steps:
- Check the package label: Find the total number of calories per serving and the number of slices in that serving. Hillshire Farm product pages typically list this information.
- Divide the total calories: Divide the calories per serving by the number of slices per serving. For instance, if a serving is 60 calories and contains 6 slices, one slice is 10 calories.
- Use a kitchen scale: For maximum precision, weigh your portion of turkey meat. Then, check the nutrition facts for calories per ounce or gram and calculate based on your measured weight.
A Broader Look at Hillshire Farm Turkey Nutrition
Calories are not the only nutritional factor to consider when consuming deli meat. It's important to look at the macronutrient breakdown, particularly protein and sodium content.
Protein Content
- Hillshire Farm turkey varieties are generally an excellent source of lean protein. For example, a 2 oz serving of Ultra Thin Oven Roasted Turkey Breast contains 10g of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle health.
Sodium Content
- Most processed deli meats, including Hillshire Farm, can be high in sodium, with some varieties containing a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.
- For instance, the Ultra Thin Oven Roasted variety contains 490 mg of sodium per 2 oz serving.
- For those managing sodium intake, the Lower Sodium variety is a better choice, with 340 mg per 2 oz serving.
Comparison: Hillshire Farm vs. Other Deli Meats
When choosing deli meat, it's helpful to see how Hillshire Farm's turkey stacks up against other options. This table compares typical values for a 2 oz (56g) serving, based on nutritional data for prepackaged products.
| Deli Meat Type | Calories (per 2 oz) | Protein (per 2 oz) | Sodium (per 2 oz) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Turkey | 60 calories | 10g | 490mg | Lower calories for thin slices. |
| Hillshire Farm Lower Sodium Turkey | 70 calories | 10g | 340mg | Good for managing sodium. |
| Salami | ~136 calories (estimate) | ~5g | High | Higher in fat and sodium. |
| Lean Ham | ~111 calories (per 100g) | ~17g (per 100g) | High | Varies widely by product and fat content. |
| Roast Beef | ~115 calories (per 100g) | ~18.6g | Moderate | Can be comparable to turkey. |
Tips for Enjoying Deli Turkey Mindfully
- Build a better sandwich: Layer deli turkey on whole-grain bread with plenty of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Swap mayonnaise for a thin layer of mustard or hummus to reduce fat and calories.
- Create a protein-packed salad: Chop up your turkey slices and add them to a green salad with crunchy vegetables, chickpeas, or nuts for a satisfying meal.
- Swap for fattier meats: Use deli turkey as a leaner alternative to more calorie-dense processed meats like salami or bacon.
- Mind your portion size: Be aware of the serving size on the package and don't overdo it. If you're using thin slices, it's easy to add more than a standard serving.
- Consider low-sodium options: If you consume deli meat frequently, opting for lower-sodium varieties is a simple way to reduce your sodium intake.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the number of calories in one slice of Hillshire Farm turkey is not a single, fixed number. It varies considerably based on the product line and slice thickness. For the ultra-thin varieties, a single slice can be as low as 8-15 calories, whereas a hearty slice is closer to 30 calories. It is essential to read the nutrition label on the specific package you purchase and to consider the product's sodium content, as deli meats often contain high levels. By being mindful of the specific variety and your serving size, you can easily incorporate Hillshire Farm turkey into a healthy eating plan.
For more detailed product information, you can always refer to the official Hillshire Farm website.
Note: Calorie and nutritional data may be subject to change by the manufacturer. Always check the most current label.
