How Much Sodium Is in No Salt Added Boar's Head Turkey Breast? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Processed meats are a major source of dietary sodium, and even products labeled "no salt added" can be confusing. For those carefully monitoring their sodium intake, a critical question is: How much sodium is in no salt added boar's head turkey breast? Fortunately, its nutritional profile offers a surprisingly low-sodium option for deli meat lovers.

Quick Summary

The 'no salt added' Boar's Head turkey breast contains 55mg of sodium per 2 oz serving, which is naturally occurring and significantly lower than most regular deli meats.

Key Points

Sodium Content: Boar's Head no salt added turkey breast contains 55mg of sodium per 2 oz serving.
Not Sodium-Free: The "no salt added" label means no salt was added during processing, but the product is not sodium-free due to naturally occurring sodium.
Low Sodium: The 55mg per serving makes this product a very low-sodium choice compared to typical deli meats.
Dietary Guidelines: Most adults should aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily; this product helps meet that goal.
Health Benefits: Choosing low-sodium options helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the Nutrition Facts panel for milligrams of sodium and compare products using the % Daily Value.
Know the Terms: Understand the difference between claims like "sodium-free" (less than 5mg) and "no salt added".

The Surprising Sodium in No Salt Added Products

Many consumers believe that a "no salt added" label means the product is completely sodium-free. However, this is a common misconception. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, this claim simply means that no sodium chloride (table salt) was added during processing. Sodium can still be present naturally in the meat itself or in other ingredients used for flavor or preservation, such as potassium phosphate. Understanding this distinction is key to making truly informed dietary choices, especially for individuals on a low-sodium diet.

The Exact Sodium Count

When it comes to the Boar's Head No Salt Added Turkey Breast, the nutrition label reveals a specific and impressively low amount. A standard 2 oz (56g) serving contains just 55mg of sodium. This figure is derived from the natural sodium present in the turkey and minimal processing agents, not added salt. This makes it a heart-healthy and exceptionally low-sodium alternative compared to many other processed deli meats.

Comparing Sodium Levels: "No Salt Added" vs. Regular Deli Turkey

Choosing a deli meat can involve a trade-off between convenience and sodium content. The difference between Boar's Head's special formulation and a typical deli turkey breast is stark, highlighting the benefits of selecting a low-sodium product. It is important to note that sodium is often added to regular deli meats for flavor, preservation, and to retain moisture.


Feature	Boar's Head No Salt Added Turkey Breast	Typical Regular Deli Turkey Breast
Sodium Content	55mg per 2 oz serving	Varies widely; often several hundred milligrams or more per serving. Example: A Boar's Head regular turkey breast contains 490mg per 2 oz serving.
Salt Added?	No salt added during processing.	Salt is a primary ingredient and is added liberally for flavor and preservation.
Benefit	Ideal for low-sodium diets and heart health.	Enhanced flavor and moisture, but a significant source of dietary sodium.
Label Claim	"No Salt Added"	Typically no specific sodium claim, unless it's a "reduced sodium" version.

Understanding Dietary Sodium and Its Health Implications

For most adults, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. However, the average American consumes well over this amount, largely from processed and restaurant foods. Excessive sodium intake can lead to a number of serious health problems.

High Blood Pressure: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and putting extra pressure on artery walls. This can lead to hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Heart Disease: Over time, the strain on the heart from high blood pressure can lead to an enlarged heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart failure.
Kidney Disease: The kidneys are responsible for balancing sodium levels. High sodium intake can put a strain on the kidneys, which can worsen or lead to kidney disease.
Other Risks: Research also links high sodium consumption to an increased risk of stroke, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.

Reading Labels for Low Sodium Choices

To effectively manage your sodium intake, it's crucial to understand the language on nutrition labels. The FDA has specific definitions for claims that can help you find products that fit your dietary needs.

Sodium-free: Contains less than 5mg of sodium per serving.
Very low-sodium: Contains 35mg or less of sodium per serving.
Low-sodium: Contains 140mg or less of sodium per serving.
Reduced sodium: Contains at least 25% less sodium than the regular version of the product.
No salt added / Unsalted: No sodium chloride was added during processing, but the food may still contain naturally occurring sodium.

Making sense of these labels can empower you to choose healthier options at the grocery store. For the Boar's Head "no salt added" turkey breast, the 55mg per serving places it firmly in the very low-sodium category by most standards, despite its label claim.

The Importance of Label Lingo

Don't rely on claims alone: Always check the milligrams (mg) listed on the Nutrition Facts panel, as claims can be misleading.
Check serving sizes: Be aware of the stated serving size and adjust calculations if you eat more than that amount.
Use % Daily Value: A quick reference is the % Daily Value (%DV). 5% DV or less is considered low sodium per serving, while 20% or more is high.
Look beyond deli meats: Sodium can hide in sauces, soups, breads, and condiments, so be diligent in reading all labels.

Conclusion

For those watching their sodium intake, Boar's Head "no salt added" turkey breast is a clear winner in the deli meat aisle. While it contains a small amount of naturally occurring sodium (55mg per 2 oz serving), this is a fraction of what is found in most regular deli varieties. By choosing this option, you can significantly reduce your daily sodium consumption without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Ultimately, understanding how to read and compare nutrition labels is the most powerful tool for making healthy, informed dietary decisions for yourself and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not sodium-free. The label indicates that no sodium chloride (table salt) was added during processing, but the meat contains a small amount of naturally occurring sodium. For this product, that amount is 55mg per 2 oz serving.

The nutrition facts are based on a 2 oz (56g) serving, which typically equates to one or two thick slices, or several thinner slices. If a serving has 55mg, you can estimate the sodium content per slice based on its weight or thickness.

This product is exceptionally low in sodium compared to most conventional deli meats, which are often heavily processed with added salt for flavor and preservation. For comparison, a regular Boar's Head turkey breast can contain 490mg per serving. The 'no salt added' version is far lower.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Most Americans, however, consume far more than this, primarily from processed foods.

Sodium is added to regular deli meats for multiple reasons, including enhancing flavor, extending shelf life, and retaining moisture to improve texture. It is a key part of the curing and processing of many meats.

Choosing lower-sodium deli meat can help reduce overall sodium intake. This, in turn, can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and protect kidney function, especially for those managing conditions like hypertension or kidney disease.

Look for specific FDA-regulated terms on the label, and always check the Nutrition Facts panel for the exact milligram amount per serving. A "low-sodium" claim means 140mg or less per serving. You can also use the % Daily Value to compare products; 5% or less is a good low-sodium benchmark.

Yes. While the turkey has a mild, natural flavor, you can enhance it without adding salt. Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like black pepper or paprika, or salt-free seasoning blends. This allows you to control the flavor profile and sodium content completely.