Defining Processed Meat
To understand whether Arby's offering is processed, it is crucial to first establish a definition. The term "processed meat" refers to any meat that has been transformed through methods like salting, curing, fermenting, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives to enhance flavor or improve preservation. This transformation goes beyond simple mechanical processes like cutting or grinding. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), classify processed meats as carcinogenic. This is primarily due to chemical preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, though other factors like salt and saturated fat also play a role.
The Spectrum of Processing
Not all processed meats are the same. A fresh steak is minimally processed (cut), while a hot dog is heavily processed, made from an emulsified slurry of ground meat, fat, and additives. Arby's roast beef falls somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. It is not an ultra-processed food laden with artificial colors and flavors, but it's also not a whole-muscle cut like a traditional, homemade roast. The processing steps it undergoes are necessary for mass production and consistency across all restaurant locations.
The Arby's Method: From Block to Sandwich
Contrary to a long-running urban legend that claimed the beef arrived as a liquid gel, Arby's roast beef is a real beef product. The rumor likely stemmed from the gelatinous marinade that accompanies the pre-packaged, frozen blocks of beef. A former meat industry professional described the process in detail: the beef is finely processed and combined with water, salt, and sodium phosphates to create a slurry that is then pumped into bags and cooked. This process ensures a uniform texture and size for every roast.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how Arby's roast beef is prepared:
- Arrival: The product arrives at the restaurant frozen, sealed in an airtight plastic bag with a basting solution.
- Thawing: The frozen blocks of beef are thawed in a cooler or refrigerator for a day.
- Cooking: An employee places the bagged roast beef into a special oven (sometimes called a "sham" oven by employees) and slow-roasts it for several hours.
- Holding: After cooking, the beef is held in the oven at a consistent temperature until it's ready to be sliced.
- Slicing: When an order is placed, an employee removes the cooked roast from the bag, places it on a slicer, and shaves it thinly to order.
Comparison Table: Arby's vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Arby's Roast Beef | Traditional Deli Roast Beef | Homemade Roast Beef |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Factory-formed, emulsified beef blocks | Cured or uncured whole muscle, cooked centrally | Cooked from a whole muscle cut (e.g., eye round) |
| Additives | Contains water, salt, sodium phosphates | Can contain nitrites, salt, or other additives | Minimal, typically just salt and spices added by cook |
| Preservation | Sodium phosphates enhance preservation and texture | Curing agents or packaging extends shelf life | None; relies on refrigeration and must be consumed quickly |
| Cooking Location | Slow-roasted in-store from a pre-cooked block | Cooked off-site at a processing facility | Cooked at home from raw meat |
| Health Status | Technically processed meat due to additives | Considered processed if cured | Minimally processed, healthiest option |
The Health Implications
Given that Arby's roast beef is processed, it's important to consider the health context. The primary concern with many processed meats, like bacon and sausages, is the use of nitrates and nitrites, which are linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Arby's roast beef, however, does not contain these specific curing agents, relying instead on salt and sodium phosphates for preservation and texture.
Nonetheless, processed foods often contain high levels of sodium. A classic Arby's roast beef sandwich can contain nearly 1,000 mg of sodium, a significant portion of the daily recommended intake. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. The processing and forming of the meat can also result in a lower nutritional density compared to a fresh cut of beef.
While Arby's roast beef is safe to eat from a food safety standpoint—since it is cooked to order—it cannot be considered a whole, unprocessed food. The healthiest choice is to limit consumption of all processed meats, including this one.
Conclusion
So, is Arby's roast beef considered a processed meat? Yes, absolutely. Its manufacturing process, which involves forming and adding preservatives like sodium phosphates, clearly places it in the processed meat category according to definitions from major health organizations. This distinction is important for consumers, as it highlights that the product is not a simple, whole-muscle roast beef. While it may not contain the specific nitrate-based curing agents found in products like bacon, its additive content and manufacturing method mean it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that prioritizes minimally processed whole foods.
For more information on processed meat and cancer risks, you can refer to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
