Is Arby's Roast Beef Considered Processed?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, processed meat is defined as meat that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or adding chemical preservatives. By this definition, and contrary to its reputation as a whole-muscle product, Arby's roast beef is indeed considered a processed meat. The chain uses a series of additives and an industrial method to achieve the uniform taste and texture of its signature sandwich filling.

Quick Summary

Arby's roast beef is classified as processed meat due to its preparation involving added ingredients like salt, water, and sodium phosphates. The meat is delivered pre-packaged and cooked in a bag, not freshly carved from a whole roast, which aligns with industry definitions of processed products.

Key Points

Definition of Processed Meat: Arby's roast beef fits the criteria of processed meat because it is preserved and altered from its natural state using added ingredients like salt and sodium phosphates.
Manufacturing Process: The roast beef is delivered to restaurants pre-packaged in a liquid solution, then slow-roasted in the bag, and is not carved from a whole roast like traditional deli meat.
Additive Use: Sodium phosphates are a key additive used in Arby's roast beef to retain moisture and ensure a consistent texture, which is a hallmark of food processing.
Real Beef Content: Despite urban myths, Arby's uses real beef in its product, but the extensive processing and addition of other ingredients changes its classification.
Health Considerations: The high sodium content associated with processed meats like Arby's is a nutritional drawback to consider, particularly for those with health concerns like high blood pressure.

Defining Processed Meat

To understand whether Arby's roast beef is processed, one must first understand what the term 'processed meat' entails. The definition varies slightly across organizations, but generally, it refers to any meat that has been altered from its natural state through methods like salting, curing, fermenting, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives. This is done to extend shelf life, enhance flavor, or modify texture.

The Spectrum of Processing

Not all processed foods are created equal. The Harvard School of Public Health identifies a spectrum of food processing, from minimally processed items like pre-cut vegetables to ultra-processed foods that contain ingredients you wouldn't use in home cooking. Minimally processed meats might be simply ground, while highly processed meats like hot dogs and some deli meats are reformed using various techniques and additives. The preparation of Arby's roast beef fits squarely into the processed category due to the additives used and the manufacturing process it undergoes.

How Arby's Roast Beef is Made

Despite persistent rumors suggesting it's not real beef, Arby's roast beef is, in fact, made from real beef. The processing, however, is a key part of what gives it its specific characteristics. The meat arrives at restaurants pre-packaged in vacuum-sealed bags, soaked in a liquid solution containing water, salt, and sodium phosphates.

Initial Production: The beef undergoes treatment at a processing plant, where it's prepared and packed into large bags with the proprietary basting solution.
Slow Roasting: At the restaurant, these bags of beef are slow-roasted in ovens for several hours, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
Slicing: Once cooked, the meat is removed from the bag and thinly sliced before serving.

This method, while resulting in a consistent and flavorful product, is fundamentally different from a whole-muscle roast prepared in a home kitchen or traditional deli. The use of additives and the industrial handling process are the defining factors that classify it as processed meat.

Ingredients and Additives

To achieve its signature taste and texture, Arby's roast beef includes more than just meat. The ingredient list for the roast beef itself, separate from sauces or buns, typically includes:

Beef
Water
Salt
Sodium Phosphates
Natural Flavoring

Sodium phosphates are a common additive used in meat processing to help retain moisture and improve texture. The addition of these ingredients and the pre-packaging process moves the product from a simple 'minimally processed' category into 'processed.'

Why Additives Matter

Additives like sodium phosphates and nitrites (though Arby's has stated its meat does not use nitrites, other processed meats commonly do) serve several purposes, from preservation to taste enhancement. For health-conscious consumers, these are important to be aware of. The high sodium content in fast food, including Arby's sandwiches, is a recognized health concern.

Comparison: Arby's Roast Beef vs. Homemade Roast Beef

To highlight the distinction, here is a comparison between Arby's product and a traditional, homemade roast.


Feature	Arby's Roast Beef	Homemade Roast Beef
Source	Shipped in sealed bags with a basting solution.	A whole cut of beef (e.g., eye of round).
Ingredients	Beef, water, salt, sodium phosphates, natural flavor.	Beef, salt, pepper, herbs.
Preparation	Slow-roasted in its bag with the basting solution at the restaurant.	Seasoned and roasted, often in an open pan.
Slicing	Machine-sliced at the restaurant for consistent thinness.	Hand-carved or home machine-sliced for varying thickness.
Preservation	Uses sodium phosphates for moisture retention and consistency.	Primarily relies on refrigeration for preservation.
Processing Level	Processed due to added ingredients and manufacturing method.	Minimally processed (cooking) or unprocessed.

Understanding the Implications

The classification of Arby's roast beef as processed is significant for consumers mindful of their diet. While the meat is real, its processing level means it contains additives and a higher sodium content than a minimally processed alternative. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, noting that every 50 grams of processed meat eaten per day increases the risk of bowel cancer by 18%. However, moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet is likely not a major health concern for most individuals.

Consumer Choice and Awareness

Understanding food processing empowers consumers to make informed choices. For those looking to reduce their intake of processed foods, alternatives include preparing roast beef from scratch or opting for other menu items with less processing. Arby's also offers a smoked brisket, which is still processed but undergoes a different method involving smoking. This awareness doesn't mean fast-food must be avoided entirely, but it allows for a more considered approach to dietary habits.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to the question "Is Arby's roast beef considered processed?" is yes. While it is made from real beef, the method of preparation—which involves a basting solution, additives, and industrial manufacturing—places it firmly in the category of processed meat. This fact is not intended to discourage consumption but rather to inform consumers about what they are eating. Ultimately, a balanced diet is key, and understanding the nuances of food processing is a valuable part of that journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Arby's roast beef is not 'pink slime.' Pink slime refers to a filler made from beef trimmings, while Arby's roast beef is made from real cuts of beef, albeit processed with a basting solution.

No, processed meat can still be made from real meat. The term 'processed' refers to the manufacturing methods and added ingredients used to change the meat from its original, natural state for preservation or flavor enhancement.

Eating processed meat in moderation is unlikely to be a major health risk for most people. The primary concern is high consumption, which is linked to increased risks of certain diseases.

The basting solution is a mixture containing water, salt, and sodium phosphates. It is used to keep the beef juicy during the slow-roasting process and to ensure a consistent taste and texture.

Health organizations like the World Cancer Research Fund define processed meat as meat preserved by salting, curing, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives. These methods change the food from its natural state.

While some processed meats use binders like transglutaminase (meat glue) to form meat into a consistent shape, Arby's states its roast beef is made from real cuts of beef, not mechanically separated parts. Early rumors were attributed to the gelatinous liquid in the packaging, not actual meat glue.

Yes, many of Arby's other meat offerings, like the brisket and turkey, also undergo processing methods before arriving at the store. For example, the brisket is pre-smoked, which is a processing step.