Is boar's head roasted turkey healthy?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), deli meats that meet specific low sodium and fat criteria can be certified as 'heart-healthy'. This certification applies to many Boar's Head products, raising the question: Is boar's head roasted turkey healthy for you? The answer depends largely on the specific variety, with options ranging from low-sodium to no-salt-added choices.

Quick Summary

Assessing Boar's Head roasted turkey's healthiness depends on the variety chosen, with low-sodium options generally being a better choice for heart health due to lower sodium and fat content. Key considerations include specific nutritional labels, processing levels, and AHA certifications.

Key Points

Variety Matters: The healthiness of Boar's Head roasted turkey depends on the specific product, with varieties available in standard, lower sodium, and no-salt-added options.
AHA Certified Options: Many Boar's Head roasted turkey products are certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association due to controlled levels of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Low in Fat and High in Protein: Most roasted turkey varieties are a lean, low-fat source of protein, which is beneficial for weight management and muscle health.
Check for Additives: Some flavored or non-low-sodium varieties may contain higher levels of sodium, sodium phosphates, and other flavorings that might be a concern for some health-conscious consumers.
Optimal Choice for Diet Control: For individuals monitoring sodium intake, selecting the 46% Lower Sodium or No Salt Added turkey is the best choice.
Consider the 'All Natural' Line: The Boar's Head All Natural products are made with minimal processing and no added nitrates or nitrites, which is an important consideration for clean eating.

Understanding Boar's Head Roasted Turkey

Boar's Head is a well-known brand in the deli meat industry, priding itself on high-quality ingredients and production standards. Unlike many competitors, several of their roasted turkey products are certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association (AHA). This certification indicates that the products meet strict guidelines for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium content. However, the health profile can vary significantly across different product lines. For instance, the Ovengold® Roasted Turkey Breast differs from the 46% Lower Sodium Turkey Breast in its sodium content, which is a major factor in evaluating its overall healthiness.

Nutritional Breakdown: Standard vs. Low Sodium

To determine if Boar's Head roasted turkey is healthy, it is crucial to compare the nutrition facts of its different varieties. Most standard deli meats are notorious for their high sodium levels, but Boar's Head offers several options specifically designed to mitigate this concern. For example, their Golden Roasted Turkey Breast is noted to have 43% less sodium than USDA data for typical deli turkey, making it a more heart-conscious option. Their No Salt Added Turkey Breast offers an even more minimal sodium content for those with serious dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Comparison of Boar's Head Roasted Turkey Varieties (per 2 oz serving)


Nutrient	Ovengold® Roasted Turkey Breast	46% Lower Sodium Turkey Breast	No Salt Added Turkey Breast
Calories	~70	~70	~70
Total Fat	1g	1g	1g
Saturated Fat	0g	0g	0g
Sodium	360mg	360mg (46% lower than average)	55mg
Protein	11g	12g	15g

Potential Health Benefits

Choosing a high-quality roasted turkey from a brand like Boar's Head can offer several health benefits, particularly when opting for lower-sodium varieties. As a lean protein source, turkey is excellent for muscle building, satiety, and weight management.

High in Protein: Boar's Head roasted turkey provides a substantial amount of protein per serving, which is vital for tissue repair and overall body function.
Lean and Low-Fat: Most of their roasted turkey products are low in total and saturated fat, which helps promote heart health.
Heart-Healthy Options: The availability of AHA-certified and low-sodium options allows individuals to control their sodium intake, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
No Added Hormones: Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in poultry, and Boar's Head confirms this practice. Some products also boast being raised without antibiotics.

Considerations and Potential Concerns

While many Boar's Head roasted turkey products are a healthier choice compared to some conventional deli meats, there are still factors to consider:

Sodium Content in Flavored Varieties: Flavored options, such as the Blackened Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, can have significantly higher sodium levels (700mg per serving in one EWG analysis) compared to their standard or low-sodium counterparts. This highlights the importance of checking individual nutrition labels.
Added Ingredients: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted concerns in some varieties regarding additives like sodium phosphates, natural flavors, and dextrose (a form of sugar). These are used for preservation and flavoring and might not align with a strictly clean-eating diet.
Processing Level: As a processed deli meat, even Boar's Head roasted turkey is not as minimally processed as a whole, unprocessed turkey breast cooked at home. While Boar's Head strives for minimal processing in its All Natural line, it's still a factory-prepared product. For those prioritizing the lowest level of processing, cooking your own turkey is the superior choice.

How to Choose the Healthiest Option

To ensure you're making the healthiest choice when purchasing Boar's Head roasted turkey, follow these tips:

Read the Label: Don't assume all varieties are the same. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific package or ask at the deli counter.
Opt for Low-Sodium: For general heart health, the 46% Lower Sodium Turkey Breast is an excellent choice.
Consider No Salt Added: If you are on a very strict low-sodium diet, the No Salt Added Turkey Breast is the best option.
Look for AHA Certification: The red American Heart Association Heart-Check mark is a reliable indicator of a heart-healthy product.
Choose All-Natural: If avoiding additives and antibiotics is a priority, seek out products from the *All Natural Collection, which contains no added nitrates or nitrites‡.
Be Mindful of Flavored Versions: While delicious, flavored turkeys might contain higher sodium or other ingredients that a health-conscious consumer might want to limit.

Conclusion

Overall, Boar's Head roasted turkey can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, especially when selecting the lower sodium or no-salt-added varieties. The brand's commitment to avoiding certain additives and offering AHA-certified options makes it a more reliable choice than many conventional deli meat alternatives. However, it's essential to check the nutritional information for the specific product you intend to buy, as flavorings and processing can affect the final sodium and ingredient content. For the absolute purest and most minimally processed option, cooking turkey at home is the best path. For convenience, Boar's Head offers several high-quality, healthier options that still deliver great flavor and nutrition, making it a sound choice for many consumers.

To compare Boar's Head varieties further, you can visit their official nutrition and wellness pages, such as their resource on lower sodium deli products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Boar's Head roasted turkey products, especially the lower sodium and no-salt-added varieties, are often a healthier choice than many conventional deli brands. They are often lower in sodium and feature fewer preservatives, with some varieties even having American Heart Association (AHA) certification.

Yes, Boar's Head offers a '46% Lower Sodium Turkey Breast' and a 'No Salt Added Turkey Breast'. These varieties are significantly lower in sodium than standard deli turkey, making them a much healthier choice for managing sodium intake.

Federal law prohibits the use of hormones in poultry. Some of Boar's Head's All Natural turkey products are explicitly labeled as being raised without antibiotics, while other varieties may not have this specific claim.

While Ovengold is a quality product and leaner than many other deli meats, its sodium content is moderate compared to Boar's Head's own low-sodium options. For those concerned with sodium, the 'Lower Sodium Turkey Breast' is a better choice.

Yes, many varieties of Boar's Head roasted turkey are certified heart-healthy by the American Heart Association (AHA). Opting for these certified options or the no-salt-added versions is best for a heart-healthy diet.

Some varieties contain preservatives for freshness, but Boar's Head makes an effort to avoid certain additives like MSG and excess preservatives in many products. For the cleanest option, consider the All Natural varieties, which have no added nitrites or nitrates‡.

Sodium phosphate is a food additive used for moisture and preservation. While generally recognized as safe, some health advocates suggest limiting additives. It's not a concern for most, but those with specific sensitivities or who prefer minimally processed foods may want to choose an All Natural option.