Is Boar's Head Turkey Considered Processed Meat?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, processed meat is any meat that has been altered for preservation or flavor enhancement, including methods like curing and salting. So, is Boar's Head turkey considered processed meat, and how does it compare to other options on the market?

Quick Summary

Yes, Boar's Head turkey is a form of processed meat, as it is seasoned, cooked, and packaged for preservation. However, its 'minimally processed' designation separates it from more heavily processed alternatives by avoiding artificial ingredients.

Key Points

Boar's Head Turkey is Technically Processed: Because it is cooked, seasoned, and prepared for preservation, it falls under the broad definition of processed meat.
Minimally Processed is a Key Distinction: Boar's Head's 'All Natural' line is labeled as 'minimally processed' and contains no artificial ingredients.
Natural Preservatives are Used: The company often uses naturally occurring nitrites from celery powder and sea salt in its 'uncured' products, rather than synthetic ones.
Ingredients Vary by Product Line: Some products, like Ovengold, use traditional additives such as sodium phosphate, while others offer 'No Salt Added' versions.
Processing Level is a Spectrum: All deli meats are processed, but Boar's Head is often considered a less-processed option due to its ingredient quality and methods.
Sodium Content Still Matters: Even with minimal processing, some Boar's Head products can be high in sodium, so checking nutritional labels is essential.

The question, "Is Boar's Head turkey considered processed meat?" requires a nuanced answer because the term "processed" has a broad definition. While the brand emphasizes its use of natural ingredients and minimal processing, the methods involved in making deli meat still classify it as processed. Understanding the different levels of processing is key to making an informed dietary decision.

What is Processed Meat?

The World Cancer Research Fund defines processed meat as meat that has been modified to extend its shelf life or change its taste. The modification methods include smoking, curing, salting, or adding preservatives. By this technical definition, virtually all commercially available deli meats, including Boar's Head turkey, fall under the category of processed meat because they are cooked, seasoned, and sliced.

However, there is a significant difference between heavily processed lunch meats filled with artificial additives and products that are minimally processed. The key is to examine the ingredients list to understand the type and extent of processing involved.

Boar's Head's Minimal Processing Approach

Boar's Head distinguishes itself by emphasizing its 'All Natural' line, which is designated as "No artificial ingredients, minimally processed". The company achieves this by:

Seasoning and Oven-Roasting: Premium cuts of whole muscle turkey breast are seasoned and then oven-roasted to perfection.
Natural Preservatives: Instead of synthetic nitrates or nitrites, some products use cultured celery powder and sea salt, which contain naturally occurring nitrites.
High-Pressure Pasteurization: Boar's Head employs advanced food safety measures like high-pressure pasteurization to control microorganisms without compromising flavor.
Clean Ingredients: The company states that its products contain no gluten, artificial colors, flavors, MSG, or fillers.

It's important to note that minimal processing does not mean zero processing. The meat is still altered from its raw state to make it ready-to-eat.

Ingredients Vary Across Boar's Head Turkey Products

Not all Boar's Head turkey is created equal, and the ingredients can vary depending on the specific product line. It is crucial for consumers to read the labels carefully.

Comparison Table: Boar's Head All Natural vs. Ovengold Turkey


Feature	All Natural* Roasted Turkey Breast	Ovengold Roasted Turkey Breast
Processing	Minimally processed.	Processed with traditional additives.
Preservatives	No added nitrites or nitrates (except for those naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt).	Contains sodium phosphate.
Flavoring	Contains ingredients like organic sugar and sea salt.	Contains ingredients like salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, and dextrose.
Whole Muscle	Yes, made with whole muscle turkey breast.	Yes, made with whole muscle turkey breast.
Sodium	Higher sodium, typically around 440mg per 2oz serving.	Higher sodium, with the possibility of lower sodium options being available.

*The "All Natural" line specifically avoids artificial ingredients and keeps processing to a minimum.

The Health Context of Processed Meat

The health concerns surrounding processed meat largely stem from the additives used in curing and the high levels of sodium, not the act of cooking and slicing itself. While many factors affect health, high consumption of processed meats has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, which researchers attribute to nitrates, nitrites, and other compounds formed during processing.

When evaluating Boar's Head turkey, consider the following factors:

Sodium Content: Many deli meats, including Boar's Head, can be high in sodium, with some products exceeding 400mg per serving. Boar's Head does offer "No Salt Added" versions, which are lower in sodium and are listed among their least processed meats.
Preservatives: By using naturally occurring nitrites in their All Natural line, Boar's Head avoids the artificial chemical preservatives found in some other brands. Some health-conscious consumers prefer this approach, though naturally derived nitrites are still present.
Overall Diet: The health impact of any single food item depends on the context of your overall diet. Moderation is key. A balanced diet rich in whole foods is always the healthiest option.

Conclusion

Is Boar's Head turkey considered processed meat? Yes, by the technical definition of the term, since it is cooked, seasoned, and preserved. However, the designation of "processed" is a spectrum, and Boar's Head's commitment to avoiding artificial ingredients and its minimal processing methods place it on the less-processed end of the deli meat category. For those seeking a cleaner deli meat option, the All Natural or No Salt Added varieties offer better choices, but it is important to check the nutritional information for sodium content. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal health goals and how you define "processed" for yourself.

For more information on the link between diet and cancer risk, you can visit the World Cancer Research Fund website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'minimally processed' means that the food has been altered as little as possible from its raw state and contains no artificial ingredients. For Boar's Head turkey, this typically means it is seasoned and oven-roasted without artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives.

Naturally occurring nitrites and nitrates, often derived from celery powder and sea salt, function similarly to their artificial counterparts. For consumers concerned about these additives, understanding that both forms are chemical is important, even if one is naturally sourced.

Under food science definitions, any meat that is cooked, cured, or preserved is considered processed. Even if the ingredients are all-natural, the alteration of the meat from its raw state means it is no longer considered fresh or unprocessed.

Boar's Head's "No Salt Added" turkey breast is typically listed as their least processed option, as it contains minimal additives beyond the turkey itself.

Boar's Head is often considered a higher-quality and healthier alternative to many other brands because it avoids artificial ingredients and fillers. However, its healthiness depends on the specific product and its sodium content, which can still be high.

No. The All-Natural line does not have added nitrites or nitrates, except for those that occur naturally from cultured celery powder and sea salt. Other products, like the Ovengold, use different seasoning and preservation methods.

The only way to ensure turkey is completely unprocessed is to buy a fresh, raw turkey breast and cook it yourself at home. Alternatively, some delis, like those in Whole Foods, roast their own turkey and slice it fresh without added preservatives.