Is Sliced Turkey From the Deli Considered Processed Meat?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), processed meat includes any meat transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, or smoking to enhance flavor or improve preservation. This definition means that, yes, sliced turkey from the deli is considered processed meat, regardless of how it's marketed.

Quick Summary

Deli turkey is considered a processed meat because it undergoes methods like curing, salting, and adding preservatives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. This is true even for turkey sliced fresh at the counter, as it has been altered from its original raw form.

Key Points

Categorized as Processed: Yes, sliced turkey from the deli is considered a processed meat because it has been altered for preservation and flavor through salting, curing, and the use of additives.
Additives are Common: Most deli turkey is injected with a solution of water, salt, seasonings, and preservatives like nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates to improve moisture and extend shelf life.
High in Sodium: Many varieties of deli turkey are notably high in sodium, a result of the curing process, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure.
Not Just Red Meat: While red processed meats like ham and bacon are often discussed, white processed meats like deli turkey carry similar health concerns associated with processing methods.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: You can reduce your consumption of processed deli meat by using homemade roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like hummus in sandwiches and wraps.
Impact on Health: Organizations like the WHO classify processed meats as carcinogenic, linking high consumption to an increased risk of colorectal and other chronic diseases.

The Processing of Deli Turkey Explained

Many consumers believe that because deli turkey is a leaner, white meat, it is a healthier alternative to red processed meats like ham or bacon. However, this is often a misconception, as the processing methods for deli turkey are very similar to other packaged meats.

How Deli Turkey is Made

The production of most sliced deli turkey involves several steps that classify it as processed. A turkey breast is often boned, cooked, and then cooled. To give it a uniform, moist texture and extend its shelf life, manufacturers inject the meat with a solution of water, seasoning, and preservatives. These additives are what fundamentally change the turkey from its raw state to a processed product. The cooked meat is then sliced and packaged for sale.

The Role of Additives

Manufacturers use specific additives in deli turkey for preservation and flavor. Some of the most common include:

Nitrates and Nitrites: These are preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth, particularly from Clostridium botulinum, and to maintain a consistent color. While some products are labeled 'nitrate-free,' they may use natural nitrates like celery powder, which function similarly in the body. Nitrites can react in the body to form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds.
Sodium: A significant amount of sodium is added during curing and brining to preserve the meat and boost flavor. The sodium content in deli turkey can vary widely by brand, but many varieties are high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake is a known contributor to high blood pressure.
Phosphates: These additives are often used to retain water, helping the meat stay juicy and extending its perceived freshness.
Carrageenan: This food additive is sometimes used as a binder and texturizer in deli meats.

Deli vs. Home-Cooked: A Comparison


Feature	Sliced Deli Turkey	Home-Cooked Turkey Breast
Processing Level	Highly processed (salting, curing, adding preservatives)	Minimally processed (only cooking, seasoning)
Shelf Life	Extended shelf life due to preservatives	Shorter shelf life; best consumed within a few days
Additives	Contains various additives like nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates	Contains only the seasonings you add yourself
Sodium Content	Often very high in sodium	Low in sodium, unless heavily salted
Nutritional Control	Less control over ingredients and nutrition	Full control over ingredients, cooking method, and sodium

The Health Implications of Processed Deli Meat

The World Health Organization classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence they cause cancer, specifically colorectal cancer. While this classification applies to all processed meats, including poultry, studies have shown that high consumption is linked to an increased risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. The risk comes from several factors:

Nitrosamine Formation: The additives used for curing can react during cooking or digestion to form N-nitroso compounds (nitrosamines), which are known carcinogens.
High Sodium Intake: The excessive salt content in many deli meats contributes to cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure.
Other Harmful Byproducts: Cooking methods can produce other carcinogenic chemicals.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to reduce their intake of processed meats without giving up sandwiches, several healthier options are available:

Homemade Roasted Turkey: Roasting a turkey breast at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoids the need for preservatives and excess sodium.
Leftover Home-Cooked Meat: Use slices of leftover chicken, beef, or pork in sandwiches and salads.
Rotisserie Chicken: A fresh rotisserie chicken from the deli counter is typically less processed than pre-sliced deli meat, though seasoning and sodium levels should still be considered.
Canned Tuna or Salmon: These are excellent, protein-rich alternatives, and though canned, they do not carry the same colorectal cancer risk as processed meat.
Plant-Based Options: Hummus, chickpea salad, or mashed avocado can provide satisfying, healthy fillings.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, is sliced turkey from the deli considered processed meat? The answer is unequivocally yes. While often perceived as a healthier choice due to being white meat, the curing, brining, and additive-filled production process firmly place it in the processed meat category. This designation means that, according to major health organizations, it should be consumed sparingly to minimize potential long-term health risks. By understanding the processing methods and considering healthier, whole-food alternatives, consumers can make more informed decisions about what they put on their plate and in their sandwiches. The distinction isn't just about red versus white meat, but about processed versus whole food. For more information on the IARC's classification, see this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, virtually all deli turkey is considered processed. It has been cooked, cured, and treated with preservatives and sodium, even if it's sliced fresh at the deli counter.

Both deli-sliced and pre-packaged turkey slices are processed. The primary difference is how they are sold. Deli meat is cut to order, while packaged slices are pre-cut and sealed.

Not significantly. Uncured or nitrate-free deli meats often use natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder, which still function as preservatives and are processed by the body in a similar way to synthetic nitrates.

Homemade turkey is not considered processed meat, as long as it has only been minimally altered by cooking and seasoning without the addition of preservatives. You have complete control over the ingredients.

Regular, high consumption of processed meats, including turkey, has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as colorectal cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes due to added nitrates, high sodium, and saturated fats.

To find a less processed option, look for products with very few ingredients, ideally just meat, water, and simple seasonings. Better yet, cook a fresh turkey breast at home and slice it yourself.

Excellent non-processed alternatives include homemade roast turkey, leftover chicken breast, canned tuna or salmon, egg salad, or plant-based options like hummus or chickpea salad.