Is There a Low Sodium Roast Beef? Yes, and Here’s How to Find It

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, over 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, with processed and restaurant foods being major sources. This makes finding a low sodium roast beef a key goal for those managing their salt intake. While traditional deli and packaged roast beef can be high in sodium, lower-sodium versions are available from certain brands and can be easily made at home.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals brands offering low-sodium roast beef and provides recipes for making it from scratch. It compares homemade versus store-bought options and includes tips for incorporating this lean protein into a healthy diet.

Key Points

Look for Brands like Boar's Head: These brands offer specific "low sodium" or "no salt added" options for convenient deli choices.
Homemade is the Best Option: Making roast beef at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use salt-free seasonings for a very low sodium result.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition facts for specific sodium content, as even products claiming to be low sodium can have varying amounts.
Use Lean Cuts of Beef: For both taste and health, start with a lean cut like eye of round or bottom round when cooking at home.
Flavor with Herbs and Spices: Non-sodium seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper are excellent ways to enhance flavor without adding salt.
Homemade Offers Better Value: Cooking your own roast beef can be more cost-effective per pound and typically has a superior flavor and texture.

Navigating the Deli Counter: Brands with Low Sodium Roast Beef

For many health-conscious consumers, finding deli meat that doesn't blow the daily sodium budget is a challenge. The good news is that several brands have recognized this demand and now offer genuinely low sodium roast beef options. These products are specifically formulated to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor, using alternative seasonings and fresh ingredients.

Finding Healthier Deli Options

When you're at the supermarket deli counter, finding low sodium roast beef involves more than just a quick glance. Key phrases to look for on packaging or when talking to the deli staff include "low sodium," "no salt added," or "reduced sodium." It's always best to check the nutritional information to confirm the specific sodium content per serving, as the definition of "low sodium" can vary.

Standout Low Sodium Brands

One of the most widely available brands offering low sodium roast beef is Boar's Head. They provide several products that meet this need, including their Deluxe Low Sodium Roast Beef and No Salt Added Roast Beef. These are great choices because they are specifically labeled and easily identifiable. Other brands may also carry low-sodium versions, but reading the labels carefully is crucial to ensure you are getting a product with minimal sodium additives.

Boar's Head Deluxe Low Sodium Roast Beef: An excellent option for those seeking convenience without the high salt content, featuring minimal seasoning.
Boar's Head No Salt Added Roast Beef: The optimal choice for maximum sodium control, as no salt is added during processing.
Private Label Options: Some store-brand delis may also offer low-sodium cuts, so it’s worth asking your local butcher or deli staff.

The Ultimate Control: Making Homemade Low Sodium Roast Beef

For those who prefer complete control over their ingredients and sodium intake, making your own roast beef at home is the best solution. It's a surprisingly simple process that yields a more tender, flavorful, and healthier result compared to many store-bought varieties. You can choose a lean cut of beef and season it with a variety of salt-free herbs and spices.

The Perfect Roast: A Simple Recipe

Ingredients:

1 eye of round or bottom round beef roast, about 2.5–3 lbs
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper or Mrs. Dash Original seasoning
1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high initial temperature helps sear the outside, locking in the juices.
Pat the beef dry and rub with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings and rub the mixture generously over all sides of the roast.
Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, ensuring it doesn't touch the bone.
Roast at 500°F for 20-25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F and continue to cook until it reaches your desired doneness (120°F for rare).
Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Comparison


Feature	Homemade Low Sodium Roast Beef	Store-Bought Deli Roast Beef (Standard)
Sodium Content	Typically very low (as little as 43mg per 100g)	Often very high (over 700mg per 2oz serving)
Ingredients	Whole, natural ingredients with no additives	May contain preservatives, fillers, and added sodium
Flavor	Rich, natural beef flavor enhanced by your choice of herbs	Salt-forward taste; flavor can be masked by additives
Texture	Tender, juicy, and can be cooked to your preference	Can be uniform, sometimes with a processed or water-added texture
Cost	Can be more cost-effective per pound of meat	Higher price per pound due to processing and convenience
Customization	Full control over seasoning and cooking level	Limited to the options provided by the manufacturer

Conclusion: Making the Right Low Sodium Choice

Whether you opt for a carefully selected store-bought product or make your own, a low sodium roast beef is a perfectly achievable and delicious part of a heart-healthy diet. For those seeking convenience, brands like Boar's Head offer excellent pre-cooked options. However, if maximum control over ingredients and flavor is your priority, cooking a roast from scratch at home is the definitive winner. By prioritizing fresh, unprocessed ingredients and reading labels carefully, you can significantly reduce your sodium intake without compromising on taste. Your dietary choices can have a profound impact on your long-term health, and swapping high-sodium deli meats for healthier alternatives is an easy and effective step towards better wellness. Find more recipes for low sodium options here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boar's Head is a notable brand that offers several low sodium options, including a 'Deluxe Low Sodium Roast Beef' and a 'No Salt Added Roast Beef' available at many deli counters.

According to the FDA, a 'low sodium' food product contains 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. You should always read the nutrition label to confirm the specific amount.

Homemade roast beef generally has significantly less sodium, no artificial preservatives, and offers better flavor control. Store-bought versions, even low-sodium ones, often contain more sodium and additives.

Yes, many deli counters that carry low sodium products from brands like Boar's Head can slice them for you on request. It's always best to ask the staff about their low-sodium selection.

Instead of salt, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Mrs. Dash blends, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to add flavor to your roast.

Yes, lean, low-sodium roast beef is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, making it a healthy choice for those on a heart-healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

Lean cuts such as eye of round or bottom round are excellent choices for making homemade roast beef, as they are naturally lower in fat.