What is the best packaged lunch meat to buy?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know Americans consume an average of 3,300 mg of sodium daily, with a significant portion coming from processed foods like lunch meat? Finding what is the best packaged lunch meat to buy means navigating a world of labels to find options that offer low sodium, lean protein, and minimal additives for a healthier choice.

Quick Summary

This article explores how to select the healthiest packaged lunch meat. It compares lean protein options like turkey and roast beef, highlights brands avoiding artificial additives and high sodium, and offers a comparison table to aid your purchasing decision.

Key Points

Check for Lean Cuts: Opt for turkey breast, chicken breast, or lean roast beef to ensure lower fat and higher protein content.
Prioritize Low Sodium: Look for "low sodium" or "reduced sodium" labels and aim for products under 300 mg of sodium per serving.
Choose 'Uncured' Options: To avoid synthetic preservatives, select meats labeled "uncured," which use natural curing agents.
Examine the Ingredients List: A shorter, simpler list of ingredients is a good indicator of less processing and fewer additives.
Explore Quality Brands: Brands like Applegate, Hormel Natural Choice, and Diestel Family Ranch are known for offering cleaner, additive-free products.
Consider Deli Counter vs. Packaged: While freshly sliced deli meat may have fewer additives, many packaged options now provide comparable health benefits.

Navigating the packaged lunch meat aisle can feel overwhelming, with countless options and nutritional claims. While homemade is often the freshest option, pre-packaged lunch meat offers convenience that busy schedules demand. The key to making a healthier choice is understanding what differentiates the best from the rest, focusing on nutritional content, ingredients, and processing methods.

What to Look for in Healthy Packaged Lunch Meat

When evaluating different brands, focus on the following key health indicators to determine the best choice for you.

Prioritize Lean Protein Sources

To maximize nutritional value, opt for lean protein sources. The most common and healthiest choices in packaged form are oven-roasted turkey breast, chicken breast, and lean roast beef. These are naturally lower in fat and calories compared to options like salami or bologna. When choosing roast beef, look for cuts like the eye of a round, which are leaner.

Scrutinize Sodium Content

Packaged lunch meats are notorious for high sodium levels, primarily used for flavor and preservation. High sodium intake is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Aim for products labeled "low sodium" or "reduced sodium," ideally with less than 300 mg per 2-ounce serving. Always check the nutrition label, as sodium can vary dramatically between brands and even within the same product type.

Avoid Artificial Additives

Preservatives like nitrates and nitrites are commonly used in cured meats. While naturally occurring nitrates exist (like in celery powder), many consumers prefer to avoid synthetic additives. Look for packages labeled "uncured," "nitrate-free," or "no nitrates or nitrites added". Additionally, check for artificial colors, flavors, and other fillers. A shorter ingredient list is often a sign of less processing. Some brands are also gluten-free, casein-free, and MSG-free.

Look for Quality Certifications

High-quality sourcing and production methods can significantly impact the final product. Look for certifications that indicate higher standards of animal welfare, such as "Certified Humane", or organic labels, which ensure animals are fed vegetarian diets without growth hormones or antibiotics.

Best Packaged Lunch Meat Brands to Buy

Several brands consistently offer healthier, higher-quality packaged lunch meat options:

Applegate Naturals: Known for its minimally processed products that are free of artificial ingredients, nitrates, and nitrites. They offer a range of turkey, ham, and chicken options.
Hormel Natural Choice: This line features deli meats with no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and no nitrates or nitrites added. Their products are widely available and include turkey, ham, and roast beef.
Diestel Family Ranch: A family-owned brand with a strong commitment to quality and animal welfare. Their deli meats are uncured and free of gluten, casein, and artificial ingredients.
Plainville Farms: Offers organic, pre-sliced turkey that is 99% fat-free and has no added antibiotics or growth hormones. They even offer a "no salt added" variety for those on strict low-sodium diets.
Niman Ranch: Provides certified humane, uncured meats that are free of MSG, gluten, and artificial ingredients.
Thumann's: A family-owned brand offering a range of all-natural products free of nitrates, antibiotics, and artificial flavors.

Comparison Table: Top Packaged Lunch Meats

This table highlights key differences between top packaged lunch meat options based on factors to consider for a healthier purchase.


Feature	Applegate Naturals	Hormel Natural Choice	Diestel Family Ranch	Plainville Farms	Roast Beef (Lean)
Key Benefit	Minimally Processed	Widely Available	Strong Animal Welfare	High Quality Turkey	Leanest Red Meat
Nitrates/Nitrites	No Added	No Added	No Added	No Added	Varies by brand
Sodium	Low/Moderate*	Low/Moderate*	Low/Moderate*	Very Low/Low*	Low/Moderate*
Ingredients	Clean, Simple	No Artificial	No Artificial	Organic, Clean	Can contain additives
Animal Welfare	Certified Humane	Standard	High Standards	Humane, Organic	Varies by source
Protein Source	Turkey, Ham, Chicken	Turkey, Ham, Beef	Turkey, Chicken	Turkey	Beef

*Sodium levels can vary by flavor and specific product. Always check the label. The Hormel Natural Choice line is known for its preservative-free and nitrate-free products, making it a reliable, widely available choice for many households. For another excellent option, consider the Applegate brand, which emphasizes high standards for both ingredients and animal welfare.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Lunch

Ultimately, the best packaged lunch meat to buy depends on your specific health priorities, whether it's minimizing sodium, avoiding artificial additives, or choosing humanely raised options. Lean protein choices like turkey and chicken breast are generally the healthiest, and checking for "uncured" and "low sodium" labels is always a smart move. While freshly sliced deli counter meat can sometimes be less processed, modern brands like Applegate and Hormel Natural Choice offer convenient packaged alternatives that meet high standards for clean eating. By reading labels carefully and choosing minimally processed options, you can enjoy a quick and healthy sandwich without compromising your diet.

Visit this resource to learn more about food additives and processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, the healthiest packaged lunch meat options are lean, minimally processed cuts like oven-roasted turkey or chicken breast with low sodium and no added nitrates or nitrites.

Several brands, including Applegate, Plainville Farms, and some varieties of Hormel Natural Choice, offer low-sodium options. Always check the nutrition facts on the label, as levels can vary.

Uncured lunch meats are processed without synthetic nitrates or nitrites. While they may still contain naturally occurring nitrates (like from celery powder), they are often considered a healthier choice by those looking to avoid certain chemical additives.

Yes. Many packaged lunch meat brands, including Applegate Naturals and Hormel Natural Choice, explicitly state that they add no nitrates or nitrites. Look for the 'uncured' or 'no nitrates added' label.

When reading the label, focus on three key areas: sodium content (aim low), ingredients list (look for simplicity and no synthetic additives), and protein type (choose lean cuts).

Packaged roast beef can be a healthy, lean option, particularly if it's made from a lean cut like the eye of a round. As with other meats, choose lower-sodium varieties and check the label for additives.

For healthier options, nutritionists often recommend choosing a lunch meat with under 300 mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving. Many standard brands contain significantly more.