What is the Healthiest Deli Meat Brand? A Guide to Smarter Choices

October 17, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a study in Public Health Nutrition, certain processed meats are linked to an increased risk of health issues, yet many people still rely on them for quick meals. This makes it crucial to know what is the healthiest deli meat brand to minimize potential risks while still enjoying a convenient, protein-rich sandwich.

Quick Summary

Answering what the healthiest deli meat brand is requires evaluating specific nutritional factors like sodium, nitrates, and saturated fat. Brands such as Applegate, Plainville Farms, and Boar's Head offer healthier turkey, chicken, and roast beef options by focusing on lean cuts, minimal processing, and lower sodium content.

Key Points

Prioritize Low Sodium: Opt for deli meat with less than 300mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving to minimize cardiovascular risks associated with high salt intake.
Choose 'Uncured' or Nitrate-Free: Select brands that avoid synthetic nitrates and nitrites. Be aware that "uncured" products may still use naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder.
Seek Minimally Processed Options: Look for roasted, grilled, or rotisserie meats with short, understandable ingredient lists. Less processing generally means fewer additives and fillers.
Lean Meats are Healthier: Lean poultry like turkey or chicken breast are excellent high-protein, low-fat choices. Use leaner cuts of red meat like roast beef in moderation.
Consider Sourcing and Certifications: Look for certifications like "USDA Organic" or "Certified Humane" to ensure better animal welfare and fewer additives.
Make Your Own for Maximum Control: For the healthiest, preservative-free option, roast or bake your own meats at home and slice them thinly.
Balance Your Deli Meat Intake: Even with healthier options, consume deli meat in moderation and balance your diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and whole foods.

Navigating the Deli Aisle for Healthier Choices

For many, deli meat is a convenient and versatile protein source, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. However, navigating the deli aisle can be confusing, with a wide array of options ranging from highly processed sausages to minimally prepared roasted cuts. The key to making a healthier choice is to look beyond the label promises and focus on core nutritional and sourcing factors.

Factors That Define a Healthy Deli Meat

When evaluating different deli meats and brands, consider the following nutritional criteria:

Sodium Content: Deli meat is notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Look for options labeled "low sodium" or those with less than 300 mg per 2-ounce serving.
Nitrates and Nitrites: These preservatives, both natural and synthetic, are used to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth but can form harmful nitrosamines when exposed to high heat. Opt for products labeled "uncured" or "nitrate-free" to avoid synthetic additives, although these may still contain naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder.
Processing Level: The more processed a meat is, the more additives, fillers, and binders it typically contains. Seek out products with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Roasted, grilled, or rotisserie options are generally less processed than loaves or other composite meats.
Leanness and Fat Content: Prioritize lean cuts like turkey or chicken breast, which are lower in saturated fat and calories than options like salami or bologna. While some red meat cuts like roast beef can be healthy, they can also be higher in fat and sodium, so check labels carefully.
Sourcing and Certifications: Look for brands that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability. Certifications like "Certified Humane," "USDA Organic," and "pasture-raised" can indicate better sourcing practices and fewer additives.

Top Contenders for the Healthiest Deli Meat Brand

While no single brand is universally the "healthiest," several consistently offer superior choices based on the criteria above. The best choice often depends on the specific product and a consumer's dietary needs.

Applegate Naturals

Applegate is a frequent favorite among dietitians for its commitment to minimally processed, natural deli meats. Their products are known for their strict "No Antibiotics Ever" policy and humane treatment of animals.

Key Products: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Black Forest Ham, Organics Roast Beef.
Health Highlights: Often low in sodium, with varieties like the Oven Roasted Turkey Breast containing as little as 250mg per 2-ounce serving. All products are nitrate/nitrite-free and minimally processed.

Plainville Farms

Known primarily for its turkey products, Plainville Farms offers a range of deli meats that are all-natural and made with humanely raised poultry.

Key Products: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast (including no-salt-added varieties), Uncured Honey Maple Ham.
Health Highlights: Many options are 99% fat-free and made without added antibiotics, growth hormones, or nitrates. The no-salt-added turkey is a great choice for those monitoring sodium.

Boar's Head

This well-known brand offers a wide selection, including many low-sodium and nitrate-free products under its Simplicity or main label.

Key Products: Low Sodium Roast Beef, Smoked Uncured Ham, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast.
Health Highlights: Boar's Head has a variety of American Heart Association-certified, heart-healthy options. Their low-sodium roast beef is a standout, with only 80mg of sodium per serving.

McLean Meats

This Canadian brand specializes in organic, nitrite/nitrate-free deli meats, emphasizing truly preservative-free products.

Key Products: Organic Oven Roast Turkey Breast, "Clean & Lean" Turkey Bacon.
Health Highlights: The company avoids using nitrites from celery extracts, which many other "uncured" brands use. This makes them a strong contender for the least-processed option.

Comparison Table: Healthiest Deli Meat Options


Brand	Product	Sodium (per 2 oz)	Additives	Sourcing	Notes
Applegate	Oven Roasted Turkey Breast	250mg	None added (uncured)	No Antibiotics Ever	Lower sodium, minimally processed.
Plainville Farms	No Salt Added Turkey Breast	Varies (very low)	None added (uncured)	Humanely Raised	Excellent for low-sodium diets.
Boar's Head	Low Sodium Roast Beef	80mg	Some additives (low-sodium)	Conventional/Varies	Exceptional low-sodium choice.
McLean Meats	Organic Oven Roast Turkey	Nitrate-free, very low	None added (truly preservative-free)	Organic, Canadian	Truly preservative-free option.
Dietz & Watson	Gourmet Lite Uncured Ham	Varies (low)	Uncured	Varies	Low fat and calories option.

How to Choose Your Personal "Healthiest" Brand

Selecting the best deli meat depends on your specific nutritional priorities. Here are some questions to consider:

Is sodium a major concern? If yes, opt for a brand like Plainville Farms' No Salt Added Turkey Breast or Boar's Head Low Sodium Roast Beef.
Are you trying to avoid all preservatives? Look for brands that explicitly state no added nitrates or nitrites from natural sources, such as McLean Meats.
Do you prioritize organic and humane animal treatment? Applegate Organics and Plainville Farms are good choices, with clear sourcing standards and certifications.
Is convenience your top priority? Pre-packaged deli meats, while less fresh than those at the counter, offer nutrition labels that make it easier to track and compare health factors.

Making Your Own vs. Buying Pre-packaged

For the ultimate control over ingredients, making your own deli meat at home is the best option. Simply roast or bake a chicken or turkey breast and slice it thinly once cooled. This eliminates all concerns about sodium, preservatives, and other additives. However, for those who rely on the convenience of store-bought options, the key is to be an informed consumer. Read labels carefully, prioritize minimal ingredients, and choose brands known for their quality sourcing.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for a Healthier Diet

Choosing the healthiest deli meat brand isn't about finding a single perfect product, but rather about making an informed decision based on your nutritional needs. By prioritizing low sodium, minimal processing, and high-quality ingredients, you can make a better choice for your diet. Brands like Applegate, Plainville Farms, Boar's Head (specifically their low-sodium options), and McLean Meats stand out for offering healthier alternatives to standard deli meats. Remember to focus on lean options like turkey and chicken and to balance your overall diet with fresh, whole foods. With a little research, you can enjoy your favorite sandwich guilt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Uncured' deli meats are made without synthetic nitrates or nitrites but often use natural sources like celery powder, which still contain nitrates. While they avoid some artificial additives, they may not be significantly healthier, as natural nitrates can also form nitrosamines under heat.

Oven-roasted turkey breast is typically the leanest and lowest-fat deli meat option available. Look for options labeled "99% fat-free" or simply "oven-roasted turkey breast" to ensure it's a minimally processed, lean cut.

There isn't a major nutritional difference between pre-packaged and deli-counter meat, but pre-packaged options provide clear nutrition labels for comparison. Counter-sliced meats can be fresher and potentially tastier, but you have to request nutritional information or rely on knowing the brand's standards.

To manage sodium intake, aim for a deli meat option with less than 300mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving. For context, the FDA recommends a daily limit of 2,300mg of sodium, and some processed meats can contain a large portion of this in a single sandwich.

Highly processed and fattier meats like bologna, salami, and pepperoni are generally considered the least healthy. These options are typically higher in saturated fat, sodium, and additives and should be enjoyed only in moderation.

Yes, several brands offer low-sodium roast beef options. Boar's Head, for example, has a low-sodium roast beef with only 80mg of sodium per serving. Look for lean cuts of roast beef, often from the eye of the round, to find healthier options.

Yes, making your own deli meat is a great way to control ingredients and avoid additives. Simply roast or bake a chicken, turkey, or lean beef cut, let it cool completely, and slice it thinly for fresh, homemade sandwich meat.