Ultra-processed deli meats are generally those that have been heavily modified with preservatives, fillers, and binders, such as bologna, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs, and pre-packaged, reconstituted turkey or chicken slices. These products are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer due to high sodium, saturated fat, and nitrites.
Pre-packaged deli meat is usually ultra-processed. It can be filled with “undesirable” animal parts used as filler, loaded with sodium and added sugars (especially honey roasted versions), and typically contains nitrates and nitrites—additives used as preservatives, which are linked to cancer.
If you're looking for the healthiest lunch meat option, choose the leanest cuts of deli meat possible, such as turkey, chicken breast, lean ham or roast beef. “These types of deli meat have the least amount of fat and provide a better nutrient value compared to others,” Zumpano says.
Fresh animal protein and products like pre-cut steak or fish are considered minimally processed, while ultra-processed meat includes lunch meats, hotdogs, bacon, sausage, jerky or any other meat that has been processed to change its shape, flavor and freshness.
Lentils are part of the legume family. Most of world's lentil production comes from India and Canada. Lentils can lower cholesterol, and protect against diabetes and colon cancer. They are known as “Poor Man's Meat”, since they are rich in nutrients and low in price.
Highly Processed Meat Danger? It's not what you think...
What should I replace deli meat with?
Other alternatives she recommends are: freshly roasted turkey breast from the store, making your own "deli meat" by brining it and roasting it, canned tuna or eggs. For meatless options, she recommends chickpeas, which are high in protein.
The worst processed meats are typically those heavily preserved and high in fat, salt, and additives, like bacon, hot dogs, salami, and ham, linked to increased risks of cancer (especially bowel cancer), heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, with the World Health Organization classifying them as carcinogens due to nitrates and high sodium. Other poor choices include sausages, pâté, beefburgers, and meat pies, especially when fried or burnt, due to high fat, salt, and potential carcinogens from high-heat cooking.
Prepackaged whole grain breads, many yogurts, instant oatmeal, and jarred pasta sauces are all ultra-processed foods, but have lower levels of saturated fats and added sugars while still containing a plethora of nutrients that help reduce disease risk.
It is also low in fat, sodium, and calories, making it an excellent choice for people of all ages, from pregnancy to later life. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, chicken is recognized as a nutrient-dense, lean protein that supports healthy eating patterns for individuals of all ages.
Why do some cardiologists say not to eat blueberries for breakfast? Some cardiologists worry about blueberries' sugar and how they might affect blood sugar. But, it's not a reason to avoid them completely.
A peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich is the food associated with adding 33 minutes to your healthy life, according to a University of Michigan study using the Health Nutritional Index (HENI), which measures the minutes of healthy life gained or lost per serving. The study found that nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and seafood add minutes, while processed items like hot dogs subtract them, with PB&J being a standout for its positive impact due to healthy fats and antioxidants.
go for turkey and chicken without the skin as these are lower in fat (or remove the skin before cooking) try to limit processed meat products such as sausages, salami, pâté and beefburgers, because these are generally high in fat – they are often high in salt, too.
Meat is considered processed if it's breaded, seasoned or preserved with smoking, curing, salting or chemical preservatives. Processed meats include chemicals linked to increased colorectal cancer risk over time. Choose fresh or frozen meat without additives, preservatives, seasoning or breading.
Most flavored yogurts, like the one on top, have ingredients that make them ultra-processed. Some plain yogurts, like the one on the bottom, aren't ultra-processed.