The Best Deli Meat Brands, According To Customers

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Let's not beat around the bush, deli meat isn't the healthiest choice for a number of reasons. First and foremost, many deli meats are highly processed and filled with sodium and preservatives, such as nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to cancer. The high levels of saturated fats in some cold cuts can also be concerning, as they are associated with an increased risk of heart problems. It's not all bad news, however. Aside from being ultra-convenient, deli meats are a great source of protein, as well as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

Another piece of good news is that the deli meat industry is gradually changing. With more consumers paying attention to not just taste but also the nutritional content of their food, many processed meat producers have started offering healthier product options. These include deli meats that are free from artificial preservatives, nitrates, and nitrites. Many manufacturers are also careful about where they source their meat to ensure that their products are hormone- and antibiotic-free.

With so many deli meat brands on the market, choosing one that satisfies your taste buds and dietary preferences can be a tall order. Not to worry, because we're here to get you up to speed. Ready to take the plunge? Check out our list of the best cold-cut brands, as recommended by customers!

Gusto is a small brand that offers a limited number of artisanal salami products, all made with 100% vegetarian-fed pork raised without antibiotics. All of the brand's products are also gluten- and milk-free. Some of Gusto's salami variants include the robust Sopressata with black peppercorns and garlic, the mild Napoli smoked with applewood, and the zesty Calabrese pepperoni with cayenne pepper and paprika.

All Gusto-branded salami is made by OLLI Salumeria for the Whole Foods Market. While OLLI is a relatively new company, it's built on four generations of expertise. Founded in 2010 by Oliviero Colmignoli, who was raised by salami-makers in Rome, OLLI Salumeria states that it produces "the first truly preservative-free salami," although we can neither confirm nor deny this claim. While it originally only produced chubs, the company also started manufacturing sliced salami after acquiring new facilities in Oceanside California in 2015.

OLLI Salumeria's products have been named one of Oprah's favorite things in 2013. OLLI's Gusto brand is also doing well with customers, with the brand's products receiving consistently positive reviews on Amazon. For instance, the Gusto Sliced Sopressata Salami and the Gusto Sliced Genoa Salami have both received an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,300 Amazon shoppers. For example, one reviewer who purchased the brand's soppressata salami as a carry-on snack on a flight, gives it the green light, commenting, "It kept me full all the way thru[.] I luv this, I'm addicted to it!"

Applegate is dedicated to transforming the landscape of meat consumption, as encapsulated in its slogan, "Changing The Meat We Eat." All of the brand's products are made from animals raised without any antibiotics, hormones, or animal byproducts as a part of their diet. Furthermore, Applegate guarantees the humane treatment of animals used in its products by ensuring that the farms it partners with strictly follow animal welfare standards supported by organizations such as Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership.

Applegate's products include sliced deli meats, as well as breaded chicken, burgers, cheeses, frittata bites, and snacks. The bold cuts are classified into naturals and organics, with the difference being that the organic line is certified as such. In terms of deli meats, the company's repertoire includes different variants of turkey breast, pork loin, chicken breast, uncured ham, and roast beef. Applegate's products are free of artificial ingredients, preservatives, nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates.

Applegate products have done well with Amazon shoppers, with one reviewer praising the brand's Smoked Turkey Breast for its texture and flavor. "I was pleasantly surprised when I first tasted this turkey. It has a soft texture with just the right amount of saltiness," they add. Others have enjoyed the brand's Uncured Turkey Bacon, highlighting that it tastes very similar to ham. One customer goes as far as saying that it's the best turkey bacon they ever tasted, elaborating, "I had to recheck the package to make sure I was eating turkey and not pork. I'm hooked!"

Founded by Fritz Bernegger, whose family ran a small farm in Wisconsin, in 1934, Hillshire Farm blends time-honored traditions with modern methods and approaches to deli meat production. Now owned by Tyson Foods, Hillshire Farm champions sustainable practices, including providing animals with care and respect, positive community impact, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The approach seems to be working since the brand received the second-highest score in a survey of deli meat customers conducted by Mashed. More specifically, out of 601 individuals surveyed, 23.13% said that Hillshire Farm makes their favorite deli meat.

Hillshire Farm offers a wide range of products including deli lunch meats, smoked sausages, and snack kits. In the lunch meat department, the brand features both ultra thinly sliced and thickly carved, ham, turkey, and beef options. The ultra-thin slices provide a delicate texture and allow for a lighter, more nuanced taste experience. On the other hand, the thickly carved varieties offer a heartier bite, perfect for those who prefer a richer flavor profile. Most of the products are made without any artificial preservatives and flavors, nitrates, and nitrites. There are also lower sodium options for those concerned about their salt intake.

Buddig, a family-owned deli meat company established by Carl Buddig in 1943, has evolved over the years to offer a diverse range of products to cater to various culinary preferences and budgets. The Chicago-based company's Budding Original products are prepared with its founder's signature thin slices. Meanwhile, Buddig Premium Deli caters to health-conscious consumers, offering high-quality lean meat with no more than 2.5 grams of fat and 60 calories per 50-gram serving.

Over the years, Buddig has introduced other products like Buddig Fix Quix, which presents pre-cut strips of grilled chicken, perfect for wraps, salads, and casseroles. For those seeking a quick and satisfying on-the-go snack, Buddig's Old Wisconsin brand also offers snack sticks featuring a variety of different meats, including beef, pork, and turkey.

Today, Buddig sources its meat from the Midwest and helps to support the communities within the Chicago region, including its 14,000 employees. While customers are generally satisfied with the Buddig products' taste and price, one reviewer points out that at least some of the brand's meats contain nitrates and nitrites as preservatives.

Smithfield is all about pork. The company, founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, has grown to become one of the largest pork processors globally. Standing testament to its popularity, today the company offers its products across the U.S., as well as 30 different countries. Committed to producing "Good food. Responsibly," Smithfield prioritizes animal care, environmental sustainability, and helping the communities within the areas of its operations. Additionally, each and every one of Smithfield's products complies with the meat industry's safety and quality standards.

From Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham to Maple Thick Cut Bacon, Smithfield's products have impressed shoppers with their flavor. And while they may not be the healthiest on the market, the brand's offerings have garnered overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. A great example is Smithfield's 97% fat-free Deli Meats Smoked Honey Cured Ham, which has received an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Influenster. One happy reviewer praises the ham, saying, "Once you get this ham you won't want anything else for sandwiches. It's a little pricey but it's so worth it if you love good meat. Definitely all I will buy now." Another shopper agrees, saying, "I really enjoy it and my whole family does as well."