The moniker for a sandwich varies from state to state: sub, hoagie, grinder, hero, or spuckie? We may not all agree on the correct answer, though.
Regional colloquialisms aside, the contents of a sandwich generally stay the same wherever you go. Deli meat, cheese, veggies and a condiment or two. According to Statista, turkey is the most popular deli meat in the U. S. based on bulk meat sales, with ham following closely behind.
This is what a registered dietitian has to say about the health benefits of that salty protein, even though it may taste great.
Hey there, health-conscious foodies! Today, we’re diving into the world of deli meats, specifically focusing on a popular brand: Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast. Is it as healthy as it claims to be? Let’s break it down using EWG’s Food Scores.
EWG’s Verdict: A Mixed Bag
EWG gives Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast a score of 5, which is considered average. This means it’s not the healthiest option out there, but it’s also not the worst.
Here’s a breakdown of the good the bad, and the ugly:
Good News:
- High in protein: This turkey breast packs a whopping 11 grams of protein per serving, making it a good choice for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Low in processing concerns: EWG classifies this product as having low processing concerns, meaning it’s minimally processed and free of artificial ingredients.
- No artificial or industrial ingredients: This is a big plus, as artificial ingredients can be harmful to your health.
- No antibiotics or growth hormones: Applegate claims that their turkeys are never administered antibiotics or growth hormones, which is a positive step towards ethical and sustainable food production.
Not-So-Good News:
- Not certified organic: This means that the turkeys may have been exposed to pesticides and herbicides, which can be harmful to your health.
- Contains rosemary extract: While rosemary extract is generally considered safe, it’s important to note that it can interact with certain medications.
- High in sodium: This turkey breast contains 250mg of sodium per serving, which is about 11% of the recommended daily value. Too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health problems.
The Bottom Line:
Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is a decent option if you’re looking for a healthier deli meat However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and to consume it in moderation
Here are some healthier alternatives to consider:
- Organic turkey breast: Look for brands that are certified organic to avoid exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
- Chicken breast: Chicken breast is a good source of protein and is lower in sodium than turkey breast.
- Plant-based deli meats: There are now many delicious plant-based deli meats available that are made from ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These are a great option for vegans and vegetarians, and they are also lower in saturated fat than turkey breast.
Remember, the key to a healthy diet is to eat a variety of foods in moderation. So, enjoy your Applegate turkey breast in moderation, but don’t be afraid to explore other healthier options!
P.S. If you’re looking for more information on EWG’s Food Scores, check out their website. They have a wealth of information on food safety and healthy eating.
What is the healthiest deli meat?
The healthiest deli meat option is the one you get fresh sliced at the deli counter. According to registered dietitian nutritionist Danielle Crumble Smith, deli meat is the freshest and healthiest from the counter because it has fewer ingredients.
“While it may not always be possible for everyone, opting for organic sources, such as Applegate Turkey, which has less added ingredients and preservatives, will always be a healthier option,” states Crumble Smith.
According to Crumble Smith, there are a few healthier deli meat options, including turkey, chicken, and roast beef. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.
“If you have things like pastrami or bologna, often you’ve got mixed meat sources, you have added saturated fats and more processed meats like that do have those additives that have been linked to colon cancer,” Smith says.
The next time you visit the grocery store, make sure you follow these steps to get the healthiest option for deli meat:
Complete your sandwich: The healthiest bread option money can buy
Look for deli meat free of artificial colors
Crumble Smith also recommends looking for prepackaged meat that specifies “no artificial color” and “no caramel color.” The brown coating on deli meat often comes from artificial colors like caramel color, which is a potential carcinogen. The Food and Drug Administration says there is “no reason to believe that there are any immediate or short-term health risks … at the levels expected in food.” Still, Crumble Smith recommends limiting exposure because artificial coloring is found in so many food products that you might be consuming more than you’d expect.
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FAQ
Is Applegate turkey considered processed meat?
What is the healthiest deli meat to eat?
Does Applegate Farms turkey have nitrates?
Does Applegate turkey have sugar?
Is Applegate roasted turkey a good deli meat?
Contains less than 2% of the following: Sea Salt, Organic Potato Starch, Organic Chicken Broth, Rosemary Extract. Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility , Applegate Oven Roasted Turkey is one of the best deli meats you can buy for you and the family.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
What is Applegate natural roasted turkey breast?
Applegate Natural Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is fully cooked, sliced deli meat. It plays well with others. Add to your favorite salad, sandwich or wrap. It’s the perfect turkey lunch meat or cold cut. We source from farms, where animals are raised with care and respect.
Is Applegate a natural food?
Naturals (minimally processed, no artificial ingredients). No nitrates or nitrites added (Except those naturally occurring in sea salt). Applegate humanely raised (Turkey raised on vegetarian feed with at least 33% more space than industry standard and environmental enrichments to promote natural behaviors and well-being).