Sometimes all you want is a sandwich, especially the kind that has a layer of mayo or mustard, some veggies, a slice of cheese, and two pieces of chewy whole wheat or soft white bread (or two, if you’re really hungry). Oh, right, we forgot the most important part of the lunch—the deli meat—which is thinly sliced, slightly juicy, and as nostalgic as anything. The meal seems incomplete, don’t you think? Nothing compares to tucking into a portable meal and savoring a large piece of our preferred meat. You should use a convenient brand like Hillshire Farm, which you can find almost anywhere, to stuff your sandwich because it is so convenient.
One of the best things about the Hillshire Farms brand is the range of meats it offers and the variety of options available for each type. For example, in our particular store, we were able to find four distinct types of ham: smoked, black forest, honey, and brown sugar. Each of these varieties has a distinct flavor. But maybe you generally prefer turkey to ham. Since these are some of life’s most significant issues, let’s get right to it and begin classifying Hillshire Farm deli meat in order of worst to best. If you take lunch as seriously as we do, which type of turkey is the best? Is the lower-ranked turkey just as good as the higher-ranked ham?
The question of whether Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is a healthy option has generated a lot of discussion and controversy, especially among people who are health-conscious. We dive into the depths of EWG’s Food Scores, examining the product’s nutritional profile, ingredient concerns, and processing details in order to offer a conclusive response.
EWG’s Overall Score Breakdown:
EWG assigns a score to Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast based on three key factors:
- Nutrition: This factor considers calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium, protein, fiber, and fruit, vegetable, and nut content.
- Ingredient Concerns: This factor evaluates food additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants like mercury and BPA.
- Processing Concern: This factor estimates the extent to which the food has been processed, considering factors like modification of individual ingredients and the number of artificial ingredients.
Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast’s EWG Score:
The product receives a score of 4, indicating a moderate level of healthfulness. While it boasts some positive nutritional aspects, concerns regarding ingredients and processing methods bring down its overall score.
Nutritional Highlights:
- High in Protein: Per gram, this turkey breast offers a significant amount of protein, an essential nutrient for building and repairing tissues.
- Low in Saturated and Trans Fats: The product contains negligible amounts of saturated and trans fats, which are linked to increased cholesterol levels and heart disease.
Ingredient Concerns:
- Non-Organic: This product is not certified organic, meaning it may contain traces of pesticides or genetically modified ingredients.
- Antibiotics and Growth Promoters: The production of this turkey likely involved the use of antibiotics and growth promoters, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential health risks.
- Non-Specific “Flavor” Ingredient: The ingredient list includes the ambiguous term “flavor,” which could represent a complex mixture of undisclosed chemicals that alter the taste and smell of the product.
Processing Concerns:
- Moderate Processing: Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast falls under the category of moderately processed foods. This indicates the presence of artificial ingredients and modifications to the original ingredients.
EWG’s Top Findings:
- Non-Organic: The product lacks organic certification, raising concerns about potential pesticide residues and genetically modified ingredients.
- Antibiotic and Growth Promoter Use: The production of this turkey likely involved antibiotics and growth promoters, posing potential health risks and contributing to antibiotic resistance.
- Non-Specific “Flavor” Ingredient: The use of the ambiguous term “flavor” raises transparency concerns and potential health risks associated with undisclosed chemicals.
- High Sodium Content: This product contains a significant amount of sodium, exceeding 33% of the recommended daily intake. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
While there are some nutritional advantages to Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, there are also some concerns due to its moderate processing level, non-organic status, and possible use of antibiotics and growth promoters. Individuals seeking a healthier option may consider choosing organic, minimally processed turkey products. However, Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey Breast can be a good option if eaten occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
Additional Considerations:
- Individual Dietary Needs: It’s crucial to consider individual dietary needs and preferences when making food choices. For instance, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients should carefully review the product’s label.
- Moderation is Key: Even seemingly healthy foods should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: For personalized dietary guidance, consult a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the information available on EWG’s Food Scores and other relevant sources. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
1 Ultra Thin Sliced Smoked Ham
Although turkey’s flavor goes well with almost anything, ham still has a plethora of possible applications. Ham and cheese sandwiches are probably only second to classic peanut butter and jelly in lunchbox popularity. If you want to have some ham on hand to roll up with cheese in filling, snack-worthy sleeping bags, this one wins our vote aside from sandwiches. Cut into ribbons and served with elegant smoked cheddar, it’s also a great choice for a charcuterie board due to its smoky flavor notes.
The Ultra Thin Sliced Smoked Ham tastes a little bit gamier than the other hams we tasted for this ranking. For all the details on how the Hillshire Farm brand stacks up against the many different types of deli meats found on grocery store shelves, check out this extensive list. We wont spoil the whole thing, but know this brand always earns points for its affordability and accessibility. In any event, there wasn’t much smoke here, and among the savory ham alternatives, we preferred the upcoming Black Forest Ham. It just had a deeper, fresher flavor than this one.
1 Ultra Thin Sliced Roast Beef
The roast beef, more especially the Ultra Thin Sliced Roast Beef, is the most meaty option on this list. Other options include hearty ham and peppery pastrami. In glorious full-fledged form, a massive roast beef is a common centerpiece at the holiday table. This is the polar opposite treatment, however, and one thats much more accessible. You haven’t made a roast beef during your work lunch break in, at least, a long time.
We found that in order to have a true roast beef sandwich, we still needed a good portion of the entire pack, despite the surprisingly high level of flavor in each slice. That degree and richness of roasted, beefy flavor is hard to find in deli meat, especially in thin slices. The Ultra Thin size might have been a little too much for the more hedonistic members of our tasting team, who might have preferred to apply a thick layer. We enjoyed the meat’s flavor and texture overall, so we would still eat it again. However, the next time, we might try a different brand to compare the quality.
The Best Lunch Meat To Buy At The Grocery Store…And What To Avoid!
FAQ
Is Hillshire Farm turkey real turkey?
Is Hillshire Farms meat healthy?
What is the healthiest turkey to eat?
Does Hillshire Farm turkey have nitrates?
Is Hillshire Farms a good brand?
One of the best things about the Hillshire Farms brand is its diversity of meats, as well as the number of options it has for each type. In our particular store alone, for example, we were able to find four different kinds of ham: Smoked, Black Forest, Honey, and Brown Sugar, each with its own distinct tone.
What is the best Hillshire Farm Ham?
The best Hillshire Farm ham we tried was the Ultra Thin Sliced Black Forest Ham. One of the things we most enjoy about some lunch meat is that it toes the fine line between hearty dinner fare and a light anytime snack.
Is Hillshire Farms smoked sausage bad for You?
” Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage includes ingredients like mechanically separated turkey, which can be a concern due to its high processing and potential loss of nutritional value,” says Hulsey.
Is Hillshire Farm pastrami salty?
That verve should infiltrate the rest of the slice and not just the edge, but unfortunately, this Hillshire Farm pastrami didn’t quite go the extra mile. Also, pastrami is especially salty when tasted back-to-back with other mild meats like turkey breast or rotisserie chicken.