Lunch meat calories are primarily in the form of protein, but as the below nutritional information shows, beef and pork products like salami can have just as many calories from animal fat. Thinly sliced cold cuts are a staple ingredient in sandwiches, a simple way to eat lean cuts of baked or roasted turkey, chicken and ham, all of which have high nutritional value. Lunch meats can be high in calories, for example roast beef and various types of sausage, such as bologna. All varieties of lunch meats are commonly served as appetizers alongside sliced vegetables and cheese, as in an antipasto platter. Review the calorie chart to compare servings of popular cold cuts; the higher the calories, the higher the percentage of fat. Most cold cuts are made with the preservative sodium nitrate, the health effects of which are hotly debated. Also check the nutrition facts for artificial flavors, fillers like cornstarch, and added sugar. Although they aren’t typically sweet, deli meats often contain honey, maple syrup, or even high fructose corn syrup, as the nutrition label will show.
