Is Turkey Pepperoni Really Better Than Regular Pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping that has been enjoyed for generations. In recent years, turkey pepperoni has emerged as a healthier alternative to traditional pork pepperoni. But is turkey pepperoni truly better for you? In this article, we’ll compare turkey pepperoni versus regular pork pepperoni in terms of nutrition, taste, cost, and more.
Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition turkey pepperoni has some advantages over regular pepperoni. Turkey pepperoni is lower in calories fat, and saturated fat compared to regular pork pepperoni.
For example, a serving of 17 slices (30 grams) of turkey pepperoni contains about 70 calories, whereas the same amount of regular pepperoni packs 150 calories. Turkey pepperoni gets a decent amount of its calories from protein, while regular pepperoni has more calories from fat
Specifically, turkey pepperoni contains 50% less fat than regular pepperoni. It has 35 grams of fat per serving compared to 7 grams in regular pepperoni Turkey pepperoni is also lower in saturated fat at 1.5 grams versus 2.5 grams per serving of regular pepperoni.
Additionally, turkey pepperoni offers more iron and potassium than regular pepperoni.
However, it’s important to note that even turkey pepperoni is still high in sodium and fat compared to many other protein sources. A serving provides nearly 20% of the daily value for saturated fat and over 15% for sodium.
So while turkey pepperoni is lower in calories and fat than regular pepperoni, it should still be eaten in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. It does provide protein though, with 5 grams per serving.
Taste
When it comes to taste, regular pork pepperoni is generally considered superior to turkey pepperoni. The pork fat in regular pepperoni gives it a richer, more robust flavor.
Regular pepperoni has a smoky, savory taste that adds a punch of flavor to pizza. The pepperoni grease can also blend with the cheese and pizza sauce to create a more cohesive pizza flavor.
Turkey pepperoni has a reputation for being blander and less flavorful than regular pepperoni. Without the pork fat, the turkey pepperoni flavor is often described as minimal and lacking. The turkey meat itself tends to be drier as well.
However, the taste of turkey pepperoni has improved over the years as manufacturers have tweaked spices and processing methods. For some pizza eaters, turkey pepperoni now has an acceptable flavor, especially when combined with other toppings and sauce.
Cost
Turkey pepperoni does tend to cost more than regular pork pepperoni. The increased cost comes from using leaner turkey meat that requires more processing to turn into pepperoni.
On average, turkey pepperoni costs about $1 more per pound compared to same-size packages of regular pepperoni. However, this cost difference amounts to just a few cents per slice.
So the additional cost for turkey pepperoni is quite small, especially considering the potential health advantages. The minor increase in price is worth it for some consumers that want to cut calories without sacrificing the flavor of pepperoni on pizza.
Dietary Restrictions
One area where turkey pepperoni really shines is for those with dietary restrictions. Turkey pepperoni is a good option for those looking to avoid pork for religious reasons or due to allergies.
It can be consumed as part of a halal or kosher diet, unlike regular pork pepperoni. Turkey pepperoni is also soy-free, which is better for those with soy allergies.
For vegetarians or vegans, there are even plant-based or soy-based turkey pepperoni alternatives available. These products mimic both the flavor and texture of turkey pepperoni without any meat whatsoever.
So for those with specific dietary needs or preferences, turkey pepperoni can be an excellent substitute for getting pepperoni flavor without the pork.
Health and Weight Loss
Overall, turkey pepperoni can be a healthier choice compared to regular pepperoni, especially for those watching their weight or sodium intake.
While turkey pepperoni is still high in sodium and fat compared to many other proteins, it offers a sizable reduction versus regular pepperoni. Each serving of turkey pepperoni shaves off 80 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 1 gram of saturated fat.
Over time, these small reductions add up, which can aid weight loss efforts or reduce cardiovascular risks. Replacing regular pepperoni with turkey pepperoni is a simple way to modestly improve your diet without sacrificing the delicious flavors.
However, it’s important not to treat turkey pepperoni as a free pass for eating unlimited amounts. Portion control is still essential. Monitor your servings of turkey pepperoni as part of an overall balanced approach to diet for optimal health and weight management.
The Verdict
So is turkey pepperoni truly better than regular pepperoni? Overall, turkey pepperoni does have some nutritional advantages that make it a better option for those monitoring their health and diet. But regular pork pepperoni still reigns supreme when it comes to maximizing traditional pepperoni flavor.
In the end, it comes down to your own taste preferences and health goals. If you are limiting calories, fat, or sodium, then turkey pepperoni is clearly the better choice. However, regular pepperoni lovers don’t need to despair. Just be sure to enjoy pork pepperoni in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU FIND?
servings per container Serving size (30g)
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| % Daily Value* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat 4g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat 1.5g | 8% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 35mg | 12% | |
| Sodium 570mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 0g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars 0g | ||
| Includes 0g added sugars | 0% | |
| Protein 9g | ||
| Calcium 0mg | 0% | |
| Iron 0.7mg | 4% | |
| Potassium 90mg | 2% | |
| Vitamin A 20mcg | 2% | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
The Daily Value (DV) tells you how much of a nutrient is in a serving of food. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients Dark Turkey Meat, Salt, Spices, Contains 2% or less of Water, Dextrose, Smoke Flavoring, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Flavoring, Oleoresin of Paprika, Garlic Powder, Sodium Nitrite, Citric Acid, BHA, BHT
Promotions, product information and packaging are subject to change. Please refer to the packaging on store shelves for the most up-to-date information.
Top your pizza and other enticing dishes with savory HORMEL® Turkey Pepperoni slices from the maker of America’s #1 selling brand of pepperoni. *Each 5-ounce package of turkey pepperoni adds a spicy taste to any dish and has less fat than regular pepperoni. Grab a pack of pre-sliced, ready-to-eat HORMEL® Turkey Pepperoni, which is made with only the best meat and spices to make delicious family meals or party snacks that both adults and children love. Open a pouch to perk up any deli meat sandwich, pita pocket, pizza bagel, and more. Make these classic turkey pepperoni slices a tasty part of your next Pizza Friday, BBQ, or get-together. Eat some slices straight from the bag if you’re trying to cut back on carbs or avoid gluten. Pair with cheese and crackers as a snack. The taste of HORMEL® Turkey Pepperoni slices is hard to beat, whether you put them on a deep dish pizza or a charcuterie board.
- Pre-sliced turkey pepperoni is expertly made to deliver all the flavor with 70% less fat than regular HORMELS® Pepperoni. Pepperoni Regular has 13g of fat per serving, Pepperoni Turkey has 4g of fat per serving.
- It is made with the best meat and the right mix of spices.
- Each slice of turkey pepperoni pizza doesn’t contain gluten and has 209 grams of protein and 200 grams of carbs, which is 70% less fat than our original pepperoni pizza.
- It tastes great on pizza, pasta, cheese boards, deli meat platters, and many other foods. The flavor combinations are endless.
- HORMEL® Turkey Pepperoni in a 5-ounce resealable pack that is ready to eat. Packaged to stay fresh.
*Based on the latest 52 week Circana data.
Taste test challenge..Regular VS. Turkey pepperoni..Is there a difference..
FAQ
What is the healthiest pepperoni?
How does turkey pepperoni taste?
Is turkey pepperoni good on pizza?
Is turkey pepperoni lean meat?
Is Turkey pepperoni healthier than regular pepperoni?
(Answered!) – Home Kitchen Talk best homekitchentalk.com. Compared to regular pepperoni, turkey pepperoni is healthier. Turkey pepperoni has just 3.5 grams of fat per 1-ounce portion, including 1.1 grams of saturated fat. However, Turkey pepperoni has higher sodium than regular pepperoni at 557 mg per serving.
What are the healthier substitutes of pepper?
Healthier substitutes of pepper are: 1. White pepper: It comes from the same fruit as the black pepper. The seed in the fruit gives us white pepper if you crack open the black pepper. 2. Green pepper: The harvesting of the fruit happens much earlier. It has mild taste and carry less heat than the black ones. 3. Pink pepper: These can also be grounded and can be used as a substitute for black pepper. It has sweeter taste and brings a rosy tone to the food. Because of its mild nature, you may have to compensate by adding a little more. 4. Papaya seeds: The seeds of the sweet fruit mimics black pepper once dried and grounded. Additionally, papaya seeds contain antioxidants and are highly nutritious.
What is the difference between pork pepperoni and Turkey pepperoni?
Traditional pork pepperoni has a richer, more robust flavor due to the presence of pork fat. Turkey pepperoni, on the other hand, has a milder flavor that some may find more palatable. Ultimately, the best taste is a matter of personal preference. Traditional pork pepperoni is typically crispy and chewy, with a slightly greasy texture.
Is Turkey pepperoni a healthier alternative to pork pepperoni?
Yes, turkey pepperoni is a healthier alternative to pork pepperoni. Turkey pepperoni is a type of processed meat that is made from turkey breast. It is a popular lunch meat that is often used in sandwiches, pizzas, and other dishes. Turkey pepperoni is often considered to be a healthier alternative to traditional pepperoni, which is made from pork.
Is Turkey pepperoni creditable?
Turkey Pepperoni is creditable if the product is (1) CN labeled or (2) has a Product Formulation Statement. These products contain small amounts of meat and are not creditable. See the Other Foods section in the Food Buying Guide for purchasing information. A 2 oz serving provides 1 oz eq meat alternate.
What is Turkey pepperoni?
Turkey pepperoni is, as the name implies, pepperoni, a spiced, dried sausage, made from turkey, rather than the usual pork. Used appropriately, turkey pepperoni can be a good choice for your healthy, low-fat lifestyle.