Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Prepackaged sliced turkey breast is a lean, protein-dense deli meat with a mild, subtly smoky flavor and a smooth, tender texture. It's a convenient, low-calorie option, packing nearly 15 grams of protein per 100g with minimal fat and carbohydrates. Its neutral taste makes it a versatile canvas for a wide range of flavors and culinary applications.
People love it for its incredible convenience and mild, adaptable flavor that works in everything from sandwiches to salads. Its lean protein content makes it a go-to for health-conscious individuals seeking a satisfying, low-calorie meal component.
Many prepackaged varieties are high in sodium, which can contribute to water retention and may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. To mitigate this, look for low-sodium or 'no salt added' options and pair it with potassium-rich foods like avocado or leafy greens. Some may also contain added sugars or preservatives, so reading the ingredient list is advised.
The process for making deli-style turkey breast, known as 'restructured poultry,' involves combining smaller pieces of meat with a brine and then cooking it in a mold, creating the uniform slices found in packages.
| Water | 76.0 g |
| Energy | 106 kcal |
| Energy | 442 kj |
| Protein | 14.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.8 g |
| Ash | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.91 g |
| Sucrose | 0.33 g |
| Glucose | 0.41 g |
| Fructose | 0.17 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 14.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.42 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 249 mg |
| Potassium, K | 371 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 898 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.94 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 13.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 7.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.32 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.41 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 30.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.37 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.13 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 6.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.91 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.62 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.23 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.11 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.11 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.0 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 0.99 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.88 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 0.87 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.03 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.02 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.02 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 49.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Is prepackaged turkey breast a good source of protein?
Yes, it is an excellent source. With about 14.8 grams of protein per 100g, it provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety with relatively few calories.
How does it differ from freshly roasted turkey?
Prepackaged turkey is typically processed with brines, seasonings, and sometimes preservatives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor/texture. Freshly roasted turkey is minimally processed, often has a richer, more complex flavor, and may have a different texture.
What should I look for on the label?
Check for a short ingredient list with recognizable items. Prioritize options labeled 'low sodium' or 'no added nitrates/nitrites.' Also, look for '99% fat-free' or similar claims to ensure it's the leanest option.