THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Deli meat is one of the most convenient, affordable sources of nutrition in the world. Whether you’re a bodybuilder trying to pack more protein into your diet or you’ve gone carnivore and need a satiating snack, it seems to check all the boxes.
That is, until you take a closer look at the sinister side of deli meats. There are a number of health concerns linked to processed meats (yes, deli meats are highly processed). Those include an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Much of this can be traced back to the hidden ingredients nobody talks about - maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, and “natural flavors” may not show up on the front of the label, but you’re eating them every time you enjoy a slice of turkey, roast beef, ham, or any other deli meat.
Don’t worry, though - we’ll show you what to eat instead of deli meat in this guide. The best healthy alternative to deli meat is just a click away at Carnivore Snax. Our meat chips are the #1 choice because there’s no compromise on taste, texture, or nutrition!
We’ve made our carnivore chips from just 2 ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. No hidden surprises inside. They’ve been called meat pastries because they start out with a light airy crisp before melting in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors.
With more than 110,000 happy customers and counting, it’s safe to say these are the best low calorie high protein snacks in the world. But why take our word for it when you could experience the difference firsthand? Order yours today!
“I love these snacks and believe me when I tell you it is not jerky. Once you open up that bag for the first time and you have a bite of the ribeye or the New York strip, you’re gonna be amazed and you’re going to wish you have ordered more. I ordered one bag at first I ate the entire bag in 30 minutes. I then ordered four more bags.” - Luis
“I am a protein junkie… could live off of meat and jerky no problem, so I’ve tried MANY MANY brands of jerky and there is NO COMPARISON! Carnivore Snax tops them all!!! I’m addicted!” - Dusty
“Delicious. I feel like Superman eating Carnivore Snax. Great source of protein and tastes like a piece of steak 🥩” - Casey
What’s the Deal With Deli Meat?
Deli meat is everywhere. It’s quick, familiar, and shows up in everything from lunchboxes to office fridge sandwiches. But let’s step back for a moment and get clear about what deli meat is and isn’t.
You’ve probably heard it referred to as lunch meat or cold cuts as well. Any sort of pre-cooked or cured meats you’d buy at the deli counter fall under this umbrella.
This covers classics like sliced turkey, ham, roast beef, chicken breast, pastrami, bologna, and salami. Whether you buy it fresh at the deli counter or pre-packaged in the refrigerated aisle, it’s more or less the same thing.
While some higher-end versions are made from whole cuts of meat, the majority of deli meats are processed. That means the meat is ground, emulsified, or restructured, then mixed with curing agents, binders, and preservatives to improve texture and shelf life.
It’s then cooked, cooled, and sliced before hitting the shelves. Some deli meats are smoked or seasoned to give them more flavor. Whatever the case, the priorities remain the same: efficiency and consistency.
It’s easy to see why deli meat has become a staple worldwide. It’s easy, fast, cheap, and versatile. You can eat it as is or fit it into sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It’s a super lean protein source, seemingly perfect for athletes or bodybuilders.
It also stores well, travels easily, and doesn’t require a stove or microwave - another checkmark for busy people who don’t have time to prepare a full-fledged meal. So, why are you here looking for a healthy alternative to deli meat then? Simple - it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
Why You Deserve a Better Deli Meat Substitute
Don’t get us wrong, deli meat has an undeniable appeal: it’s cheap and convenient. But is that really what matters most when it comes to fueling your body? We think not.
You should set higher standards for yourself if you care about your health, energy, or even just want food that actually tastes good. So many people don’t realize just how short deli meat falls of checking these boxes. Let’s set the record straight.
Health Concerns Linked to Processed Meats
The connection between processed meat and long-term health risks is well established, with evidence straight from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. You know what else falls under that umbrella? Tobacco and asbestos. This designation can be traced back to its consistent links with colorectal cancer. But processed meats are also associated with:
- Increased blood pressure due to excessive sodium
- Higher risk of heart disease from nitrites and oxidative compounds
- Metabolic disruption linked to emulsifiers and preservatives
Even those “nitrate-free” or “uncured” versions are still preserved with celery powder or other nitrate-containing ingredients - it’s just dressed up differently on the nutrition label. Speaking of hidden ingredients…
The Hidden Ingredients Nobody Talks About
You think you’re just eating meat - maybe with a bit of seasoning if you went with the peppered turkey breast. The truth is, though, there’s more than meets the eye in every bite of deli meat. Flip the label on a typical pack of deli meat and you’ll often see more than just “turkey” or “ham”:
- Sodium nitrite or celery powder (used to preserve color and prevent spoilage)
- Sugar, maltodextrin, or dextrose (added subtly for flavor and browning)
- Modified food starch or carrageenan (used as binders and thickeners)
- Natural flavors (a vague term that can mean almost anything)
In this sense it’s hard to find room in your diet for deli meat when you’re trying to eat real food and avoid ultra-processed fillers. But if for nothing else, you deserve a better deli meat substitute from a taste perspective!
Let’s Be Honest - It’s Boring and Bland!
Don’t get us wrong, food is fuel first and foremost. That doesn’t mean it should be boring and bland, though. This is how you end up giving into cravings and cheating on your diet.
Unfortunately, day three of cold turkey slices in a plastic container doesn’t cut it. Deli meat is dry, flavorless, and somehow manages to be both salty and unsatisfying. You chew through it, not because you’re excited, but because it’s already in the fridge and it’s easy.
Who said you had to settle for textureless, repetitive snacks day in, day out? You deserve something that gets you closer to your goals while tasting great! We’ll show you what to eat instead of deli meat below.
What is a Healthy Alternative to Deli Meat? The 5 Best Deli Meat Substitutes
Whether you’re looking for carnivore diet snacks that are entirely animal-based or you have room on the menu for plant-based foods, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. But the best healthy alternative to deli meat is a click away at Carnivore Snax.
Carnivore Snax Meat Chips
Carnivore Snax is everything you could ask for in a deli meat substitute. It’s still meat, but clean, satisfying, and actually tastes amazing. We’ve crafted our meat chips from just two ingredients, meat and salt. That’s it.
But not just any meat - we source from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation so you can feel good about spoiling yourself at Carnivore Snax. We use Redmond’s real salt for an unmistakable flavor profile.
The texture is incredibly unique. Our chips start out with a light, airy crunch before quickly melting in your mouth and giving way to tantalizing flavors that will have you oohing and ahhing.
Each bag starts as a full pound of meat before being gently dehydrated into a snack that delivers rich flavor, satisfying texture, and zero bloat. We have so many varieties to choose from, too:
You don’t need a fridge, and you won’t have to worry about spoilage on the go. You NEVER have to stress about what’s really in it, either. No nitrates. No preservatives. No sugar.
You can snack on it straight from the bag or crumble it into salads, eggs, or lettuce wraps. It’s versatile, shelf-stable, and completely portable. You get all the convenience of deli meat with none of the compromise.
If you’re wondering what to eat instead of deli meat, this is it. Ditch the cold cuts and get something cleaner without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Grilled or Roasted Whole Meats
The obvious alternative to deli meat is actual grilled or roasted whole meats. You can simply roast a chicken, pork loin, or beef roast, slice it thin, and store it in the fridge. This is basically your own at-home deli meat!
You get complete control over quality, so you don’t have to fret about hidden preservatives or subject yourself to that strange texture from restructured meat. The taste comparison isn’t even close when you season whole meats well, either.
The downside? Prep time. Grilling or roasting takes effort. And while leftovers are great, they’re not quite as grab-and-go. They need to be kept cold to avoid the risks of foodborne illness. You’ll need to enjoy them within a few days, too.
But if you have the time and don’t mind meal prepping, real food is always going to beat deli meat. This is a no-brainer for what to eat instead of deli meat - especially when making sandwiches!
Eggs
Eggs are simple, accessible, and one of the most nutrient-dense animal foods out there. They’re also one of the most versatile deli meat substitutes you have at your disposal. You can enjoy them hard-boiled, scrambled, over-easy - the possibilities are endless.
But when it comes to a healthy deli meat alternative, hard-boiled is your best bet. They’re a great choice for on-the-go. Eggs in general are packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like choline and B12.
Plus, they pair easily with other carnivore or keto-friendly foods like avocado, steak, or - you guessed it - Carnivore Snax. Just take a look at some of these carnivore diet recipes!
Just be aware eggs don’t travel as well as some of the other deli meat substitutes on our list. Boiled eggs smell super strong, and they still need to be refrigerated. They’re fine for home or office meals, but may not be practical for long commutes, flights, or hot weather.
Canned or Jarred Meats (With a Caveat)
Canned meats can be a decent alternative to deli meats, but you need to choose wisely. Not all canned meats are created equal. Most are ultra-processed and packed in brine, broth blends, or oils. In other words, they have the same issues associated with deli meats.
You need to do your due diligence and find a deli meat alternative with only meat and salt. Avoid gums, sugar, “natural flavors,” and anything else that’s not meat and salt. A few brands sell grass-fed beef or shredded chicken packed simply in water or natural fat - but they’re rare.
Canned/jarred meat does have its appeal. It has a long shelf life and there’s no prep needed. The downside, of course, is the taste and texture. They’re going to leave you longing for something more satisfying. Think of it as emergency fuel rather than an everyday staple.
Peanut Butter
If you’re wondering what to eat instead of deli meat from a sandwich perspective, you’re probably not following the carnivore lifestyle. After all, bread (in the traditional sense) isn’t approved on this diet. That means peanut butter could be a viable deli meat substitute.
It’s convenient, calorie-dense, and easy to smear on low-carb bread, veggies, or just eat by the spoon. The only problem is it’s not really as packed with protein as you might think. It’s still one of the better low carb high fat snacks, but you will end up getting a lot of calories along with that fat.
There’s also the issue with not all peanut butter being created equal. A lot of store-bought varieties are loaded with sugar, seed oils, or stabilizers. Even the good stuff doesn’t come close to delivering the nutrient density of meat.
That doesn’t make it evil - but it won’t be a good alternative to deli meat if you’re looking for something on the approved carnivore diet food list, that’s for sure. Stick with the no-brainer choice at Carnivore Snax instead.
Wrapping Up Our Guide on What to Eat Instead of Deli Meat
Deli meat might be convenient, but it’s far from clean - and that’s what matters most when it comes to how you fuel your body. It’s packed with preservatives, bland in flavor, and brings more compromise than value.
The good news is you know what to eat instead of deli meat now. We’ve unpacked the top deli meat replacements, whether you’re trying to eat better, feel better, or just want your food to actually taste good.
From simple home-cooked meats to hard-boiled eggs, there are plenty of ways to ditch the cold cuts. Just like in choosing a beef jerky alternative or a healthy Slim Jim alternative, only you can decide which of these makes the most sense for your nutritional needs and taste preferences.
But if you haven’t tried Carnivore Snax yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s the easiest, cleanest, and most satisfying alternative to deli meat. Order now and discover the difference firsthand!
