Your Deli Meat Might Be Ultra-Processed If…” (10 Red Flags You Didn’t Know About)

It contains more than five ingredients – A long ingredient list usually means it’s loaded with additives and preservatives.

You see “sodium nitrate” or “sodium nitrite” – These are common preservatives linked to potential health risks when consumed frequently.

It’s labeled “smoked flavor” instead of being truly smoked – Artificial flavoring is a hallmark of processing.

There’s added sugar – Yes, even savory meats can sneak in sweeteners like dextrose or corn syrup.

It has a rubbery texture – That uniform, bouncy feel usually comes from emulsifiers or binders.

Contains “modified food starch” or “carrageenan” – These are used to improve texture and shelf life.

The meat is shaped perfectly – Circular or square slices that look identical often mean the meat was restructured from bits and pieces.

It doesn’t spoil quickly – Real meat should perish faster than ultra-processed versions packed with preservatives.

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