Pepperoni is a cured meat typically made of pork or beef that’s seasoned with spices such as paprika, garlic and chili peppers.
It provides several essential nutrients, such as protein, fat and sodium. Furthermore, it supplies iron, zinc and B vitamins.
Pepperoni Nutrition Facts
- Total Fat 39g. 50%
- Saturated Fat 14g. 71%
- Cholesterol 107mg.
- Sodium 1893mg. 82%
- Total Carbohydrate 0g.
- Dietary Fiber (per old FDA rule) 0g.
- Dietary Fiber 0g.
- Includes 0g Added Sugars.
Protein
Pepperoni slices contain 1.1 grams of protein and are packed with iron, selenium and zinc.
Pepperoni contains protein which aids in building muscle, supporting your immune system and improving vision. Furthermore, it supports healthy bones and teeth, helps regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis – all beneficial for health!
Pepperoni is also an excellent source of several essential vitamins and minerals, such as manganese. Furthermore, it contains selenium which boosts immunity by suppressing free radicals.
Sodium is an essential nutrient that regulates your fluid balance, supports normal heart and nerve function and keeps your body temperature correct. Unfortunately, too much salt may lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
A 28-gram serving of pepperoni contains 443 milligrams of sodium, or 18% the Dietary Guidelines’ recommended intake. To reduce salt intake without depriving yourself of this snack, limit it to no more than 2,300 milligrams daily.
Fat
Fat is essential for a nutritious diet, but too much can have negative consequences. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, saturated fat increases bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and encourages the buildup of fatty deposits within blood vessels.
Harvard Health recommends that to reduce your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and depression as well as infertility, you should limit your saturated fat consumption to less than 10% of total daily calories and replace it with healthier unsaturated fats.
If you want to enjoy pepperoni while on a keto diet, make sure you select an organic brand with only high-grade proteins without added MSG, nitrates or nitrites. It should also have minimal sodium and be free from artificial preservatives and hidden carbs from flavorings.
Cholesterol
Pepperoni is a processed meat that contains high levels of cholesterol. While this nutrient is necessary for good health, large doses may increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Saturated fat is also present, which is detrimental for your cardiovascular system. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol while decreasing beneficial HDL in your body.
According to the Dietary Guidelines, you should limit your sodium consumption to 2,300 milligrams daily. Unfortunately, one ounce of pepperoni contains 493 milligrams of sodium – more than 18 percent of this recommended amount.
Avoid cured meats as they contain high levels of sodium and nitrates that may cause migraine headaches in some individuals. Instead, opt for leaner options like pepperoni and sausage.
Sodium
Processed meats like salami, pepperoni and prosciutto are loaded with fats, salt and nitrates which have been linked to heart disease and cancer. While nitrates help preserve the meat by stopping bacteria from growing, excessive amounts can lead to methemoglobinemia – an acute health complication.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that healthy adults limit their sodium intake to 1500 mg daily. Unfortunately, this can be challenging for many people if they follow a traditional American diet which includes lots of high sodium foods like pizza.
When ordering pizza, ask for low-sodium cheese and sauce. Additionally, you can ask for vegetables to be added to the pizza for increased nutrient content.
What Are Some Popular Dishes That Use Pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some popular dishes that use pepperoni include pizza, pasta, casseroles, sandwiches, and potato skins. Pepperoni can be added to pizza-inspired macaroni and cheese, fried-zucchini stacks, and cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole.
It can also be used to make spiralized pepperoni pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and bacon-cheddar twice-baked potatoes.
Over-the-top pepperoni lovers’ recipes feature pepperoni as a key ingredient. These recipes go beyond traditional uses of the popular pizza topping. In fact, there are a variety of creative ways to incorporate pepperoni into dishes beyond just pizza.
Some examples of these recipes include pepperoni-stuffed garlic bread, pepperoni lasagna, and even pepperoni mac and cheese. These dishes offer a unique twist on classic recipes and are perfect for those who can’t get enough of the spicy, savory flavor of pepperoni.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to use pepperoni in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite or want to experiment with new flavor combinations, incorporating pepperoni into your cooking can add a delicious and unexpected element to your dishes.
How Is Pepperoni Different From Salami?
Pepperoni and salami are both types of sausage, but they have some differences. Pepperoni is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured pork and beef seasoned with paprika or other chili pepper, while salami is an Italian cured sausage made from fermented and/or air-dried beef and pork.
Pepperoni tends to be spicier than salami and has a smoky, peppery flavor, while salami has a richer flavor. Pepperoni has a fine-grained texture that is softer than salami, which has a coarser texture.
In Italian culture, salami takes center stage as a lunchtime favorite, often served alongside antipasti. Meanwhile, pepperoni typically plays a supporting role as a pizza topping and is not typically consumed on its own.
