Sausage & deli meats

Bologna, beef

FDC 172012slice (30 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 20 · -2 vs Sausage & deli meats median

Beef bologna is a finely emulsified deli sausage that scores 20 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band ranking it 39th of 60 in Sausage & deli meats. It carries protein at an excellent 22% DV alongside vitamin C at 17% DV, a good showing for a cured meat.

It's most often layered into sandwiches or eaten straight off the slicing board, one slice here weighing about 30 g. Sodium runs high at 1010 mg per 100 g, and saturated fat sits at 10.5 g per 100 g, so it's worth pairing with low sodium sides; Ham and cheese loaf or roll scores higher in the same category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around bologna, beef, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 10.9 g · 15%Carb 4.3 g · 6%Fat 26.1 g · 79%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories299 kcal15%
Total fat26 g33%
Saturated fat11 g53%
Cholesterol57 mg19%
Sodium1010 mg44%
Carbohydrate4.3 g2%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars2.1 g
Protein11 g22%
Potassium351 mg7%
Calcium21 mg2%
Iron1.3 mg7%
Magnesium13 mg3%
Vitamin C15 mg17%
Vitamin A19 µg2%
Vitamin E0.56 mg4%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172012

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein22% DV
Vitamin C17% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the sausage & deli meats median

Nutrient density20 vs 22 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 14 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g1010 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Ham and cheese loaf or rollDensity 20 vs 20Bratwurst, pork, cookedDensity 21 vs 20Bologna, beef, low fatDensity 21 vs 20

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Beef bologna is a finely emulsified cured sausage, smooth and uniform in texture with no visible chunks, formed into a large cylinder and sliced thin for sandwiches or thicker for frying. Classic preparations include a simple bologna sandwich with mustard and white bread, or pan-frying slices until the edges curl and crisp, then serving them on a bun the way a burger patty would be served. It has a mild, slightly smoky, savory flavor that pairs naturally with yellow mustard, sliced onion, and American cheese.

Buy it pre-sliced or have it cut to order at the deli, and keep it refrigerated in its original wrapping or a sealed container, using it within the window noted at purchase. Per 100 g it delivers 10.9 g of protein, reaching 22% DV, and also carries 17% DV of vitamin C per 100 g from the curing process, alongside 26.1 g of fat and 1010 mg of sodium. It works best as an occasional sandwich or fried-slice option rather than a daily staple, given the sodium and fat content relative to its protein.

Frequently asked questions about bologna, beef

How many calories are in beef bologna?

Beef bologna has 299 calories per 100 g, with a standard 30 g slice providing a smaller share of that.

Is beef bologna high in sodium?

Yes, it contains 1010 mg of sodium per 100 g, which is a significant amount for a single cured meat serving.

How is beef bologna typically eaten?

It is most often sliced cold for sandwiches with mustard, or pan-fried until the edges crisp and served on a bun.

View the USDA source record