ARMOUR SMOKED 96% FAT FREE DELI STYLE THIN SLICED TURKEY BREAST scores 47/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **ultra-processed** nature and high sodium content.
This ARMOUR turkey breast scores 47/100, placing it in the Decent category.
It provides a notable 16.1g of protein per 100g serving.
A significant concern is the high sodium content at 982.14mg per 100g.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed compared to home-cooked turkey.
This product can be a convenient protein source when paired with whole foods to balance its nutritional profile.
Scores +1 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
16.11g
32% of Daily Value
Added sugar
1.8g
4% of Daily Value
Sodium
982.14mg
43% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (16.1g)+10
Micronutrients (Potassium)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (982.1mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 47
ARMOUR SMOKED 96% FAT FREE DELI STYLE THIN SLICED TURKEY BREAST receives a FoodScore of 47/100, categorized as Decent. The product earns positive points for its protein content, providing 16.11g per 100g, and a small bonus for its potassium content (678.57mg, 14% DV). However, these benefits are offset by several factors. A significant penalty is applied due to its high sodium level of 982.14mg per 100g, which is nearly half of the daily recommended limit in a single serving. Furthermore, the product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a substantial penalty. Ingredients like modified food starch, dextrose, and various sodium compounds (sodium phosphates, sodium diacetate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite) contribute to this classification, distinguishing it from a simple home-cooked turkey breast. While marketed as 96% fat-free, its overall nutritional density is diminished by the processing and high sodium, leading to a moderate score when compared to a baseline of whole, unprocessed turkey.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in armour smoked 96% fat free deli style thin sliced turkey breast, smoked actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Convenient Protein Source
This ARMOUR turkey breast offers a substantial 16.11g of protein per 100g serving, making it a convenient option for increasing protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety. For individuals with busy schedules, incorporating pre-sliced turkey breast can help meet daily protein needs without extensive preparation, supporting overall dietary balance when combined with other nutrient-dense foods.
Low in Saturated Fat
With only 0.89g of saturated fat per 100g, this product is low in saturated fat. Limiting saturated fat intake is a key recommendation in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to support heart health. Choosing lower saturated fat protein sources like this turkey breast can contribute to a diet that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, especially when replacing higher saturated fat meats.
Source of Potassium
This turkey breast provides 678.57mg of potassium per 100g, contributing 14% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Including foods that are sources of potassium can help support healthy blood pressure within a balanced diet, particularly when paired with other potassium-rich fruits and vegetables.
ARMOUR SMOKED 96% FAT FREE DELI STYLE THIN SLICED TURKEY BREAST scores 47/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
How to eat it
Deli-style turkey breast is commonly consumed in sandwiches, wraps, or as a quick snack. A typical portion size might be 2-4 slices. Due to its high sodium content, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and balance it with low-sodium foods.
Pair this turkey breast with whole-grain bread and plenty of fresh vegetables to create a more balanced and fiber-rich meal.
Use smaller portions of the turkey breast and combine it with unsalted ingredients like avocado or leafy greens to help mitigate the high sodium content.
Consider using this product as a quick protein addition to salads or as a roll-up with cheese and vegetables, rather than as the sole protein source in every meal.
To reduce sodium intake, compare this product with lower-sodium deli meat options or consider cooking fresh turkey breast at home.
Things to keep in mind
This ARMOUR turkey breast is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA class 4), which means it contains ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen. Specifically, the presence of sodium nitrite is notable. Sodium nitrite is a common preservative in cured meats, used to prevent bacterial growth and maintain color, but its consumption has been a subject of ongoing research regarding potential health implications, particularly when heated to high temperatures. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be particularly cautious due to the very high sodium content (982.14mg per 100g). There are no declared allergens on the label that would typically trigger common sensitivities like dairy or gluten.
Is ARMOUR SMOKED 96% FAT FREE DELI STYLE THIN SLICED TURKEY BREAST healthy?
This ARMOUR turkey breast scores 47/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it offers a good amount of protein (16.11g/100g) and is low in saturated fat, its ultra-processed nature (NOVA class 4) and very high sodium content (982.14mg/100g) are significant nutritional drawbacks. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with whole, unprocessed foods.
How does ARMOUR SMOKED 96% FAT FREE DELI STYLE THIN SLICED TURKEY BREAST compare to other deli meats?
Compared to many other deli meats, especially those made from red meat or with higher fat content, this ARMOUR turkey breast is lower in saturated fat. However, its sodium content is quite high, which is common in many processed deli meats. For example, some brands like Oscar Mayer may offer similar sodium levels, while fresh, unseasoned turkey breast cooked at home would have significantly less sodium and no processing additives.
What is 'modified food starch' in the ingredient list?
Modified food starch is an ingredient used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in many processed foods. It's derived from starches that have been chemically or physically altered to improve their functional properties. While generally recognized as safe, its presence contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification, indicating it's not a whole food ingredient.
What is a reasonable portion size for this turkey breast?
A reasonable portion size for this turkey breast would be around 2-3 slices, which is typically less than the 100g reference serving. Given its high sodium content, being mindful of portion size is crucial to avoid excessive sodium intake. Pairing it with low-sodium foods like fresh vegetables can help balance the meal.
Can I eat this turkey breast every day?
While this turkey breast provides protein, consuming it daily might lead to consistently high sodium intake, which is a concern for many Americans. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium. For daily consumption, it would be more beneficial to opt for a variety of protein sources, prioritizing fresh, unprocessed options to reduce overall intake of sodium and additives.