What Is Deli Allergy? Types of Allergies

A deli allergy is an allergy to the proteins found in processed deli meats. Symptoms can include hives, headaches, and difficulty digesting meats. Some common allergens found in deli meats are soy, milk, and nitrates. Avoiding deli meats is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction for those with a confirmed deli meat allergy.

Having an allergy to milk usually means having to avoid all dairy products including butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, sour cream, ghee, whey, and so on. Many people think that dairy allergy is the same as lactose intolerance. However, unlike a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system.

There are over 170 foods that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergens found in deli meats include soy and milk. Soy as vegetable protein or textured vegetable protein can be found in common deli meat, sausages, and hot dogs. This is important to know for those with food allergies, as these are the ingredients to watch out for.

Some symptoms of a dairy allergy include swelling in the face and throat, wheezing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, symptoms can range from mild to severe. A dairy allergy is sometimes confused with lactose intolerance because the two share some symptoms. However, a dairy allergy involves the immune system and can cause life-threatening reactions.


If you think you’ve experienced allergic reactions after consuming recalled deli meat products, you should contact your doctor. Customers who still own recalled deli meat products should stop eating them and can throw them out or return them for a refund.

Officials warn recalled deli meat products are a ‘possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk’. Both the Deli Salami and Deli Continental selections with the September 25 use by date are affected.


When we talk about being allergic to meat, we’re referring to an immunological response: your body’s immune system reacts excessively upon encountering a protein in certain meats. The most common cause of meat allergies is tick bites. Lone star ticks trigger an antibody reaction against a sugar molecule called alpha-gal present in beef, pork, and other red meats. After ingesting red meat, symptoms can range from hives to vomiting within hours.


What deli meat has nuts in it? Some deli meats are studded with pistachios. Other meats cut on the same slicer can be cross-contaminated and trigger allergies.

Deli meats refer to cooked meats that have been sliced and prepared for a sandwich and other light dining options. Deli meats can be classified as whole cuts, sectioned or formed meats, or processed meats. Examples of deli meats include chorizo, pancetta, and prosciutto.


Your best bet is to stick to fresh, home-roasted chicken, but you can still avoid the worst of all deli meats by following this handy guide: "Seek out meat with less than 20 percent of your recommended daily value of sodium."

Mortadella is an elevated version of the American lunchtime favorite bologna. This deli meat is a special blend of pork meat, nuts, and spices, so it packs a flavorful punch.

All deli meat is processed, even meat that’s sliced in front of you by a butcher at your local market. There is currently no such thing as deli meat without preservatives. Every type of deli meat uses preservatives of some kind.


However, there are many other types of deli meat available, such as bologna and pepperoni, amongst others. Examples include ham, turkey, salami, and pepperoni which is commonly used on pizzas.

The healthiest deli meat option is the one you get fresh sliced at the deli counter. Turkey, chicken, or roast beef are healthier choices. Salami, bologna, pepperoni, and pastrami have more sodium and are generally more processed.


The three key health concerns that arise when eating too much deli meat include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

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