Buying cold cuts from the deli or from the pre-pack aisle is a different choice for me each time. For me, it honestly depends on how I intend to use the meats or cheeses. And yes, I am including cheese because I think the same rules apply there.

So, the first item for consideration is what you intend to use the meat or cheese for. Yes I know this seems simple, but stay with me on this. If you simply intend to use the meat or cheese for a sandwich, or as a simple snack during the week, either way will do. I use the deli meat to make other stuff with it. Like, I'll take an order for a 6" slice of roast beef and use it like a steak with onion and roasted potatoes. Or I'll take chipped ham or turkey and chop it fine for use in a dinner meal. I'll get cheese slices about 2" thick and they become cheese cubes for soup or pasta dishes. Deli meat sliced thin also makes good snacks for the cats and dog too. Now if I'm making a salad, we're back to the pack meats and cheese again since their easier to use. This also applies to meat platters and veggie trays that I make up sometimes.

Another consideration, what kind of Salami or Ham do you want? Yes, there are different varieties of these. There's low fat, there's Kosher, there's even Ham from different parts of the pig. Bologna is similar. Do you want the old fashioned Beef Bologna, German style, Turkey bologna, or does it matter? Cheese in pre-packaged sliced form comes in American or Swiss; and I'm sorry, but look at the label it's "cheese product"; but if that's not a big thing, go for the sliced package. I'm more into Provolone and real American cheese. If you are into Bologna, Salami, Ham, and American cheese then either way will work as well. But, if you, like me, live outside the cozy world of Oscar Myer and Kraft, there's a big difference.

Then there is the fact of making sure the deli clerk is using sanitation methods that require washing hands and food surfaces. Now here, I will say that pre-packed meats and cheeses might win out because they have to conform to strict rules for the plants to stay open. But if you want to see who slices the lunch meat, use the deli. If you want just something quick, grab the packages.

Oh and yes I will say there is a different flavor to deli meats than their packed counterparts. And yes, cheese counts here too. As for nutrition, I hate to say it, but the sides are about the same since they all use chemicals and preservatives to keep

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Buying cold cuts: Choosing packaged or deli-sliced?
We want to hear your view. Write now!