Standard pepperoni contains finely ground pork and beef, salt, spices (paprika, garlic, fennel), sugar, and sodium nitrite for preservation and that signature red color. It’s fermented to develop tang, then dried and smoked. The result is a shelf-stable, concentrated protein that doesn’t behave like a raw cut of meat.
This level of processing is a double-edged sword. It makes pepperoni delicious and convenient, but also means it has a higher fat and sodium content than unprocessed meats. A single ounce packs about 140 calories and 500mg of sodium.
Beef Pepperoni – The Best Non-Pork Alternative for Pizza
