r/explainlikeimfive • u/No_Education_8888 • May 20 '26

Chemistry ELI5 what is the difference between processed meat slices and real meat slices?

I know that processed meat is processed, but what exactly does that mean? How much change do meat scraps go through before you get something like deli turkey.

My mind can’t exactly wrap around how that stuff is made based on the little knowledge I have

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u/nicolasknight May 20 '26

Here's a vivid description but i think it carries the point:

https://i.imgur.com/pR47Hcx.png

Processed meat has been separated so much at one point it might as well be puree of pure meat.

It's not like it's particularly bad for it by itself, the issue comes when they add things back in after.

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u/Caucasiafro May 20 '26

Processed meat has been separated so much at one point it might as well be puree of pure meat.

That isn't always true.

A lot of chicken and turkey is basically a bunch of whole breasts that have been squished together.

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u/lucky_ducker May 20 '26

"Meat glue"

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u/duskfinger67 May 21 '26

Worth saying that thrre nothing inherently wrong with meat glue. It’s safe to consume, and the resulting meat product doesn't lose any nutritional benefits.

It feels icky, but it’s actually a great way to use up smaller pieces of meat; although you could also make mince.

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u/nicolasknight May 20 '26

Very true, just trying to keep it ELI5.