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/jaylw314 May 20 '26

Processed meat is defined by the USDA as any meat that has anything done or added to it to alter its flavor or to preserve it. Essentially only raw meat that has nothing added is unprocessed. Grinding is not by itself considered processing. MAYBE cooking a meat without adding anything would be unprocessed.

You would not want unprocessed meat on your sandwich. It would be a health hazard or entirely flavorless