Peperami Ingredients
Complete breakdown of what's in Peperami Original - the UK's popular pork salami snack.
Quick Facts
Meat Content: 84% Pork
Peperami Original contains 84% pork - significantly higher meat content than many processed meat snacks. The remainder is pork fat, salt, spices, and preservatives.
Contains Sodium Nitrite (E250)
Peperami contains E250 (Sodium Nitrite), a preservative common in cured meats. While approved for use, some health organisations recommend limiting intake of nitrite-preserved meats.
Full Ingredients List
Ingredients as listed on UK packaging for Peperami Original:
Pork (84%), Pork Fat, Salt, Dextrose, Spices, Spice Extracts, Antioxidant (Sodium Ascorbate), Preservative (Sodium Nitrite)
Short Ingredient List
Compared to many processed meat products, Peperami has a relatively short ingredient list with no wheat, soya, or artificial colourings.
Additives Explained
| Additive | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Ascorbate | E301 | Antioxidant | Vitamin C derivative. Prevents oxidation and helps maintain colour. Generally considered safe - it's essentially a form of vitamin C. |
| Sodium Nitrite | E250 | Preservative | Prevents bacterial growth (including botulism) and gives cured meat its pink colour. Common in bacon, ham, salami. Some health bodies recommend limiting intake of nitrite-cured meats. |
About Sodium Nitrite (E250)
Sodium Nitrite is one of the most discussed food additives. Here's what you should know:
- Why it's used: Prevents growth of Clostridium botulinum (botulism) and other harmful bacteria. Also gives cured meats their characteristic pink colour and flavour.
- The concern: When cooked at high temperatures, nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are classified as probable carcinogens. The WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen (linked to colorectal cancer).
- Context: The cancer risk is dose-dependent. Occasional consumption is different from daily consumption. Many studies focus on high levels of processed meat intake.
- Regulatory status: Approved in the UK/EU with strict limits on how much can be used. EFSA has conducted safety reviews.
Other Ingredients
- Pork (84%) - The main ingredient. Higher meat content than many processed meat products.
- Pork Fat - Contributes to texture and flavour in salami-style products.
- Salt - Preservative and flavour. Peperami is high in salt (3.1g per 100g).
- Dextrose - A simple sugar used in the curing process and for flavour.
- Spices/Spice Extracts - For flavour. The specific spice blend is proprietary.
Nutrition Information
Typical values per 100g and per stick (25g):
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Stick (25g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1506kJ / 362kcal | 377kJ / 91kcal |
| Fat | 29g | 7.3g |
| - of which saturates | 11g | 2.8g |
| Carbohydrate | 2.0g | 0.5g |
| - of which sugars | 1.8g | 0.5g |
| Protein | 26g | 6.5g |
| Salt | 3.1g | 0.78g |
Nutritional Context
High protein: 26g protein per 100g makes it a protein-dense snack. High salt: One stick (25g) provides 13% of your daily salt reference intake (6g). High saturated fat: 11g per 100g is 55% of the daily reference intake per 100g.
Peperami vs Other Meat Snacks
How does Peperami compare to similar products?
| Product | Meat % | Additives | Salt/100g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peperami Original | 84% | 2 (E301, E250) | 3.1g |
| Mattessons Fridge Raiders | ~70% | 5+ | ~2.0g |
| Deli-style salami | Varies (60-95%) | Varies | 3-5g |
Peperami has a higher meat content than many competitors but is also higher in salt. It has fewer additives than some alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peperami made of?
Peperami Original is made from 84% pork, pork fat, salt, dextrose, spices, spice extracts, an antioxidant (E301), and a preservative (E250). It's a cured pork salami-style snack.
Does Peperami contain E-numbers?
Yes. Peperami contains E301 (Sodium Ascorbate) as an antioxidant and E250 (Sodium Nitrite) as a preservative. E301 is a form of vitamin C. E250 is standard in cured meats but is the subject of ongoing health discussions.
Is Peperami healthy?
Peperami is high in protein (26g per 100g) which can be useful for satiety. However, it's also high in salt (3.1g per 100g), saturated fat (11g per 100g), and contains sodium nitrite. As an occasional snack it provides protein, but like all processed meats, it's not recommended for daily consumption by most health guidelines.
Is Peperami gluten-free?
Peperami Original does not list any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the current packaging for allergen information as formulations can change.
Is Peperami keto-friendly?
With only 2g carbohydrate per 100g and high protein/fat content, Peperami fits within most ketogenic diet macros. However, the processed nature and sodium nitrite content means it may not align with "clean keto" approaches.
Can children eat Peperami?
Peperami is marketed as a snack suitable for lunchboxes. The main consideration is the high salt content - one stick provides 13% of an adult's daily salt limit. Children have lower salt requirements, so intake should be moderated.
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