We’ve all stood in the grocery store staring at that refrigerated section with dozens of packaged deli turkey options. Should you go cheap or premium? Does it really make a difference? After trying countless turkey sandwiches made with different brands, I can tell you—yes, it absolutely matters! Some packaged turkey tastes like actual turkey, while others… well, let’s just say they remind me more of rubber than meat. I’ve tried them all so you don’t have to waste your money on the duds, and ranked them from the ones to avoid to the very best.
Buddig turkey is rubbery and overly salty
If you’re on a super tight budget, you might be tempted by Buddig’s low price tag—but I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. The paper-thin slices stick together in a way that makes them nearly impossible to separate without tearing. When you finally get a slice free, you’ll notice it has a strange, almost rubbery texture that doesn’t resemble real turkey at all. The taste is overwhelmingly salty, which masks any actual turkey flavor that might be hiding underneath.
The ingredient list explains why it’s so far from the real thing—it contains mechanically separated turkey (a paste-like substance made from grinding bones with attached meat), along with numerous additives and preservatives. While it might work in a pinch for a very basic sandwich, there are much better options that don’t cost much more. The one positive is that it stays fresh for quite a while, but that’s because it’s so heavily processed that even bacteria might think twice before settling in.
Plumrose tastes more like ham than turkey
Plumrose turkey is another brand that falls short on delivering what turkey should taste like. When I first tried it, I was confused—it reminded me more of canned ham than actual turkey. The slices have that pressed and processed texture that doesn’t tear naturally like real meat. Instead, it breaks in straight lines that immediately signal this is far from the real thing. The color is also slightly off, with a pinkish hue that doesn’t match what turkey breast should look like.
The flavor is incredibly bland with an artificial sweetness that lingers unpleasantly. There’s very little actual turkey taste to be found. While the slices separate easily enough, they’re so thin that you need to use multiple layers to build a sandwich with any substance. For the price, you’d be much better off spending just a bit more for something that at least resembles turkey. If you do find yourself with a package, try adding strong-flavored condiments and toppings to mask the artificial notes.
Oscar Mayer has a strange sweetness
Oscar Mayer is a brand we all know from childhood, and while their hot dogs and bologna might be nostalgic favorites, their deli turkey leaves much to be desired. The first thing you’ll notice is the strange sweetness that borders on chemical-tasting. It’s not subtle either—it dominates the flavor profile in a way that makes you wonder if you’re eating turkey or some turkey-flavored candy. The slices are uniformly thin and perfectly round, which is convenient but doesn’t feel much like real turkey.
On the plus side, the slices separate easily without tearing, which makes sandwich assembly quick and painless. The texture is consistent if somewhat rubbery, and it works well enough in a pinch. Oscar Mayer’s Deli Fresh line claims to be a step up, but in a taste test, it still had that oddly sweet profile that doesn’t quite hit the mark. For kids who might not be picky about authentic turkey flavor, this might work fine, but adults looking for something that tastes like the real thing should keep looking.
Land O’Frost is watery but wallet-friendly
Land O’Frost sits firmly in the budget category of deli meats, and the turkey reflects that position. When you first open the package, you might notice the slices have a wet appearance, and that observation is confirmed when you take a bite. The turkey has a watery texture that doesn’t hold up well in sandwiches, especially if you plan to add moist ingredients like tomatoes. The flavor is mild to the point of being nearly undetectable, which might work if you plan to add lots of other powerful flavors.
Where Land O’Frost does shine is in its price point and availability. You can find it in almost any grocery store, often at a lower price than competitors. Their Black Forest turkey from the Bistro Favorites line is slightly better than their standard offering, with a bit more flavor and less watery texture. If you’re feeding a family on a budget and need to make a lot of sandwiches, this brand won’t break the bank. Just make sure to pat the slices with a paper towel before building your sandwich to remove some of the excess moisture.
Hillshire Farm has thin slices with decent flavor
Hillshire Farm offers turkey that’s a step up from the lowest-ranked brands, though it still has some drawbacks. The slices come in an easy-to-open and resealable container, which is a definite plus for keeping the meat fresh. The turkey itself comes in thin, oblong slices that work well for standard sandwich bread. Unlike some of the cheaper options, you can actually taste turkey here, though it does have a slightly salty, lightly smoked flavor that isn’t entirely natural-tasting.
The texture falls squarely in the “typical deli meat” category—not rubbery like cheaper brands, but not exactly like freshly sliced turkey either. It holds up reasonably well in sandwiches and doesn’t get watery over time. Hillshire Farm’s Premium Carved line does offer an improvement, with thicker, more moist slices that reviewers say resemble leftover Thanksgiving turkey. While not perfect, this is a solid middle-of-the-road option that balances price and quality, making it suitable for everyday sandwiches when you don’t want to splurge on premium brands.
Hormel natural choice needs better ingredients
Hormel Natural Choice markets itself as a healthier alternative with “100% natural” turkey breast, but the reality isn’t quite so simple. While the packaging proudly claims no artificial preservatives, a quick glance at the ingredient list reveals various starches, sugar, and carrageenan. These additives help maintain the texture and extend shelf life, but they also move this product further away from simply being turkey. The slices are of medium thickness with a uniform shape that fits nicely on sandwich bread.
The flavor is mild and inoffensive, though not particularly remarkable. It doesn’t have the artificial sweetness of some competitors, which is a plus. The texture is firm enough to hold up in a sandwich without falling apart. Where Hormel does excel is in its shelf life—it stays fresh longer than many competitors, which makes it convenient if you don’t make sandwiches every day. For a budget-friendly option that’s a step above the lowest-tier brands, Hormel Natural Choice is acceptable, particularly if you dress up your sandwiches with flavorful condiments and fresh vegetables.
Boar’s head is expensive but tastes more real
As we move into premium territory, Boar’s Head stands out as one of the most recognizable high-end deli meat brands. Their pre-sliced packaged turkey sits somewhere between fresh deli counter meat and typical processed deli meat. The slices are substantial—thick enough to provide a satisfying bite but not so thick that they dominate the sandwich. While the basic roasted turkey can be somewhat bland, it avoids the artificial flavors that plague cheaper brands, allowing the natural turkey taste to come through.
The biggest drawback to Boar’s Head is the price, which can be nearly twice as much as budget brands. Is it worth it? That depends on how much you value quality in your sandwich. Their specialty varieties, like the Salsalito Roasted Turkey, offer interesting flavor profiles that can elevate an ordinary sandwich. The texture is notably better than cheaper options, with a mouthfeel that more closely resembles real turkey. For those who can afford it and appreciate the difference, Boar’s Head is a solid choice, though there are a couple of brands that offer even better quality.
Smithfield makes hearty sandwiches possible
Smithfield offers a pleasant surprise in the world of packaged deli turkey. Their slices are notably large and thick, making them perfect for substantial sandwiches and wraps that won’t fall apart after the first bite. When building a hearty lunch, having turkey that can stand up to multiple ingredients without tearing is a game-changer. The flavor strikes a good balance—lightly salted without being overpowering, allowing the natural turkey taste to come through without the artificial notes common in lower-ranked brands.
While the ingredient list does include some sweeteners and thickeners, the overall result is a good balance between real meat and typical deli meat. It’s not as watery as cheaper options, which means your bread won’t get soggy before lunchtime. Smithfield offers a good middle ground between price and quality—not as expensive as the premium brands but noticeably better than budget options. In taste tests, it consistently ranks near the top for its combination of flavor, texture, and value, making it a smart choice for everyday sandwiches when you want something a cut above the ordinary.
Applegate naturals tops the list with simple ingredients
If you’re concerned about what goes into your deli meat, Applegate Naturals offers a refreshing change from the typical ingredient lists full of additives. Their oven-roasted turkey contains just turkey breast, water, salt, potato starch, turkey broth, and rosemary extract—ingredients you can actually pronounce and might even have in your kitchen. This simplicity translates to a clean, natural flavor that tastes like turkey should. It’s lightly salted with none of the artificial sweetness or chemical aftertaste common in lower-quality brands.
The slices are on the smaller side, but they’re sturdy enough for hearty sandwiches and roll-ups without tearing. The main downsides are the smaller package size and higher price point compared to conventional brands. However, for those prioritizing quality ingredients and natural flavor, the premium is worth it. Applegate’s commitment to meat raised without antibiotics and minimal processing makes it a standout choice for health-conscious consumers. For the best turkey sandwich experience without going to the deli counter, Applegate Naturals is hard to beat—though our top pick edges it out by a narrow margin.
Dietz & Watson tastes like fresh-cooked turkey
In the world of packaged deli turkey, Dietz & Watson stands head and shoulders above the competition by achieving what seems impossible—turkey that actually tastes like turkey. The flavor is clean and light, reminiscent of what you’d carve off a home-cooked bird rather than something shaped and pressed in a factory. It doesn’t have the overly salty or sweet profile that many competitors use to mask the processed nature of their products. The slices are a good size for sandwiches and substantial enough to satisfy without needing to pile on multiple layers.
While the ingredient list isn’t as short as Applegate’s, the quality of the turkey itself shines through despite the presence of some additives. The texture strikes an ideal balance—moist but not watery, firm but not rubbery. In multiple taste tests, Dietz & Watson consistently earns top marks for its authentic flavor and superior texture. The Black Forest Smoked variety offers a subtle smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural turkey taste. Although it comes at a premium price point, the difference in quality is immediately apparent from the first bite, making it well worth the extra cost for anyone serious about their sandwiches.
Now that you know which packaged deli turkey brands deserve a place in your shopping cart, you can make better sandwich choices. Remember that the best brand for you depends on your priorities—budget, ingredients, or taste. Even the top-ranked options have their downsides, whether it’s price or availability. But if you want turkey that actually tastes like turkey, Dietz & Watson and Applegate Naturals are worth seeking out for your next sandwich masterpiece.
