How Much Protein is in Turkey Breast Lunch Meat?

Turkey breast lunch meat is a nutritious and protein-packed staple for sandwiches, wraps, salads and more. But exactly how much protein does deli turkey breast contain? Let’s take a closer look at the protein content as well as other nutrition facts for this convenient and tasty lunchbox item.

Turkey Breast Nutrition Overview

Turkey breast lunch meat that you purchase pre-packaged from the deli offers impressive nutrition in every serving. Here are some of the main benefits:

• High in protein – Excellent source of lean protein to support muscle growth and maintenance.

• Low in fat – Typically contains less than 1 gram of fat per serving. Much lower than fattier deli meats like bologna or salami.

• Provides key nutrients – Good source of niacin, selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.

• Low calorie – With around 50 calories per 2 ounce serving, it fits into a healthy weight loss diet

• Versatile – Easy to enjoy in sandwiches wraps, on salads pizza and more.

Protein Content of Turkey Breast Lunch Meat

The main nutrition highlight of turkey breast deli meat is its high protein content per serving.

A typical 2 ounce serving (about 4-5 thin slices) contains 21 grams of protein.

This supplies 42% of the recommended daily protein intake. The daily value is based on a 2000 calorie diet.

To put it another way, turkey breast contains about 10.5 grams of protein per 1 ounce. It packs more protein punch than most other deli meats.

How Protein Benefits Your Health

Eating high protein foods like turkey breast lunch meat offers several benefits:

• Builds and repairs muscles and tissues
• Provides lasting energy since protein takes longer to digest
• Keeps you feeling full and satisfied after meals
• Can help boost calorie burn and metabolism
• Supports bone health by preserving lean muscle mass as we age

Getting enough protein is especially important for active individuals, growing children, pregnant or nursing women, and older adults.

Selecting High Quality Deli Turkey

To get the most nutrition from your turkey breast lunch meat, look for:

• Minimal ingredients. Ideally just turkey breast meat and salt.

• No added nitrates or nitrites. These preservatives are tied to negative health effects.

• Low sodium options. Many turkey cold cuts are high in sodium.

• Organic and antibiotic-free. For the cleanest choice.

• Leaner white meat rather than dark turkey meat. White meat is lower in fat.

Enjoying Turkey Breast Lunch Meat

There are endless ways to enjoy the convenience, nutrition and great taste of turkey breast deli slices:

• Classic turkey sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomato and mustard or mayo

• Roll up in a whole wheat tortilla with veggies for a turkey wrap

• Add to a chef’s salad or eat alongside fresh fruit and veggies

• Top a pizza with turkey instead of higher fat meats like pepperoni

• Stuff into a pita pocket along with hummus and shredded carrots

So next time you shop for lunch meats, choose protein-packed turkey breast. With 21 grams of satisfying protein per 2 ounce serving, it will keep you full and fueled up all day long.