Is Salami Keto Friendly? (Yes, Here’s Why)


Is Salami Keto

The ketogenic diet can be hard to follow because it has quite a few restrictions. You need to consume either under 50 grams or less than 10% of your calories through carbohydrates. While that can be difficult, many people can stick to it due to the motivating weight loss results! If you are considering the keto diet or are already utilizing it, it is essential to know precisely what you can and cannot eat to keep your body in a state of ketosis. Your meals will consist primarily of fatty meats and fish, nuts and seeds, oils, and other low-carb food sources.

Salami is keto-friendly. The average serving contains zero to two grams of carbohydrates per serving. This means that you would have to consume vast amounts of the salami for it to break you out of a state of ketosis. The best keto alternatives are Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon, Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, and Brami Keto Garlic & Rosemary Dip.

In this article we will discuss the nutritional value and different varieties of salami, as well as other keto alternatives. Let’s dig in!

Is Salami Healthy?

While salami is not the worst meat option, it is typically very processed. The number of ingredients in salami is very dependent on the brand and flavoring. Some salamis use alcohol in their recipes, as well.

Nitrates and nitrites are common ingredients in salami to help with preservation and extending shelf life. However, there is some controversy around these two compounds, as they may cause health problems. They can create an acidic environment in the stomach, which can lead to conditions as serious as bowel cancer.

On the positive side, salami is relatively low in calories per serving. While it depends on the brand, salami does tend to have a decent amount of protein and minimal sugar. In addition, the grams of carbohydrates per serving are usually very low, making this meat an excellent option for anyone on the keto diet.

Salami Nutritional Facts

Foustman’s Pork Fennel & Pepper All-Natural Uncured Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total fat: 4.5g
  • Total carbohydrate: 1g
  • Total sugars: <1g
  • Protein: 7g

These are the ingredients in the Pork Fennel & Pepper All-Natural Uncured Salami:

  • Pork 
  • Sea salt
  • Pinot Grigio wine
  • Contains less than 2% of: cane sugar, spices, natural flavoring, garlic, lactic, and starter culture

Foustman’s Turkey San Francisco Style All-Natural Uncured Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 70
  • Total fat: 3g
  • Total carbohydrate: 1g
  • Total sugars: <1g
  • Protein: 7g

These are the ingredients in the Turkey San Francisco Style All-Natural Uncured Salami:

  • Turkey (dark meat)
  • Sea salt
  • Wine
  • Contains less than 2% of: cane sugar, spices, natural flavoring, garlic, lactic, and starter culture

Foustman’s Pork Cabernet Wine All-Natural Uncured Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total fat: 4.5g
  • Total carbohydrate: 1g 
  • Total sugars: <1g
  • Protein: 7g

These are the ingredients in the Pork Cabernet Wine All-Natural Uncured Salami:

  • Pork
  • Sea salt
  • Cabernet sauvignon wine
  • Contains less than 2% of: cane sugar, spices, natural flavoring, garlic, lactic, and starter culture

Volpi Genoa Salame

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 130
  • Total fat: 11g
  • Total carbohydrate: <1g 
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 6g

These are the ingredients in the Genoa Salame:

  • Pork
  • Sea salt
  • Sugar
  • Spices
  • Natural flavoring
  • Starter culture

Volpi Traditional Peppered Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 130
  • Total fat: 11g
  • Total carbohydrate: <1g 
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 6g

These are the ingredients in the Traditional Peppered Salami:

  • Pork
  • Sea salt
  • Sugar
  • Pepper
  • Natural flavoring
  • Garlic
  • Starter culture

Columbus Craft Meats Cacciatore Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 110
  • Total fat: 8g
  • Total carbohydrate: 0g 
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 8g

These are the ingredients in the Cacciatore Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Sherry wine
  • Spices
  • Fresh garlic
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Rosemary extract
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrate

Columbus Craft Meats Calabrese Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 90 
  • Total fat: 7g
  • Total carbohydrate: 2g 
  • Total sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 6g

These are the ingredients in the Calabrese Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Nonfat dry milk
  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Wine
  • Red pepper
  • Spices
  • Chili pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Sodium nitrate 

Columbus Craft Meats Crespone Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 110
  • Total fat: 8g
  • Total carbohydrate: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 8g

These are the ingredients in the Crespone Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Sherry wine
  • Spices
  • Fresh garlic
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Rosemary extract
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Sodium nitrate

Columbus Craft Meats Felino Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 110
  • Total fat: 8g
  • Total carbohydrate: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 8g

These are the ingredients in the Felino Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Sherry wine
  • Spices
  • Fresh garlic
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrate

Columbus Craft Meats Finocchiona Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 100
  • Total fat: 7g
  • Total carbohydrate: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 8g

These are the ingredients in the Finocchiona Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Sherry wine
  • Spices
  • Fresh garlic
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Rosemary extract
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrate

Columbus Craft Meats Genoa Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total fat: 6g
  • Total carbohydrate: 1g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

These are the ingredients in the Genoa Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Wine
  • Spices
  • Dextrose
  • Garlic
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Rosemary extract
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Sodium nitrate

Columbus Craft Meats Hot Sopressata Salami

Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):

  • Calories: 90
  • Total fat: 6g
  • Total carbohydrate: 1g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

These are the ingredients in the Hot Sopressata Salami:

  • Pork
  • Salt
  • Corn syrup
  • Chile de Arbol
  • Wine
  • Sugar
  • Paprika
  • Spices
  • Dextrose
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Lactic acid starter culture
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Sodium nitrate

Healthy Keto Alternatives to Salami Products

Salmon

Chicken of the Sea Wild Catch Alaskan Salmon

Chicken of the Sea Wild Catch, 100% Natural Alaskan Salmon, 4.5oz Cups (8 Pack) - Keto and Paleo, Gluten Free, High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids & Protein High in omega-3s and protein, this salmon is a great nutritious alternative to salami!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 110
  • Total fat: 1.5g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 23g

Ingredients:

  • Pink salmon
  • Water
  • Sea salt

Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon

Wild Planet, Wild Pink Salmon, No Salt Added, 6 Ounce This salmon is a great choice, as it has no salt and is sustainably caught in Alaska!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 60
  • Total fat: 1g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 12g

Ingredients:

  • Wild pink salmon

Veggie Dip

Naya Roasted Red Pepper Cauliflower Dip

Naya Foods Cauliflower Roasted Red Peppers Dip & Pita Chips. 0g Sugar | Vegan, Mediterranean, Non-Perishable, Shelf-Stable, Low Carb, Low Calorie | 4.75oz (Variety, 6 Count) Add this tasty dip to a sandwich, or use it as a dip for some veggies to have a healthy keto snack!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 60
  • Total fat: 5g
  • Total carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients:

  • Cauliflower
  • Sesame paste
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Olive oil
  • Dried onion
  • Garlic
  • Sea salt
  • Herbs and spices
  • Citric acid

Brami Keto Garlic & Rosemary Dip

BRAMI BEANS Garlic & Herb Beans, 5.3 OZ This brand carries numerous flavors that are all vegan, keto, and Mediterranean!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 50
  • Total fat: 4g
  • Total carbohydrates: 2g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients:

  • Lupini beans
  • Water
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Garlic
  • Sea salt
  • Lime juice from concentrate
  • Rosemary
  • Spices 

Tuna

Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 O, (Pack of 48) With 0 grams of carbs per serving, this tuna can be consumed regularly on the keto diet!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 70
  • Total fat: 0.5g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 17g

Ingredients:

  • Light tuna
  • Water
  • Vegetable broth
  • Salt 

Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, Wild Caught, Solid Light, 5 oz. Can (Pack of 8) With no sugar or carbohydrates, and a ton of protein per serving, this tuna is a great option!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 210
  • Total fat: 11g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 29g

Ingredients:

  • Solid light yellowfin tuna
  • Olive oil
  • Salt 

Chicken

Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Breast

Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Breast, 5 Ounce (Pack of 12) High in protein with no carbohydrates, Wild Planet’s chicken is a healthy sandwich filler!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 60
  • Total fat: 1g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 12g

Ingredients:

  • Organic chicken breast

Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast

Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, 12.5 oz (6) This canned chicken comes extra lean and with a high amount of protein!

Nutrition Info:

  • Calories: 60
  • Total fat: 1g
  • Total carbohydrates: 0g
  • Total sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast meat
  • Water
  • Seasoning (salt, modified food starch, sodium phosphates, chicken broth, natural flavors)

Final Thoughts

Salami can be consumed on the ketogenic diet due to its meager amount of carbohydrates per serving. While salami is processed and not very healthy, it is also a decent choice for protein, calories, and sugar.

There are numerous brands and flavors, giving you many options to pick from. If you want to try a different keto-friendly replacement for salami, you could try chicken breast, veggie dip, tuna, or salmon!

Related Questions

Is Salami Dairy-Free?

Some salami products contain dairy, such as nonfat dry milk.

Is Salami Gluten-Free?

Depending on how processed the salami is, it may contain gluten ingredients.

Is Salami Kosher?

Salami can be kosher, depending on the brand.

Is Salami High In Cholesterol?

The average slice of salami contains 11 mg of cholesterol.

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Christine VanDoren

Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym, hiking, painting, and learning how she can influence others through positivity!

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