The Absolute Best Bologna At The Deli Is From A Respected Brand

Deli bologna makes for the perfect lunchtime treat. While some may be stuck questioning what type of meat bologna actually is, others are at the deli counter ready to be wooed by this nostalgic comfort food. When we ranked seven bologna brands to see which would earn the top spot, the most delicious bologna at the deli came out to be Boar's Head Beef Bologna.

The rankings were based on the bologna's ability to shine all on its own — without crackers or condiments — in order to properly judge which had the best taste. Boar's Head unfortunately experienced some quiet spells in 2024, possibly because of an outbreak of listeria in its products in July (which was declared over in November), and it seemed that nobody had purchased the brand's bologna from the deli we visited in a while. However, it completely stole the show with an elevated taste that featured the right amount of smokiness and flavor to keep you wanting another slice.

Boar's Head is a brand that prides itself on top quality delicatessen produce, which may differ from what you'd expect from bologna. The brand's beef bologna is enjoyed by those who crave an experience that is smooth and free of ground up bones and other textural inconsistencies. It differs from the mixed, blended bologna with a texture that is much more dry and has a concentrated taste. This smoother experience is part of what elevates the bologna from others in the rankings and sets it apart as one of the fancier options at the deli counter. 

Boar's Head bologna can be enjoyed by all members of the family, satisfying both picky kiddos and hungry adults — which is not aways an easy balance to strike with bologna. Some ways to enjoy the all-beef bologna is within a smoky bologna sandwich or an All-American grilled cheese. You could also build an expert-approved charcuterie board by slicing up some of the smoky bologna and pairing it with cheese, hummus, crackers, olives, or other in-season fruits and spreads. While several shoppers are still on the fence about returning to Boar's Head bologna products following the food safety concerns from the listeria outbreak, others are pleased with the commitment to rich and flavorful bologna. Lovers of tender beef and spiced bologna will want to try it out the next time a trip to the local deli is on the cards.