For High-Quality Store-Bought Bologna, Grab This Century-Old Brand

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Bologna may have a reputation as one of the most processed "mystery meats", but not all brands make their bologna ingredients such an enigma. So if you're worried about what you're actually eating when you bite into a bologna sandwich, you might want to look for a well-regarded brand. We compiled a list of store-bought bologna brands with high-quality ingredients. They tend to offer freshness and minimal chemical additives and processing, differentiating themselves from popular yet less gourmet bologna brands like Oscar Meyer. And one such high-quality bologna brand is Troyer's Trail bologna, from a century-old business whose family recipe for bologna dates back to 1912.

Originating in Ohio's Amish country, Troyer's Trail Bologna Inc is in its fourth generation as a family-owned business. The company produces an all-beef bologna, sourced from U.S. raised and processed beef. The original family recipe is the foundation for Troyer's fresh and spicy flavored bologna which has expanded to include the classic ring-style bologna, deli-sandwich style, cheddar cheese, and hot pepper cheese bologna. The company claims its bologna contains only natural ingredients, with no fillers, which they say is backed up by USDA inspection. As per USDA regulations, an "all-natural" seal requires that meat products contain no artificial ingredients, added colors, and are minimally processed. It does still contain preservatives, however, like much processed meat. The company still makes and smokes its bologna in the Amish country at a quaint factory with a general store, grocery store, and cheese shop attached. Of course, you can also buy Troyer's Trail bologna products at national chains like Walmart.

Customers who have been to Troyer's country store and meat counter as well as customers from Sam's Club and on Reddit were all highly complimentary of the trail bologna. In fact, we couldn't find a negative review of the bologna on any sites. Troyer's received a 4.8 out of 5 stars from Sam's Club customers who deemed it "the best" and a nostalgic "taste of Ohio." One customer said they "love the extra large circumference of the trail. Can't find it anywhere else." Others noted the meat's versatility as it tastes great boiled or fried. Many customers on Reddit said that it's a staple meat they grew up eating as snacks atop club or Ritz crackers with a slice of Swiss or cheddar cheese. A Yelp review of Troyer's Trail Bologna proclaims that it's "one of a kind. Very lean and tasty."

For a more grown-up snack, a Redditor recommends adding hot pepper mustard to bologna to pair with the Swiss cheese and Ritz cracker combination. The cheddar and jalapeño bologna would make for a delicious deli-style sandwich to garnish with hot mustard or chipotle mayo, more cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Slice the ring bologna into rounds to serve on your next charcuterie board or as an easy mortadella swap to elaborate a focaccia sandwich with pistachio cream.