16 Dietz & Watson Deli Meats, Ranked

I am a fan of deli meats as a convenience option, but I certainly haven't tried all the brands and options out there. So I was eager to niche down and try Dietz & Watson's deli meats. I found a pretty wide selection at Albertsons, picked up a small portion of each, and took them home to taste. Despite being thin slivers of meat, they all have unique flavors and textures. I was looking for a delicious, balanced slice that delivered on its advertised flavor profile and offered great texture and versatility.

This list covers various forms of meat, including ham, turkey, chicken, and beef. Some are relatively classic sandwich staples, while others may require a little planning for how you want to eat them. Once I reached the tasty, flavorful options toward the upper part of the ranking, I considered whether I wanted to come back for another slice or buy again. Your sandwiches don't have to be boring with some of these top deli meats.

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary based on region. 

I can appreciate the alluring charm of maple; it has a comforting, almost-caramelized sweetness. But the execution of this Maple & Honey Uncured Honey Ham, priced at $14.99 per pound, isn't too enticing. Although it contains both honey and maple syrup, which is totally great, it still tastes funky and manufactured. If anything, I thought it tasted like maple flavor, likely due to the natural flavors used. 

The meat itself is sweet but not too sugary, so the maple aroma and the flavor appeared mismatched. This may not be widely appreciated, as the added flavors and aromas could be off-putting. I wasn't a big fan of the overall execution here and wasn't too keen to grab another slice. For me, this is an easy last-place pick.

Unlike Maple & Honey Uncured Honey, this Dietz & Watson Black Forest Ham, priced at $14.99 per pound, isn't as strong. That's saying something, since Black Forest ham is often boldly flavored. However, not to contradict myself, this ham is still strongly flavored compared to most other items on this list, so you have to be a fan of that really smoky, salty flavor to like it. It would work well if you were trying to upgrade the flavor of a Cuban sandwich or in other applications, as long as you are aware of its smoky strength. 

It definitely has somewhat of an acquired taste, and you need to be strategic about how you use it. You have to be in the mood for a very smoky and salted ham and cheese sandwich. I wouldn't reach for this too often as a daily sandwich meat, for example.

Given the Black Forest Ham's ranking, it only makes sense that the turkey version, which is also priced at $14.99 per pound, is placed at the bottom of the list as well. You can expect a similar salty, smoky profile; though it's not quite as intense, it's still noticeable. For one, the Black Forest Smoked Turkey Breast has 390 milligrams of sodium per 2-ounce serving, compared to 480 milligrams in the ham. This is a significant difference and totally affects the overall flavor and enjoyability. 

Though this is also Black Forest-inspired, I think the turkey breast's overall texture is a little more palatable. It falls between dry and moist, but it's considerably easier to chew. The ham, on the other hand, was a smidge chewier and more rubbery. I'd swing for the turkey occasionally but wouldn't add it to my deli meat rotation.

I actually like smoked turkey and meats, but as with the Black Forest iterations, you have to find a balance where the smoke isn't the only thing you can taste. The mesquite smoke flavor in the Dietz & Watson Mesquite Smoked Turkey Breast, priced at $14.99 per pound, was strong and upfront, but not as overpowering as the Black Forest meats. As I chewed, I could get a bit of the turkey flavor too, which is a plus. I can appreciate the flavor balance, but the general smoky intensity makes it less appealing for wide use. 

If I were making a sandwich, I might use 50/50 Mesquite Smoked Turkey Breast and regular turkey breast to tone down the flavor. Of course, this boils down to personal preference because some of the folks who have tried this product actually enjoy the smoked flavor and find it kind of mild. This is actually the turning point in the ranking where the items get progressively better, and the next option has a more well-rounded flavor and intrigue. 

Roast beef is something I enjoy, so I thought the Medium Cooked Trimmed & Tied Roast Beef, priced at $16.99 per pound, might rank higher. The flavor is totally good (more interesting than the Mesquite Smoked Turkey), but not excellent. It's complex and has a distinct beef flavor that sets it apart from the lower-ranked ham and turkey. It is salty and flavorful, with an appropriate beefiness I would associate with, well, roast beef. 

However, I find this Dietz & Watson product a bit dry. I could feel myself actively trying to chew the slice, since it was stringy. I can see myself purchasing it again, particularly if it's on sale or if I'm pining for a roast beef sandwich. I got every deli meat for this ranking sliced into sandwich-style thinness, and I think anything thicker would be far too chewy and dry.

I meant to get the Dietz & Watson Mortadella with Pistachios, but I purchased the non-pistachio Plain version instead for $12.99 per pound. That mistake is on me, but the overarching flavor is still on Dietz & Watson. This processed meat uses pork and pork fat to create a very fatty, almost rubbery-textured deli meat — so you'll want to get a thinner cut. This option is considerably chewier than the previous products, but it still has an interesting flavor to back it up. 

There's some pork flavor, a bit of garlic, and other random spices and salt to make it somewhat more dynamic. Of course, this kind of flavor and texture can set it back, which is why it's placed in the bottom half of the ranking. I ate mortadella with pistachios a lot growing up, so I have a soft spot for it, but this is still not the most enticing deli meat from the brand. I could finish a slice and may reach for it over the roast beef, but I wouldn't want to eat several slices in a sandwich or on a snack platter.

As a food writer, I definitely have preferences, but I always approach taste tests with an open mind. I had doubts about the Buffalo Style Chicken Breast, priced at $13.99 per pound, but it actually won me over with its great taste. The chicken itself, while not what I would describe as "juicy," is still really flavorful and has more moisture than the mortadella. The spices really shine through here and almost marble the meat. The deli meat did a lot better than I was expecting (I definitely thought it would be at the tail end of the ranking).

While I wouldn't reach for this all too frequently, it would impart a noticeable flavor on anything. Some of the flavorings include cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, tomato powder, and vinegar. There's even some butter flavor from cream and butter extract to help deliver on the main ingredients that Buffalo sauce is known for. I don't necessarily pick up a butter flavor, but at least it doesn't overpower the meat.

I'm always down for a rotisserie chicken, but this Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast, priced at $13.99 per pound, doesn't exactly taste like one. That's not to say it doesn't taste good, but I'm not getting the rotisserie chicken vibe. Instead, it tastes a little peppery, salty, and seasoned. No matter, this is still a flavorful and tasty store-bought deli meat. I like the thin slicing, but it's a bit tough to get it out of the wrapper, and it completely falls to bits. You will be hard-pressed to get a full slice out without it turning into shredded chicken, which was a little inconvenient. 

The flavor is pleasant, and the meat is approachable. However, it just falls so much toward the middle because it's not really memorable. It's enjoyable enough to rank over the Buffalo Style Chicken Breast, and at least it doesn't have any major problems. You can't really go wrong with it either; you will find plenty of use for it in sandwiches, pinwheels, roll-ups, and snack platters.

This Oven Roasted Homestyle Turkey Breast, priced at $14.99 per pound, is the deli meat you buy for its sheer versatility. I think it would be particularly good in a tomato basil pinwheel, where it'll meld with the other ingredients without being too bold. It still has meaty poultry notes without being offensive. The saltiness gives it a nice flavor, and it's approachable enough to pair with many items. I enjoy the moist texture and that the slices stay intact for the most part. 

I rate this pretty highly because it is easy to use, tasty, and generally approachable. Sliced turkey breast is usually one of my go-tos, and this Dietz & Watson product is one of the better ones. I have had some turkey that is slimy or too chewy, and this has a great texture; I even prefer its slightly moister consistency over the Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast. While it's perfectly nice, I must admit it's a hair more boring than the following higher-ranking options.

For whatever reason, I don't typically purchase deli chicken, but this Gourmet Chicken Breast, available for $13.99 per pound, impressed me. The chicken has the perfect texture; it's not woody, chewy, or packed with tendons. It is succulent and easy to eat (minus the considerable shredding that occurs when removing it from the bag). I would buy this again and can think of so many ways to use it in my kitchen. 

I found myself coming back to this one above anything else thus far. It fares well because it hits all my criteria: an enjoyable, salty flavor, tons of uses, and a fantastic texture. Part of me was going to rank this meat even higher based on that, but there are still a few options with more intriguing flavors. Even so, don't let that stop you from getting this; I will absolutely purchase it again.

I can't wait to purchase this $16.99-per-pound Pastrami again. It makes it easier and more affordable to make a pastrami sandwich at home compared to ordering one out. It's a dense meat, so the thin sandwich cut is likely the best option (if not an even thinner slice). This is backed by some reviewers who regret getting their meat cut thicker. I think slice thickness could play a big part in your overall enjoyment and potentially give you a negative textural experience. 

It has a peppery, smoky, salty flavor that I enjoyed enough to outweigh the Gourmet Chicken Breast's relative blandness. The ingredient list only notes that it is "coated with spices," but it does call out garlic powder and natural smoke flavor. This would be fantastic in many sandwiches, but it is very distinct, so I probably wouldn't reach for it on every occasion.

Dietz & Watson's Top Round London Broil Roast Beef, sold at $16.99 per pound, is the lower-ranking Medium Cooked Trimmed & Tied Roast Beef's more charming relative. The London Broil version tastes considerably more succulent. It's easier to bite into and isn't as chewy. Its beefy flavor sets it apart, and it's seasoned with dried beef stock, garlic powder, and pepper. There's also a bit of lemon juice, and something called "grill flavor," but it's mellower than the pastrami — which I find beneficial.

Everything comes together to create a tasty deli meat that is easy to nibble on. It's surely great on a sandwich, but it'd be perfect on a roast beef and horseradish crostini, as it offers enough flavor to compete with the zingy horseradish. You only need a slice or two to feel satisfied, and the thin slices make it easier to snack on. 

I loved the Top Round London Broil Roast Beef, but I find this Homestyle Black Pepper Turkey Breast, priced at $14.99 per pound, more adaptable. It pairs with any number of dishes, and the pepper also makes it way more interesting than a plain variety. Pepper is not the most interesting flavoring to use, but it clearly shows how simple spices can still enhance a dish. The exterior has a peppery bite that's earthy and ever-so-slightly spicy. 

This would be a Dietz & Watson product I would be happy to return to, and it's my top turkey pick among all the versions I tried. The flavor keeps it interesting, but it is not so pungent or potent that its uses are limited. It would be a perfect mix-in for scrambled eggs, bringing a natural pepperiness into the dish. The texture is moist but not wet, which I can appreciate.

I'm (surprisingly) not very familiar with capocolla, so I can't tell you how Dietz & Watson's Hot Capocolla, priced at $14.99 per pound, fares in the world of capocolla. However, among the deli meats I tried in this ranking, the Hot Capocolla was a joy to eat. At first, the pieces seem quite fatty, with a mildly chewy texture — nowhere near as delicate as turkey or chicken. I can't give details on what makes it "hot," as the ingredient list only mentions flavoring, but the hint of heat comes at the very end of the bite.

It's not particularly spicy, but it has a little burst of flavor that makes the deli meat interesting. This rises to the top of the ranking for its wonderful taste but ultimately stays in third place because I'm not really keen to eat several slices due to the salt content. It's a worthy meat to add to an Italian sub and it also works in anything from pasta to salad. I'd also wager it'd be better sliced even thinner.

Salami is not mind-blowing meat, but this Dietz & Watson Hard Salami, priced at $12.99 per pound at my local Albertsons, is really easy to devour — a critical criterion in my ranking. It's delicious, with a deeply salty, savory taste and a slightly peppery tinge. It is fatty but smooth and a delight to eat. Despite the thinner sandwich cut, it's still somewhat thick compared to other salamis I've had. It feels appropriate, though, given how large the meat slice's circumference is.

It can work in any number of sandwich pairings. However, I have to place it second. While I appreciate a good charcuterie, this is my runner-up simply because there's only so much salami I can eat. I would typically pair it with other meats rather than eat several slices on its own. It is hard to know how this would stack up against other salami brands, but it's one of the best Dietz & Watson meats I tried.

I went back and forth debating how to place the top picks. The salami was great and delightfully unique, but if I had to pick one option that has it all, the award goes to Rosemary Seasoned Ham, priced at $14.99. The aromatic rosemary is unique; it's pleasant and somewhat earthy, making the ham anything but boring. It enhances the bite, but it's nowhere near overwhelming — even my toddler pointed it out as a favorite. 

I could see this being a go-to for just about any sandwich. But it would pair well with various condiments too, playing into the tang of mustard or the creaminess of mayo. The Hard Salami and Hot Capocolla are stars and need complementary ingredients that don't take away their sparkle. And yet, the Rosemary Ham isn't as run-of-the-mill as the turkey breast or chicken. The ham has a bit more bite than the poultry picks and offers a slightly more intriguing mouthfeel. I found myself going back for another slice of it — the ultimate compliment.

My massive order of deli meat raised some questions when I placed it at Albertsons, as I was told they'd never seen anyone order so many types of meat in one visit. Not only that, but I was told to enjoy my Scooby-Doo sandwich, which I thought was pretty funny but also a good idea. I tried all the meats in one day, ripping off a piece of each variety. I then tried everything again the next day just to solidify my thoughts and see if I needed any clarity on certain flavor profiles or textures. 

I was mostly seeking the best-tasting deli meat; of course, this ultimately boils down to one's personal taste. Still, I tend to like a balanced deli meat that delivers on its advertised flavors without being overwhelming. For example, if it's supposed to be peppered or smoked, those flavors should be discernible but not so powerful that I can't enjoy the actual meat itself. I also considered the general versatility of use and texture; I was looking for something with a pleasant, moist mouthfeel. I did not want something overly watery, dry, or rubbery. Once I reached a point where all the meats were flavorful and tasty, I had to incorporate another factor — cravability — and how likely I was to eat more than one slice. I then ranked them from worst to best based on those criteria.