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Last reviewed: 2026-09-03 • Editorial Standards

Deli Meats Ranked by Purine Content

Evidence-based comparison — data from USDA+ODS-NIH PURINE DATABASE Release 2 (March 2025)

Lowest Purine Deli Meats

#1corned beef46.9 mg
#2luncheon meat (unspecified)58.3 mg
#3Pressed ham64.4 mg
#4ham, pressed and boneless types69.4 mg
#5Boneless ham74.2 mg
#6ham style vegetarian slices, from mycoprotein117.5 mg
#7prosciutto (parma ham)138.3 mg
#8shishamo with roe, half-dried149.6 mg
#9Shishamo with roe149.6 mg
#10luncheon meat, turkey, ready-to-eat235.2 mg

Highest Purine Deli Meats

#11luncheon meat (unspecified)58.3 mg
#10Pressed ham64.4 mg
#9ham, pressed and boneless types69.4 mg
#8Boneless ham74.2 mg
#7ham style vegetarian slices, from mycoprotein117.5 mg
#6prosciutto (parma ham)138.3 mg
#5Shishamo with roe149.6 mg
#4shishamo with roe, half-dried149.6 mg
#3luncheon meat, turkey, ready-to-eat235.2 mg
#2luncheon meat, ham, ready-to-eat250.4 mg

Category Average: 123.1 mg/100g

The average across 11 Deli Meats foods with lab-measured data. Foods below this average are better-than-typical choices within this category.

How to Use This Ranking

The purine ranking is sorted from lowest to highest. Rank #1 is the lowest-purine food in the category. Foods in the top half (above median) should be consumed with more awareness of portion and frequency. The difference between adjacent ranks varies: in some categories, rank #5 and #10 might be only 10 mg apart; in others, the gap can be 100+ mg. Always check the actual milligram value, not just the position. Rankings do not account for fructose or alcohol — use individual food pages for a complete risk assessment.

ACR 2020 Guideline Context

The American College of Rheumatology recommends that gout patients focus on purine awareness rather than complete food group elimination. Within any category, there is a wide purine range. The goal is to shift toward lower-purine choices within categories you already eat, rather than eliminating entire food groups. This ranking helps you identify which specific items to prioritize and which to limit.

Japanese guidelines recommend under 400 mg of total dietary purines per day. Using this ranking, you can estimate how much of budget each food uses per typical serving.

How This Comparison Is Built

This comparison scores every food on three independent axes — purine content, fructose, and alcohol. Purine figures rely on the USDA+ODS-NIH PURINE DATABASE Release 2 (March 2025) and Kaneko et al. (Biol Pharm Bull 37(5):709-721, 2014, PMID: 24553148); fructose data comes from USDA SR28. Ratings follow ACR 2020: Safe when purine is under 50 mg and fructose under 2 g with no alcohol, Moderate between these, Avoid beyond, or whenever alcohol appears. Per-food data quality is flagged T1 (lab-measured), T2 (measured plus consensus), or T3 (category estimate).

This comparison is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual tolerance to purines and fructose varies. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. Last reviewed: 2026-09-03.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are deli meats bad for gout?
Deli meats are moderate in purines and, like other processed meats, have been associated with higher gout risk in cohort studies. Among 11 deli meats with measured values, the lowest options include corned beef at 46.9 mg/100g. Turkey and lean ham run lower than bologna and salami; the bigger issue is portion and frequency, plus the sodium load.
Which deli meat is lowest in purines?
The lowest-purine deli options in our database include corned beef at 46.9 mg/100g and luncheon meat (unspecified) at 58.3 mg/100g. Sliced turkey breast and lean ham are reasonable lunch choices a few times a week; pair them with whole grains and vegetables rather than chips and soda.
Is sliced turkey good for gout?
in moderation. Sliced turkey breast is a lean, moderate-purine protein that fits a gout-friendly lunch — among our measured deli meats it sits near the low end at around 46.9 mg/100g. Watch added sodium and skip the sugary dressings; plain turkey on wholegrain bread with veg is a solid default.
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References

• ACR 2020 Guideline for the Management of Gout
• USDA+ODS-NIH PURINE DATABASE Release 2, March 2025
• Kaneko K, et al. Biol Pharm Bull 37(5):709-721, 2014. PMID: 24553148

Medical Disclaimer: This website provides informational content only and does not constitute medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03