Turkey is a kitchen staple that can be used in everything from sandwiches to salads. But when buying sliced deli turkey, it can be tricky to know exactly how many slices you’ll get per pound. The number can vary based on several factors. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of how many slices to expect per pound of turkey based on slice thickness, turkey type, and other key considerations.
The Basics: Slices Per Pound
According to the USDA, a standard 2 ounce serving slice of deli turkey provides about 8 servings per pound. However, this number fluctuates based on the thickness of the slices. Here’s a general estimate:
- Thin sliced turkey: 16-20 slices per pound
- Medium sliced turkey: 12-16 slices per pound
- Thick sliced turkey: 8-12 slices per pound
Thinner slices result in more servings per pound, while thick cuts drastically reduce the count Consider your preferred thickness when estimating needed amounts
Key Factors That Impact Slices Per Pound
Several variables affect the number of slices yielded from a pound of turkey. Here are some of the most significant:
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Deli Slicing Equipment: Thinner blades produce more slices per pound than thicker blades. Hand-sliced can vary slightly from machine-sliced.
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Turkey Type: Turkey breast is leaner than dark meat. You’ll get fewer slices per pound of breast than the same weight of dark meat.
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Slice Thickness: As mentioned earlier, thin slices lead to a higher count per pound compared to thick slices.
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Additives: Some deli turkey contains added water or broth. More liquid weight means fewer slices per pound.
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Storage Method: Pre-packaged turkey that absorbs moisture will weigh more than freshly sliced.
Estimating Slices for Sandwiches
Deli turkey is commonly used for sandwiches. Here are some tips:
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A 2 ounce serving on a sandwich needs about 4 thin slices or 2 thick slices.
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Allow 2-3 sandwiches per person for a main meal.
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For party trays, plan on 4-6 slices per person.
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Pound for pound, dark meat yields fewer slices but provides juicier flavor.
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Lean thin sliced white breast meat is the most versatile.
Proper Storage for Deli Turkey
To safely store deli turkey:
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Refrigerate unopened packages as labeled and after opening.
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Slice just before assembling sandwiches to prevent drying out.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
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Discard if slimy or has an off odor.
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Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
Proper storage keeps deli turkey fresh and ready to use.
Healthy Serving Tips
While delicious, deli turkey does contain added sodium. Here are some healthy ways to enjoy it:
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Choose low-sodium options when possible.
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Limit higher-fat thick slices.
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Pair with fiber-rich whole grain bread.
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Fill sandwiches with plenty of veggies.
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Spread lightly with mustard instead of mayo.
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Measure 2-3 ounce portions to control serving sizes.
With some adjustments, deli turkey can be part of a nutritious diet.
The Bottom Line
The number of turkey slices per pound depends on the thickness, turkey type, and other factors like additives. For thin sliced turkey breast, expect 16-20 slices per pound. Thicker deli cuts yield 8-12 slices per pound. Follow proper storage and healthy serving tips to enjoy the convenience and flavor of sliced turkey without overdoing the sodium and saturated fat intake. Use this guide to determine just how many slices your meals and snacks require.
When it’s sliced thick or super thick, you can dice it and add it to:
- Salad
- Pizza
- Casserole
- Soup
- Snacks
Ask for your deli turkey sliced:
- Very Thin for delicious sandwich piled high with turkey
- Thin for a perfect party platter
- Not too bad for a sandwich with only two deli turkey slices.
- Thick for salads or pizza
- Super Thick for dicing into casseroles or snacking
I Saved $10 Per Pound On Deli Turkey Lunch Meat
FAQ
How many slices of turkey are in 1 pound?
How many people does 1 lb of deli meat feed?
How much sliced turkey for 10 sandwiches?
How much does 2 slices of turkey weigh?
How many slices in a pound of deli turkey?
That means if you order a pound of lunch meat, which is 16 ounces of meat, you should have 32 slices. How many servings in a pound of deli turkey? One lb AP provides about 10.0 1.6-oz servings of deli style turkey breast.
How do you calculate Turkey size?
turkey size = people × amount per person Start by multiplying the number of adults times 1 (or 1.5 if you want leftovers). Then multiply the number of children by .5. Finally, add the two numbers together. If the result is less than 12 pounds, then multiply by 1.5 since there will be a little less meat.
How many slices are in a pound of deli meat?
According to the FDA, a standard serving size for deli meat is 2 ounces. This means that one pound of deli meat, sliced sandwich style, typically yields around 8 servings. However, the actual number of slices per pound can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of meat. Factors Influencing Slices per Pound:
What size Turkey should I buy?
The happiest holiday memories are often made around the Thanksgiving table, with the turkey being the ultimate centerpiece! Thankfully (pun intended!), this chart will help you decide what size turkey to buy based on guest count. The general rule of thumb is one pound of turkey per adult and a half pound per child.
How much turkey breast should I serve per person?
There are a few other factors that you can take into account when calculating how much turkey breast you should serve per person. Adults and children typically eat a different amount. So if you have several young children attending dinner you might want to calculate 0.25 pounds of turkey meat per child.
How much deli turkey should I buy?
One pound of deli turkey makes 8 regular sandwiches (perfect for light lunches all week long) or 4 hearty sandwiches (great for dinner or a picnic). People often ask how much deli turkey to buy to create a meat tray or mini sandwiches for a party. As a general rule, to serve 25 people you should order 5 lbs.