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Bologna vs. Mortadella — What Is The Difference?

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Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on July 31, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel Article author photo Igor Bussel
Bologna sausage
vs
Mortadella

Summary

Bologna is richer in vitamins and minerals. It is lower in carbs, fats, and calories and has a lower glycemic index. 

On the other hand, Mortadella is richer in protein, calcium, and selenium but has higher sodium content.

Introduction

Bologna sausage is also known as baloney, polarizer, polony, devon, and fritz. It is a derivative of mortadella, usually made of pork meat and fat. Bologna sausage was derived from the mortadella, and it is said that it originated from the families that moved from Bologna to the United States.

Bologna sausage has a homogeneous form, one of its differences from mortadella. The meat, pork, and beef are mixed with fats and spices and emulsified. This product is then processed into the shapes of the bologna sausage.

On the other hand, mortadella is a delicacy that is made exclusively from pork meat. It originated in Bologna, Italy. Mortadella has been part of the Italian culinary world since the 14th century. Mortadella is made by curing ground pork meat; chunks of pork fat, black pepper seeds, and pistachio are added. On the contrary to bologna sausage, this mixture is not emulsified, thus giving the mortadella a heterogeneous form. Usually, 15% of the mortadella has to be pork fat chunks.

This article will compare bologna sausage to mortadella based on their nutritional content, weight loss and diets, and health impacts.

What is the actual difference?

Bologna sausage and mortadella are meat products that are mostly made of pork. However, bologna sausage can be prepared by processing beef, pork, or veal, whereas mortadella is solely prepared with pork.

There are differences between bologna sausage and mortadella. These differences vary among its origin, forms, price, shelf life, and taste, nutritional content, among other things.

The difference in origin is that bologna sausage is from the United States, and mortadella is from Bologna, Italy.

Taste

Mortadella has a more prosperous, fattier flavor than bologna sausage. Mortadella has a more delicate taste than Bologna; the spices and pork fat make the mortadella a more flavourful cold cut than the bologna sausage.

Form

The difference in form is that bologna sausage is homogeneous, whereas mortadella is heterogeneous with fat chunks, black pepper, and pistachio.

Shelf life

Both are cold cuts that require refrigeration. However, mortadella has a longer shelf life compared to bologna sausage. In its unopened condition, refrigerated mortadella can last up to 1 month compared to bologna sausage, which lasts 1-2 weeks. Mortadella, when opened and sliced, lasts up to 1 week.

Culinary world

Bologna sausage can be eaten in different ways. It could be the most straightforward lunch sandwich: white bread, Bologna, American cheese, and mustard, or add to a burger as a topping or topping to pizza.

On the other hand, mortadella is a more delicate cold cut, which can be eaten similarly to Bologna as part of a sandwich, or it can be added as a pizza topping to add a richer flavor profile. Mortadella can even be added to meat and cheese boards served with wine.

Nutrition

Glycemic Index

Bologna sausage and mortadella are categorized as low glycemic index foods. 

Bologna sausage has a glycemic index equal to 0. In comparison, mortadella has a higher glycemic index equal to 28.

Calories

Bologna sausage is lower in calories than mortadella. 

Bologna sausage contains 247 calories per 100g, while mortadella has 311 calories.

Carbs

Bologna sausage is lower in carbs compared to mortadella. Bologna sausage contains 0.7g of carbs, whereas mortadella contains 3g of carbs.

Fats

Bologna has lower fat content than mortadella. Bologna sausage contains nearly 20g of fats, of which 10g are monounsaturated, 3g are polyunsaturated, and 7g are saturated fats.

On the other hand, mortadella is higher in fats than Bologna; it contains 25g of fat, of which 11.3g are monounsaturated, 3.1g is polyunsaturated, and 9.5g is saturated.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains less Saturated Fat -28.1%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +16.9%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +48.1%
37% 52% 11%
Saturated Fat: 6.839 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.732 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 2.107 g
40% 47% 13%
Saturated Fat: 9.51 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.38 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 3.12 g
Contains less Saturated Fat -28.1%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +16.9%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +48.1%

Cholesterol

Bologna sausage and mortadella have similar amounts of cholesterol. Constituting nearly 16% of the daily recommended value.

Protein

Both are rich in proteins, although it is essential to mention that mortadella has a slightly higher protein content. In addition to that, both have a complete amino acid profile satisfying all essential amino acids.

Bologna sausage provides 15.3g of protein per 100g, and mortadella has 16.37g.

Mineral content

Bologna sausage is more affluent in phosphorus, copper, and potassium. In comparison, mortadella is richer in zinc and iron. One of the most essential features of their mineral profile is their sodium content. It is important to note that 300g of each surpasses the daily sodium requirement by 100% and more. Although no one usually consumes 300g of either, considering an average slice of 15g. Already two slices constitute more than 10% of the daily sodium intake. Mortadella contains higher amounts of sodium compared to bologna sausage.

We can see here the mineral charts.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Magnesium +27.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +43.3%
Contains more Potassium +72.4%
Contains less Sodium -27.2%
Contains more Copper +33.3%
Contains more Manganese +20%
Contains more Calcium +63.6%
Contains more Iron +81.8%
Contains more Selenium +78%
Equal in Zinc - 2.1
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 4% 29% 10% 60% 25% 119% 56% 27% 5% 70%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 6% 53% 8% 42% 15% 163% 58% 20% 4% 124%
Contains more Magnesium +27.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +43.3%
Contains more Potassium +72.4%
Contains less Sodium -27.2%
Contains more Copper +33.3%
Contains more Manganese +20%
Contains more Calcium +63.6%
Contains more Iron +81.8%
Contains more Selenium +78%
Equal in Zinc - 2.1

Vitamin content

Bologna sausage has a richer vitamin profile compared to mortadella. Bologna is richer in vitamins D, B1, B3, B5, and B6. In comparison, mortadella is richer in vitamins B2 and B12.

We can see here the vitamin charts.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin E +18.2%
Contains more Vitamin D +40%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +339.5%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +45.9%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +63.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +107.7%
Contains more Folate +66.7%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +97352.2%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +59.1%
Contains more Vitamin K +433.3%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 6% 42% 0% 131% 37% 74% 44% 63% 4% 117% 1%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 5% 30% 0% 30% 35308% 51% 27% 30% 3% 185% 4%
Contains more Vitamin E +18.2%
Contains more Vitamin D +40%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +339.5%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +45.9%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +63.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +107.7%
Contains more Folate +66.7%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +97352.2%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +59.1%
Contains more Vitamin K +433.3%

Diet and weight loss

Bologna sausage and mortadella are not recommended to be consumed during weight-loss diets. This is mainly due to their high amounts of fats and sodium.

Vegan

Bologna sausage and mortadella are excluded from the vegan diet. However, some vegan alternatives for bologna sausage are available. The vegan Bologna is usually made out of tofu cheese and other spices.

Keto

Bologna sausage and mortadella can be eaten on a keto diet. They are low in carbs and glycemic index and mostly made of protein and fats regarding their macronutrient composition. However, it is essential to mention that the sodium content should be considered while consuming these foods. In addition to that, mortadella and bologna sausage are usually associated with different condiments and toppings like mustard, mayo, ketchup, pickles, and cheeses. These all increase the levels of salt and sometimes carbs.

Health impacts

Cardiovascular Health and Diabetes

Like red meat, processed meat has adverse effects on the cardiovascular and overall metabolic systems. It is essential to mention that processed meat such as bologna sausage and mortadella has worse effects on the cardiovascular health and metabolic system than red meat itself. Consuming processed meat negatively affects cardiovascular health and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The main effectors of these problems are fats, trans fats, cholesterol, added sodium, and nitrates (1).

The nitrite levels in bologna sausage and mortadella are a significant risk factor for metabolic disorders. Nitrites and their metabolites are associated with different metabolic disorders, such as type 1 diabetes in children, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes in adults. Nitrites are usually added as preservatives in processed meats. (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Cancer

Often mortadella and bologna sausage are smoked with charcoal which increases polycyclic hydrocarbons, one of the leading causes of developing various types of cancer. Thus, avoiding consuming smoked meat is essential due to its increased cancer risks. (7)

Healthier alternatives

Vegan alternatives are present for bologna sausage, which is not based on processed meat; however, it is based on tofu. Tofu, a derivative of soya beans, is filled with phytoestrogens, which have pros and cons.

In addition, as a concern to public health, the meat industry is trying to find ways to reduce the nitrate, sodium, and fat levels present in processed meat, such as bologna sausage and mortadella. Improvements are being made in turning these foods healthier and reducing their cons in everyday diets. (8) (9)

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: July 31, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel

Infographic

Bologna sausage vs Mortadella infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Water +15.9%
Contains more Other +21.1%
Contains more Fats +27.8%
Contains more Carbs +317.8%
Equal in Protein - 16.37
15% 20% 61% 4%
Protein: 15.3 g
Fats: 19.87 g
Carbs: 0.73 g
Water: 60.6 g
Other: 3.5 g
16% 25% 3% 52% 3%
Protein: 16.37 g
Fats: 25.39 g
Carbs: 3.05 g
Water: 52.3 g
Other: 2.89 g
Contains more Water +15.9%
Contains more Other +21.1%
Contains more Fats +27.8%
Contains more Carbs +317.8%
Equal in Protein - 16.37

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Bologna sausage Mortadella
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar Equal
Lower in price Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Bologna sausage Mortadella Opinion
Net carbs 0.73g 3.05g Mortadella
Protein 15.3g 16.37g Mortadella
Fats 19.87g 25.39g Mortadella
Carbs 0.73g 3.05g Mortadella
Calories 247kcal 311kcal Mortadella
Calcium 11mg 18mg Mortadella
Iron 0.77mg 1.4mg Mortadella
Magnesium 14mg 11mg Bologna sausage
Phosphorus 139mg 97mg Bologna sausage
Potassium 281mg 163mg Bologna sausage
Sodium 907mg 1246mg Bologna sausage
Zinc 2.03mg 2.1mg Mortadella
Copper 0.08mg 0.06mg Bologna sausage
Manganese 0.036mg 0.03mg Bologna sausage
Selenium 12.7µg 22.6µg Mortadella
Vitamin E 0.26mg 0.22mg Bologna sausage
Vitamin D 56IU 41IU Bologna sausage
Vitamin D 1.4µg 1µg Bologna sausage
Vitamin B1 0.523mg 0.119mg Bologna sausage
Vitamin B2 0.157mg 153mg Mortadella
Vitamin B3 3.9mg 2.673mg Bologna sausage
Vitamin B5 0.72mg 0.44mg Bologna sausage
Vitamin B6 0.27mg 0.13mg Bologna sausage
Folate 5µg 3µg Bologna sausage
Vitamin B12 0.93µg 1.48µg Mortadella
Vitamin K 0.3µg 1.6µg Mortadella
Tryptophan 0.149mg 0.152mg Mortadella
Threonine 0.641mg 0.633mg Bologna sausage
Isoleucine 0.663mg 0.708mg Mortadella
Leucine 1.168mg 1.213mg Mortadella
Lysine 1.204mg 1.262mg Mortadella
Methionine 0.412mg 0.394mg Bologna sausage
Phenylalanine 0.585mg 0.598mg Mortadella
Valine 0.737mg 0.735mg Bologna sausage
Histidine 0.482mg 0.52mg Mortadella
Cholesterol 59mg 56mg Mortadella
Saturated Fat 6.839g 9.51g Bologna sausage
Monounsaturated Fat 9.732g 11.38g Mortadella
Polyunsaturated fat 2.107g 3.12g Mortadella

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Bologna sausage Mortadella
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
43%
Bologna sausage
2972%
Mortadella
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
40%
Bologna sausage
49%
Mortadella

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Mortadella
Mortadella is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 3mg)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Bologna sausage
Bologna sausage contains less Sodium (difference - 339mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Bologna sausage
Bologna sausage is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 2.671g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Bologna sausage
Bologna sausage is lower in glycemic index (difference - 28)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Bologna sausage
Bologna sausage is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Sugar?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sugar (0 g)
Which food is cheaper?
?
The foods are relatively equal in price ($)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Bologna sausage - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173856/nutrients
  2. Mortadella - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174573/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.