Bologna vs. Mortadella — What Is The Difference?
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.
Table of contents
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
Contains
less
Sat. FatSaturated Fat
-28.1%
Contains
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Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat
+16.9%
Contains
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Poly. FatPolyunsaturated 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
Contains
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MagnesiumMagnesium
+27.3%
Contains
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PotassiumPotassium
+72.4%
Contains
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CopperCopper
+33.3%
Contains
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PhosphorusPhosphorus
+43.3%
Contains
less
SodiumSodium
-27.2%
Contains
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ManganeseManganese
+20%
Contains
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CalciumCalcium
+63.6%
Contains
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IronIron
+81.8%
Contains
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SeleniumSelenium
+78%
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
Contains
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Vitamin E Vitamin E
+18.2%
Contains
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Vitamin DVitamin D
+40%
Contains
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Vitamin B1Vitamin B1
+339.5%
Contains
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Vitamin B3Vitamin B3
+45.9%
Contains
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Vitamin B5Vitamin B5
+63.6%
Contains
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Vitamin B6Vitamin B6
+107.7%
Contains
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FolateFolate
+66.7%
Contains
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Vitamin B2Vitamin B2
+97352.2%
Contains
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Vitamin B12Vitamin B12
+59.1%
Contains
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Vitamin KVitamin K
+433.3%
Contains
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CholineCholine
+32.7%
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)
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20479151/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7955990/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16413411/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18793627/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485378/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7020544/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21688801/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29197766/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24334039/
Infographic
Macronutrient Comparison
Contains more WaterWater | +15.9% |
Contains more OtherOther | +21.1% |
Contains more FatsFats | +27.8% |
Contains more CarbsCarbs | +317.8% |
Comparison summary table
Lower in Cholesterol | |||
Lower in Sodium | |||
Lower in Saturated Fat | |||
Lower in Glycemic Index | |||
Lower in Sugar | Equal | ||
Lower in price | Equal | ||
Rich in minerals | Equal | ||
Rich in vitamins | Equal |
All nutrients comparison - raw data values
Nutrient | Opinion | ||
Calories | 247kcal | 311kcal | |
Protein | 15.3g | 16.37g | |
Fats | 19.87g | 25.39g | |
Net carbs | 0.73g | 3.05g | |
Carbs | 0.73g | 3.05g | |
Cholesterol | 59mg | 56mg | |
Vitamin D | 56IU | 41IU | |
Magnesium | 14mg | 11mg | |
Calcium | 11mg | 18mg | |
Potassium | 281mg | 163mg | |
Iron | 0.77mg | 1.4mg | |
Copper | 0.08mg | 0.06mg | |
Zinc | 2.03mg | 2.1mg | |
Phosphorus | 139mg | 97mg | |
Sodium | 907mg | 1246mg | |
Vitamin E | 0.26mg | 0.22mg | |
Vitamin D | 1.4µg | 1µg | |
Manganese | 0.036mg | 0.03mg | |
Selenium | 12.7µg | 22.6µg | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.523mg | 0.119mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.157mg | 153mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 3.9mg | 2.673mg | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.72mg | 0.44mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.27mg | 0.13mg | |
Vitamin B12 | 0.93µg | 1.48µg | |
Vitamin K | 0.3µg | 1.6µg | |
Folate | 5µg | 3µg | |
Choline | 54.4mg | 72.2mg | |
Saturated Fat | 6.839g | 9.51g | |
Monounsaturated Fat | 9.732g | 11.38g | |
Polyunsaturated fat | 2.107g | 3.12g | |
Tryptophan | 0.149mg | 0.152mg | |
Threonine | 0.641mg | 0.633mg | |
Isoleucine | 0.663mg | 0.708mg | |
Leucine | 1.168mg | 1.213mg | |
Lysine | 1.204mg | 1.262mg | |
Methionine | 0.412mg | 0.394mg | |
Phenylalanine | 0.585mg | 0.598mg | |
Valine | 0.737mg | 0.735mg | |
Histidine | 0.482mg | 0.52mg |
Which food is preferable for your diet?
Low Calories diet | ||
Low Fats diet | ||
Low Carbs diet | ||
Low Glycemic Index diet |
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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
Comparison summary
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.
- Bologna sausage - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173856/nutrients
- 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.