7 Best Salami Brands in 2024
Salami is a beloved cured meat that is a staple in many deli counters and kitchens around the world. With its rich, flavorful taste and unique texture, it is no wonder why so many people love it.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Characteristics | Price Range | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeatCrafters | Premium quality, natural, gluten-free | $$ | Full Review |
| Foustman’s | All-natural, handcrafted, variety of flavors | $$ | Full Review |
| Fortuna’s | Slow-cured, gluten-free, allergen-friendly | $$ | Full Review |
| Margherita | High-quality meats, traditional Italian recipe | $$ | Full Review |
| Dan the Sausage Man | Premium quality, unique flavors, dietary friendly | $$ | Full Review |
| Fiorucci | Italian tradition, variety of flavors, gluten-free | $$ | Full Review |
| Creminelli | Authentic recipes, natural pork, versatile | $$$ | Full Review |
Different types, flavors, and styles can add an extra dimension to your charcuterie boards or snacks – from classic Italian dry-cured specialties to traditional smoked sausages, there’s something here for every palate.
What are the best salami brands? MeatCrafters, Foustman’s, Fortuna’s, Margherita, Dan the Sausage Man, Fiorucci, and Creminelli all have unique offers that can satisfy a wide range of tastes and occasions.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to each brand’s featured products so that no matter what style of salami you prefer, you can find the freshest, most flavorful options!
What Is Salami?
First, let’s talk about the basics – what is salami? In simple terms, salami is a type of cured meat that is made from ground pork, beef, or a combination of the two.
It is typically seasoned with a mixture of spices, such as garlic, fennel, and black pepper, and then left to dry and cure for several weeks or even months.
The end result is a delicious, flavorful, and slightly tangy meat that is perfect for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or even just as a snack on its own.
There are many different types of salami, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For example, Italian salami is famously made with wine and has a spicy, tangy taste, while Spanish salami is often smoky and garlicky in flavor.
There are also regional variations, such as Hungarian salami, which is often made with paprika and has a smoky, sweet taste.
The process of making salami can also vary depending on the specific type of salami being made, but the basic steps typically involve grinding the meat, mixing it with spices and other seasonings, stuffing it into casings, and then letting it dry and curing for up to a few months.
Some salami makers also use natural casings, such as intestines, which can add to the overall flavor and texture of the meat.
Salami is a common offer on a charcuterie board, alongside other cured meats, cheeses, and crackers. It is also delicious in sandwiches or wraps, either on its own or paired with other ingredients like arugula, roasted red peppers, or mustard.
Some people even use salami as a pizza topping, adding it to a traditional tomato sauce and cheese pizza for an extra burst of flavor.
Different Types of Salami
Let’s explore the different types of salami and their unique characteristics.
1. Italian Salami
Italian salami is one of the most popular types of salami worldwide. It is made from pork and seasoned with garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Italian salami is cured for several weeks or even months, resulting in a tangy and robust flavor. Some popular varieties include Genoa, pepperoni, and Toscano.
2. Spanish Salami
Spanish salami is another popular type of salami with its own set of unique characteristics.
Spanish salami, or chorizo, is made from coarsely ground pork and seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and spices. It is then hung to dry and aged for several months, resulting in a bold and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with Spanish wine and cheese.
3. French Salami
French salami, or saucisson, is a dry-cured sausage made from pork and flavored with wine, garlic, and spices.
French salami is often sliced thin and served as an appetizer or used as a topping for pizza or salads. It has a milder flavor compared to other types of salami, making it a great option for those who prefer mild flavors.
4. German Salami
German salami is a fermented and smoked sausage made from pork and seasoned with coriander, caraway, and garlic.
It is typically aged for several weeks, resulting in a slightly tangy and smoky flavor. Some popular varieties of German salami include Krakauer, Thuringer, and Landjäger.
5. Hungarian Salami
Hungarian salami, or kolbász, is a spicy cured sausage made from pork and seasoned with paprika, garlic, and pepper.
It is usually aged for several weeks and has a smoky and spicy flavor that pairs well with beer and mustard.
7 Best Salami Brands
If you want to dive into the world of salami, here are the seven best salami brands that you can find.
1. MeatCrafters
MeatCrafters is a popular meat shop that offers the finest quality and delicious meat products, including salami.
MeatCrafters Salami is made with premium quality meat blended with unique spices and ingredients that are hand-picked and locally sourced.
The salami is 100% Natural, Gluten-Free, No Nitrates, and No Nitrates added – perfect for meat lovers who prefer healthy and clean meat options. They do not use any artificial colors or flavors, making it a safe and healthy option for the whole family.
Making salami is both an art and a science, and MeatCrafters masters both. Their expert craftsmen use traditional methods to craft tasty meat products.
Every batch is carefully handcrafted, giving their salami a distinct flavor that makes it unique compared to other brands in the market. Their experienced artisanal butchers take pride in producing batches of the highest quality that ensure consistency and flavor.
As a result, their salami has a delicious and authentic taste and flavor that will excite your taste buds. Their salamis are seasoned to perfection, ensuring the best aroma and flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you like your salami spicy or mild, they’ve got you covered. They have an extensive range of salamis to choose from, each with a distinct flavor. From the spicy Calabrese to the classic French-style Saucisson Sec, every bite is a treat.
2. Foustman’s
Foustman’s is a small business based in California, and they take pride in their work. By choosing to buy Foustman’s salami, you’re not only getting a quality product, but you’re supporting the livelihood of a family-owned business.
Foustman’s salami is made with all-natural ingredients, which means no artificial additives, preservatives, or chemicals.
All the spices and herbs used in their recipe are carefully sourced, and the meat used is pork that is raised without antibiotics or hormones. This not only makes for a better-tasting product but also a healthier option.
One of the highlights of Foustman’s salami is its variety of flavors. They offer classic flavors like traditional Italian, chorizo, and pepperoni, as well as unique options like Jalapeño, black pepper, and wild fennel.
Foustman’s has been producing quality charcuterie for years, and it shows in its craftsmanship. Each salami is handcrafted in small batches, giving them the attention they deserve.
They are slowly cured over time with a natural fermentation process, which allows the flavors to develop fully.
3. Fortuna’s
Fortuna’s salami use only the best cuts of pork and beef, and every ingredient is carefully sourced to ensure the highest quality. All their salami is slow-cured, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.
Fortuna’s salami comes in a variety of flavors that are sure to satisfy any palette. Whether you prefer something spicy or mild, there is a flavor for everyone. Some of their most popular flavors include hot soppressata, sweet soppressata, and pepperoni.
Fortuna’s traditional process of making salami involves manual labor, and every step of the process is carefully monitored to ensure that each salami is the best it can be.
Fortuna’s salami is also gluten-free and allergen-friendly, making it a great choice if you have dietary restrictions. Additionally, their salami contains no artificial flavors, fillers, or preservatives.
4. Margherita
Margherita Salami is a trusted brand that has been around for over a century. They have built a reputation for providing high-quality, delicious salami to families all over the world.
Margherita Salami is made from high-quality, hand-selected meats. They use only the best beef and pork, and their salami is free from any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This ensures that you are getting a product that is not only delicious but also healthy.
Margherita Salami is made using an age-old Italian recipe handed down from generation to generation. They have been perfecting the art of salami making for over 100 years, and they use only the finest seasonings to create a unique and delicious flavor.
The traditional recipe ensures that you are getting an authentic Italian experience with each bite. In addition, Margherita Salami offers a variety of options to choose from. Their salami comes in different flavors and sizes, so you can find what you need.
Dan the Sausage Man
The quality of meat used to make the salami is one of the reasons why Dan the Sausage Man’s salami stands out in the market. They use premium quality meat that is fresh and free of hormones and antibiotics.
The company sources the meat from trusted farms, ensuring that they get the best quality meat to make their salami. This translates to a better taste, the perfect texture, and long-lasting shelf life.
Dan the Sausage Man offers a wide selection of salami, including traditional, gourmet, exotic, and even vegan options. This means that there is something for everyone, whether you are a meat lover or vegan.
When it comes to salami, the flavor is everything, and Dan the Sausage Man knows this too well. The company creates unique flavor profiles that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
They blend different spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors. Some of the popular flavors include Spicy Pepper, Garlic, and Classic Salami.
For those with dietary restrictions, Dan the Sausage Man’s salami is an ideal choice. They use gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients in their salami-making process, making it safe for people with intolerance or allergies.
Plus, there is no use of fillers or artificial preservatives, so you can be sure of what you are eating.
Fiorucci
What makes Fiorucci stand out among other salami brands is its deep sense of tradition and authenticity.
With over 160 years of experience in crafting salami, Fiorucci has mastered the process of selecting only the highest quality meats and ingredients to create such a perfect blend of flavor.
A product that has been crafted in such a way just cannot be compared to the kind of salami from other brands that opt for mass production.
Fiorucci offers a wide variety of flavors that cater to everyone’s taste preferences. If you love spicy food, then try their spicy salami, or if you prefer a salty bite, then their classic Milania Salami would be perfect.
They also have options for those who want a unique flavor, like their honey ham, which has a sweet and succulent taste.
The ingredients utilized in the production of their salami are of the highest quality. From the meat and spices to other ingredients, everything is carefully selected and consistently regulated.
They strictly adhere to the Italian standards for producing salami, ensuring that the ingredients used are directly from the heart of Italy. Fiorucci’s reputation for using superior meat and ingredients is what makes eating salami from this brand a notable experience.
Fiorucci salami is gluten-free and contains no MSG, having only 100% natural ingredients. It is also low in carbohydrates and contains no artificial preservatives, making it an excellent choice for healthful eating.
Creminelli
Creminelli Salami is made using authentic recipes and techniques straight from Italy. The founder, Cristiano Creminelli, comes from a family of salami makers in Italy and has brought their knowledge and methods to the United States.
Each salami is not only delicious but also full of heritage and tradition that traces back centuries. The result is a product that tastes like it was made in the rolling hills of Tuscany, no matter where you bite into it.
Another reason to buy Creminelli Salami is the quality of the ingredients used in each product. Their salami is made using 100% natural pork sourced from heritage pigs that are raised without hormones or antibiotics.
On top of that, the brand uses no nitrates or nitrites in its products, making them a healthier choice than many other salamis out there. This commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability is what sets Creminelli apart from the rest.
Creminelli Salami comes in a variety of flavors and shapes to suit any palate or occasion. Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors like Prosciutto or Sopressata or more unique options like Barolo or Casalingo, there is a Creminelli Salami that will fit your tastes.
The various shapes and sizes of the salami also make them a versatile choice for everything from soft sandwiches to charcuterie boards.
What to Know When Buying Salami
If you plan to buy salami, here are some things you should know.
Quality of the Meat
The quality of the meat used to make salami is critical. Ideally, salami should be made from high-quality beef, pork, or veal.
Look for salami with marbling, which is a significant indicator of quality meat. High-quality meat means better texture, richer flavor, and better taste compared to the meat of lower quality.
Expiration Date
Always check the expiration date of the salami before making a purchase. Salami has a longer shelf life than most meats, thanks to its curing and drying process. However, it is essential to know when the salami will expire to ensure you consume it before it goes bad.
Ingredients
It is good practice to read the ingredient list on the package of the salami you plan to buy. Knowing the ingredients helps you to identify any possible allergens or unwanted additives.
Some brands might use artificial flavors, fillers, or preservatives in their salami. Choose a brand that uses natural ingredients and is transparent about its process.
Storage
It is essential to store your bought salami properly to retain its quality and taste. Ideally, salami should be stored in a cool, dry place like the pantry or the fridge.
If storing in the fridge, ensure that it’s wrapped in plastic and stored in the cheese compartment. While salami doesn’t need to be stored at refrigerator temperature, putting it in the fridge increases its freshness and makes it last longer.
