Quick answer: Boar's Head Deluxe Roast Beef wins on sodium and simplicity. London Broil wins on bold flavor and protein-to-calorie ratio. Your sandwich, your call.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Deluxe Roast Beef | London Broil |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (2 oz) | 90 | 70 |
| Protein | 15g | 12g |
| Sodium | 80mg | 310mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 25mg |
| Seasoning style | Salt, pepper, garlic | Salt, dextrose, spice, onion, garlic |
| Typical price | $18–$21/lb | $19–$21/lb |
Figures reflect the 2 oz (56g) nutrition label for each product's standard SKU. Sources: ShopRite, Stop & Shop.
What Is Boar's Head Deluxe Roast Beef?
Deluxe Roast Beef starts with a cap-off top round cut. Boar's Head calls it USDA Choice.
The seasoning stays basic on purpose. It uses only salt, pepper, and garlic, then roasts the meat whole.
- Cut: Cap-off top round
- Grade: USDA Choice
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic coating only
- Texture: Firm, lean, easy to slice thin
- Flavor profile: Mild, savory, slightly peppery
Boar's Head has made this recipe since the company started in 1905. That's over a century of the same simple formula.[1]
What Is Boar's Head London Broil?
Here's a fact most articles skip. "London Broil" is not a cut of beef at all.
It started as a cooking method: marinate, broil, then slice thin against the grain.[2] Grocery stores later slapped the name onto top round or flank steak. Boar's Head does the same thing with its deli version.
- Cut used: Cap-off top round (same base cut as the Deluxe)
- Seasoning: Salt, dextrose, maltodextrin, spice, onion, garlic, natural flavor
- Added ingredients: Sodium phosphate, vinegar, sugar, beef broth
- Texture: Slightly softer, more moisture-retentive
- Flavor profile: Sweeter, more savory-umami, onion-forward
The extra ingredients aren't filler. Sodium phosphate helps the meat hold moisture during slicing.[3]
Nutrition Face-Off: The Real Numbers
Both meats come from a similar cut. The nutrition gap comes down to processing, not the cow.
| Nutrient (per 2 oz) | Deluxe Roast Beef | London Broil |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat | 3g | 3g |
| Saturated fat | 1g | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| Potassium | 180mg | Not listed on label |
Source: ShopRite product nutrition panel, London Broil.
Sodium: The Real Difference
This is where the two products stop being twins. London Broil carries almost four times the sodium of Deluxe Roast Beef, per serving.
Federal Dietary Guidelines recommend adults cap sodium at 2,300mg a day.[4] One serving of London Broil already eats up 13% of that budget.
- Deluxe Roast Beef: 80mg sodium = 3% of daily value
- London Broil: 310mg sodium = 13% of daily value
- Stack two sandwiches worth of London Broil and you're near 30% of your daily sodium, from meat alone
Neither number is scary on its own. But if you're watching blood pressure, the gap matters.
Flavor and Texture: The Fun Part
Nutrition panels don't explain why your sandwich actually tastes good. Let's fix that.
- Deluxe Roast Beef tastes like roast beef is supposed to taste. Clean, peppery, honest. No surprises, no drama.
- London Broil tastes rounder and a touch sweeter, thanks to the dextrose and onion in the coating. It's the deli meat equivalent of a friend who over-seasons everything but somehow makes it work.
- Texture-wise, London Broil holds a little more moisture, so it feels slightly less "dry" on white bread.
- Deluxe Roast Beef slices thinner without tearing, which matters if you're building a stacked sandwich.
Price and Value
Retail prices for both hover close together, generally between $18 and $21 per pound depending on the store and region.[5]
- Neither product is the "budget" option in the Boar's Head lineup
- Price differences usually come from the retailer, not the recipe
- Buying shaved or thin-sliced versions doesn't change the per-pound cost
Health Considerations Worth Knowing
Let's talk about the elephant in the deli case. Both products fall under "processed meat."
The World Health Organization's cancer research arm (IARC) classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2015. That's based on sufficient evidence linking it to colorectal cancer.[6] Each 50g eaten daily was linked to an 18% higher colorectal cancer risk in that review.
Context matters here, so let's keep it fair:
- Group 1 means strong evidence of a link exists, not that risk equals smoking or asbestos
- Occasional deli sandwiches carry a very different risk profile than daily processed-meat habits
- Choosing the lower-sodium, simpler-ingredient option (Deluxe Roast Beef) is a reasonable middle ground if you eat deli meat often
On food safety specifically: Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat in July 2024 after a listeria outbreak.[7] The company traced the root cause to a single Virginia plant that made liverwurst only, then permanently closed that facility and discontinued liverwurst.[7] Roast beef and London Broil were not identified as the contamination source.
Best Uses for Each
Neither meat is a one-size-fits-all pick. Match the meat to the sandwich.
- Deluxe Roast Beef pairs well with horseradish, sharp cheddar, and simple lettuce-tomato builds
- London Broil works better with bolder additions like caramelized onion or spicy mustard
- Both benefit from the right onion choice — if you're building a hearty sandwich, our guide on which onion works best for beef-forward sandwiches and burgers covers that pairing in detail
- Low-sodium diets should default to Deluxe Roast Beef
- Bold-flavor lovers should default to London Broil
Which One Actually Wins?
There's no single winner here, and that's the honest answer. It depends on what you're optimizing for.
- Choose Deluxe Roast Beef if: you want lower sodium, a shorter ingredient list, and classic roast beef flavor
- Choose London Broil if: you want a punchier, onion-forward taste and don't mind the sodium trade-off
- Choose either if: you're eating deli meat occasionally rather than daily
For everyday sandwiches and sodium-conscious eaters, Deluxe Roast Beef is the safer default. For weekend indulgence sandwiches, London Broil earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boar's Head London Broil the same cut as Deluxe Roast Beef?
Yes, largely. Both typically start from cap-off top round. The seasoning and processing create the real difference, not the cut itself.[3]
Which one is healthier?
Deluxe Roast Beef has less sodium and a shorter ingredient list. It's the better pick if sodium is your main concern.[4]
Does "London Broil" mean anything specific?
Not really. It's a cooking and slicing method, not a defined cut of beef, according to standard reference sources.[2]
Was Boar's Head roast beef part of the 2024 recall?
No. The recall's root cause was traced to a single plant that only produced liverwurst, which the company has since discontinued.[7]
Can I eat deli meat every day?
Health authorities generally recommend limiting processed meat intake rather than eating it daily, based on the IARC review.[6] Occasional consumption carries lower relative risk than daily habits.
Sources
- Boar's Head brand history and product details. ShopRite
- Merriam-Webster and Wikipedia definitions of "London Broil" as a preparation method. Merriam-Webster
- Boar's Head London Broil ingredient label. ShopRite
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans sodium recommendation, 2,300mg/day. Iowa State University Extension
- Retail pricing samples. ShopRite
- IARC Monographs Programme, WHO. Processed meat classification, October 2015. UICC summary of IARC findings
- Boar's Head 2024 listeria recall and plant closure coverage. FOX6 News
Quick answer: Boar's Head Deluxe Roast Beef wins on sodium and simplicity. London Broil wins on bold flavor and protein-to-calorie ratio. Your sandwich, your call.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Deluxe Roast Beef | London Broil |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (2 oz) | 90 | 70 |
| Protein | 15g | 12g |
| Sodium | 80mg | 310mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 25mg |
| Seasoning style | Salt, pepper, garlic | Salt, dextrose, spice, onion, garlic |
| Typical price | $18–$21/lb | $19–$21/lb |
Figures reflect the 2 oz (56g) nutrition label for each product's standard SKU. Sources: ShopRite, Stop & Shop.
What Is Boar's Head Deluxe Roast Beef?
Deluxe Roast Beef starts with a cap-off top round cut. Boar's Head calls it USDA Choice.
The seasoning stays basic on purpose. It uses only salt, pepper, and garlic, then roasts the meat whole.
- Cut: Cap-off top round
- Grade: USDA Choice
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic coating only
- Texture: Firm, lean, easy to slice thin
- Flavor profile: Mild, savory, slightly peppery
Boar's Head has made this recipe since the company started in 1905. That's over a century of the same simple formula.[1]
What Is Boar's Head London Broil?
Here's a fact most articles skip. "London Broil" is not a cut of beef at all.
It started as a cooking method: marinate, broil, then slice thin against the grain.[2] Grocery stores later slapped the name onto top round or flank steak. Boar's Head does the same thing with its deli version.
- Cut used: Cap-off top round (same base cut as the Deluxe)
- Seasoning: Salt, dextrose, maltodextrin, spice, onion, garlic, natural flavor
- Added ingredients: Sodium phosphate, vinegar, sugar, beef broth
- Texture: Slightly softer, more moisture-retentive
- Flavor profile: Sweeter, more savory-umami, onion-forward
The extra ingredients aren't filler. Sodium phosphate helps the meat hold moisture during slicing.[3]
Nutrition Face-Off: The Real Numbers
Both meats come from a similar cut. The nutrition gap comes down to processing, not the cow.
| Nutrient (per 2 oz) | Deluxe Roast Beef | London Broil |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat | 3g | 3g |
| Saturated fat | 1g | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| Potassium | 180mg | Not listed on label |
Source: ShopRite product nutrition panel, London Broil.
Sodium: The Real Difference
This is where the two products stop being twins. London Broil carries almost four times the sodium of Deluxe Roast Beef, per serving.
Federal Dietary Guidelines recommend adults cap sodium at 2,300mg a day.[4] One serving of London Broil already eats up 13% of that budget.
- Deluxe Roast Beef: 80mg sodium = 3% of daily value
- London Broil: 310mg sodium = 13% of daily value
- Stack two sandwiches worth of London Broil and you're near 30% of your daily sodium, from meat alone
Neither number is scary on its own. But if you're watching blood pressure, the gap matters.
Flavor and Texture: The Fun Part
Nutrition panels don't explain why your sandwich actually tastes good. Let's fix that.
- Deluxe Roast Beef tastes like roast beef is supposed to taste. Clean, peppery, honest. No surprises, no drama.
- London Broil tastes rounder and a touch sweeter, thanks to the dextrose and onion in the coating. It's the deli meat equivalent of a friend who over-seasons everything but somehow makes it work.
- Texture-wise, London Broil holds a little more moisture, so it feels slightly less "dry" on white bread.
- Deluxe Roast Beef slices thinner without tearing, which matters if you're building a stacked sandwich.
Price and Value
Retail prices for both hover close together, generally between $18 and $21 per pound depending on the store and region.[5]
- Neither product is the "budget" option in the Boar's Head lineup
- Price differences usually come from the retailer, not the recipe
- Buying shaved or thin-sliced versions doesn't change the per-pound cost
Health Considerations Worth Knowing
Let's talk about the elephant in the deli case. Both products fall under "processed meat."
The World Health Organization's cancer research arm (IARC) classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2015. That's based on sufficient evidence linking it to colorectal cancer.[6] Each 50g eaten daily was linked to an 18% higher colorectal cancer risk in that review.
Context matters here, so let's keep it fair:
- Group 1 means strong evidence of a link exists, not that risk equals smoking or asbestos
- Occasional deli sandwiches carry a very different risk profile than daily processed-meat habits
- Choosing the lower-sodium, simpler-ingredient option (Deluxe Roast Beef) is a reasonable middle ground if you eat deli meat often
On food safety specifically: Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat in July 2024 after a listeria outbreak.[7] The company traced the root cause to a single Virginia plant that made liverwurst only, then permanently closed that facility and discontinued liverwurst.[7] Roast beef and London Broil were not identified as the contamination source.
Best Uses for Each
Neither meat is a one-size-fits-all pick. Match the meat to the sandwich.
- Deluxe Roast Beef pairs well with horseradish, sharp cheddar, and simple lettuce-tomato builds
- London Broil works better with bolder additions like caramelized onion or spicy mustard
- Both benefit from the right onion choice — if you're building a hearty sandwich, our guide on which onion works best for beef-forward sandwiches and burgers covers that pairing in detail
- Low-sodium diets should default to Deluxe Roast Beef
- Bold-flavor lovers should default to London Broil
Which One Actually Wins?
There's no single winner here, and that's the honest answer. It depends on what you're optimizing for.
- Choose Deluxe Roast Beef if: you want lower sodium, a shorter ingredient list, and classic roast beef flavor
- Choose London Broil if: you want a punchier, onion-forward taste and don't mind the sodium trade-off
- Choose either if: you're eating deli meat occasionally rather than daily
For everyday sandwiches and sodium-conscious eaters, Deluxe Roast Beef is the safer default. For weekend indulgence sandwiches, London Broil earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boar's Head London Broil the same cut as Deluxe Roast Beef?
Yes, largely. Both typically start from cap-off top round. The seasoning and processing create the real difference, not the cut itself.[3]
Which one is healthier?
Deluxe Roast Beef has less sodium and a shorter ingredient list. It's the better pick if sodium is your main concern.[4]
Does "London Broil" mean anything specific?
Not really. It's a cooking and slicing method, not a defined cut of beef, according to standard reference sources.[2]
Was Boar's Head roast beef part of the 2024 recall?
No. The recall's root cause was traced to a single plant that only produced liverwurst, which the company has since discontinued.[7]
Can I eat deli meat every day?
Health authorities generally recommend limiting processed meat intake rather than eating it daily, based on the IARC review.[6] Occasional consumption carries lower relative risk than daily habits.
Sources
- Boar's Head brand history and product details. ShopRite
- Merriam-Webster and Wikipedia definitions of "London Broil" as a preparation method. Merriam-Webster
- Boar's Head London Broil ingredient label. ShopRite
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans sodium recommendation, 2,300mg/day. Iowa State University Extension
- Retail pricing samples. ShopRite
- IARC Monographs Programme, WHO. Processed meat classification, October 2015. UICC summary of IARC findings
- Boar's Head 2024 listeria recall and plant closure coverage. FOX6 News
