Which contains more carcinogens luncheon meats or grilled meats?

In general luncheon meats contain more carcinogens than grilled meats. Luncheon meats are cured and/or processed meats and often contain added nitrates and nitrites both of which are known carcinogens. Additionally luncheon meats are also often smoked which can add even more carcinogens to the product. Grilled meats on the other hand do not typically contain added nitrates and nitrites and may not be smoked thus reducing the likelihood of carcinogen exposure.

To further compare the two meats the following table highlights the potential carcinogens in each:

• Luncheon Meats:
  • Added nitrates and nitrites
  • Smoke
  • High temperatures
• Grilled Meats:
  • High temperatures

For these reasons luncheon meats typically contain more carcinogens than grilled meats.