Bologna is a type of processed sausage, traditionally made from a mixture of finely ground meat, fat, seasonings, and other ingredients. Depending on the brand and country, the recipe can vary significantly.

Most bologna commonly contains:

Meat: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination
Fat: helps give it its smooth, soft texture
Salt and seasonings: such as pepper, garlic, coriander, or other spices
Water or ice: often added during processing
Binders/fillers: ingredients such as starch or other proteins may be used
Preservatives: some varieties use curing agents such as sodium nitrite
Smoke flavoring or smoking: depending on the product

The meat is usually finely emulsified, meaning it is processed into a very smooth mixture before being stuffed into a casing and cooked.

One important point: bologna isn’t necessarily made from “mystery meat.” The exact ingredients are listed on the package, and different products can have very different recipes. Some are made entirely from one type of meat, while others use a combination.

Also, traditional Italian mortadella and American-style bologna are related but are not the same product.