Super source
Energy
309 kcal · 15% DV target
A smooth, emulsified Italian sausage characterized by its delicate pink hue and cubes of pork fat, mortadella offers a rich, silky mouthfeel and a dense profile of lipids and proteins.
Mortadella is a highly processed emulsified meat product that typically contains up to 30% fat, consisting primarily of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids .3
The lipid profile of traditional mortadella generally features a ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats that is lower than the 0.45 threshold recommended by the WHO to support cardiovascular health .6
As a processed meat, mortadella is categorized within dietary patterns that meta-analyses have consistently linked to increased risks of all-cause mortality and certain cancers .710
Early research into improving the nutritional profile of the sausage suggests that substituting animal fats with vegetable or marine oils can improve the fatty acid balance without compromising the product's characteristic texture .3
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
309 kcal · 15% DV target
16.0 g · 32% DV target
26.0 g · 33% DV target
9.71 g · 49% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
0.50 μg · 3% DV target
12.4 mg · 14% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep in original deli paper or airtight container
Texture may become slightly softer upon thawing
As a pork-based product, it carries a significant environmental footprint compared to plant proteins.
The name mortadella is believed to derive from the Latin word 'murtatum', referring to the use of a mortar and pestle to grind the meat into its signature fine paste.