Processed meat
From the YapSpan Longevity Wiki · Updated 2026-10-01
Processed meat is meat that has been preserved or flavoured by curing, salting, smoking or adding chemical preservatives. Common examples are bacon, ham, sausages, hot dogs, salami and many deli meats. Most processed meat is made from pork or beef, and it is typically high in salt.
A meta-analysis (a study that pools the results of earlier studies) of prospective studies (studies that follow people forward in time) covering major food groups found that higher processed meat intake was associated with 23% higher all-cause mortality (death from any cause) in a linear dose-response analysis (one that estimates how risk changes with each additional amount eaten) [1]. The link is consistent across reviews, though the evidence is observational.
- Higher processed meat intake was associated with 23% higher all-cause mortality in a linear dose-response analysis [1].
- People eating the most processed meat had 23% higher all-cause mortality than those eating the least, across 6 studies [2].
- Each extra daily serving was associated with 15% higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and 8% higher cancer mortality [3].
- The association was nonlinear for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality but not for cancer mortality [3].
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YapSpan estimates are for reflection and entertainment only. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prediction of any individual outcome. Check with a doctor before making any medical decision.