Polony

Polony is a type of processed meat product, a cured, emulsified sausage similar to bologna, traditionally sold as a soft loaf that is cooked and ready to eat. It is typically made by grinding or emulsifying meat with fat, water, and sometimes starch or other fillers, then formed into a loaf and heated during processing. Polony is usually pink in color and sold pre-sliced in vacuum-sealed packages or sold as a whole loaf.

In terms of ingredients, polony can be made from pork, beef, or a blend, and may include chicken or turkey in some varieties. Fillers such as starch, rusk, or soy protein, as well as binders and curing agents (nitrates/nitrites) and flavorings, are commonly used. Variants designed to be lower-fat or meat-free exist in some markets. The product is typically precooked, requiring no cooking before consumption, and is commonly used in sandwiches or toasties, often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. It is particularly associated with Southern Africa, where polony is widely available and inexpensive, though similar emulsified sausage loaves exist in other regions under different names (for example bologna in the United States, mortadella in Italy).

Health and nutrition: Polony is generally high in sodium and fat, and as a processed meat product may carry health cautions associated with regular consumption. Labeling varies by country, with some products offering reduced-sodium or meat-only formulations.

See also: Bologna, Mortadella, Luncheon meat, Sausage.