Top Pepperoni Picks: Savor the Best Brands for Your Slice!

Pepperoni, a beloved staple in pizzas and sandwiches, is a versatile and flavorful favorite for many. With a variety of brands offering unique spices and textures, selecting the best pepperoni can significantly enhance your culinary experience. From artisanal producers to well-known household names, there's a pepperoni option for every taste preference. Discover the top brands that have been praised for their quality and flavor in the list below.

Illustration of pepperoni

Best brands of pepperoni in 2025

Hormel

Hormel Foods is a leading producer of pepperoni, with its HORMEL(r) Pepperoni brand being the No. 1 selling brand in the United States, based on the latest 52-week IRI data. The company has a long-standing reputation, with pepperoni being a specialty for over 100 years. Hormel's innovative products, such as HORMEL(r) Pepperoni Confetti, are designed for even distribution and maximum flavor, enhancing consumer experiences. The pepperoni market, which includes Hormel, is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it will reach USD 12 Billion by 2030, up from USD 8.5 Billion currently, and USD 6.5 Billion in 2019, with a growth rate of 6%.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head is renowned as one of the top producers of pepperoni, offering a rich blend of pork, beef, and spices cured using traditional methods, resulting in a robust flavor profile. Each ounce of Boar's Head pepperoni contains 140 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 81% fat, 17% protein, and 3% carbs. The brand is a significant player in the global pepperoni market, which is projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2023 to 2032. Boar's Head products are widely distributed and have been a staple in many delis, although recent recalls due to potential Listeria contamination have highlighted the importance of food safety. Despite this, the brand remains a favorite for its high-quality and flavorful pepperoni.

Applegate

Applegate Farms, a leading natural and organic meat brand in the United States, has introduced the first nationally available organic pepperoni options, including APPLEGATE ORGANICS(r) Pork & Beef Uncured Pepperoni and APPLEGATE ORGANICS(r) Turkey Uncured Pepperoni. These products meet stringent organic standards, such as being 100% natural, USDA Organic, and raised without antibiotics. Founded in 1987, Applegate has established itself as a pioneer in the pepperoni and dry-cured meat industry, holding the #1 position in the natural/organic dry-cured meat category. According to a study, 66% of pizza lovers prefer pepperoni as their top topping, aligning with Applegate's innovative response to consumer demand. Available at Sprouts and Whole Foods Markets, these products are priced at an MSRP of $6.49.

Margherita

Margherita Meats, operating under Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., is a renowned producer of high-quality pepperoni, known for its slow-cured and masterfully seasoned products. The brand has been a significant player in the pepperoni market, which is estimated to grow from USD 8.5 billion in 2023 to USD 12 billion by 2030, with a growth rate of 6% since 2019. Margherita Meats' products, such as their Italian Style 8 Oz. Pepperoni, are popular for adding savory flavor to various dishes. Despite facing recalls due to potential contamination, the brand maintains a strong presence in the market. Their products are widely distributed and enjoyed across different regions.

Bridgford

Bridgford Foods Corporation is a prominent player in the global pepperoni market, known for its high-quality products and significant market presence. The company is part of a competitive landscape that includes other major brands like Hormel Foods and Tyson Foods. According to market forecasts, the pepperoni market, in which Bridgford Foods operates, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2023 to 2032, reaching a market size of $3.2 billion by 2032. Bridgford Foods contributes to this growth through its diverse product offerings, including beef and pork pepperoni, which are widely used in various culinary applications. The company's revenue and recent developments highlight its commitment to product differentiation and customer satisfaction. For more information about their products, visit the Bridgford Foods website.

Dietz & Watson

Dietz & Watson is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality pepperoni, offering products like their Legacy Sliced Pepperoni and Uncured Pepperoni. Their Legacy Sliced Pepperoni contains 110 calories and 9.14% total fat per 1-ounce serving, making it a popular choice for deli favorites. With a focus on traditional recipes and quality ingredients, Dietz & Watson ensures a flavorful experience for consumers. The brand's commitment to taste and quality has made it a staple in many households and delis. As part of the broader meat products market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2033, Dietz & Watson continues to meet the increasing demand for processed meats.

Creminelli

Creminelli Fine Meats is a renowned producer of artisan meats, including high-quality pepperoni, founded in 2007 by Cristiano Creminelli. The company, based in Salt Lake City, utilizes traditional Italian meat curing recipes and techniques, producing all-natural meats. Creminelli's products are distributed through national retailers like Whole Foods Market and over 8,000 Starbucks across North America. The company has been recognized with various Sofi Awards, including a win in the "meat, pate or seafood" category in 2013. By 2015, Creminelli Fine Meats generated $29.6 million in revenue.

Vermont Smoke & Cure

Vermont Smoke & Cure is a renowned brand for producing high-quality, uncured pepperoni, leveraging ingredients like pork raised without antibiotics or added hormones, and avoiding sodium nitrate and preservatives. Founded in 1962 and rebranded in 2006, the company emphasizes better-quality, ethically raised meat. Their products, such as the Uncured Smoked Pepperoni, are gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free, making them a versatile choice. Since 2010, they have been offering nitrate- and antibiotic-free meat sticks, and their partnership with Johnsonville in 2020 has enhanced their production and distribution capabilities. With a presence in major retailers like Target, Whole Foods, and Kroger, Vermont Smoke & Cure continues to expand its national retail footprint.

Veroni

Veroni, a renowned brand in the pepperoni market, is distinguished by its high-quality products and significant market presence. The global pepperoni market, which includes brands like Veroni, is projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031. Veroni's products are popular for their flavorful and versatile use in various culinary applications, such as pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. The brand benefits from the increasing demand for plant-based pepperoni, with this segment contributing to the overall market growth. Veroni's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with consumer trends, driving its success in the market. For more information, visit the Veroni official website.

Tillamook Country Smoker

Tillamook Country Smoker is a leading producer of premium pepperoni meat sticks, known for their high-quality, handcrafted products made from 100% premium beef and pork, slow-smoked over real hardwood. Their pepperoni sticks are among the top-selling flavors, moving approximately 1.5 times faster than the category average in convenience stores. With a commitment to sustainability and quality, these products are free from artificial preservatives, MSG, and added nitrites, making them a favorite among health-conscious consumers. The brand has also seen significant growth, with 25% of consumers snacking more frequently, and their products are designed to meet this increased demand. Tillamook Country Smoker's innovative approach, including their zero sugar line, has helped them maintain their position as a category leader.