And Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a spicy, cured, and air-dried sausage, typically made from a mixture of pork and beef. It is seasoned with paprika or other chili pepper, which gives it its characteristic red color and spicy flavor. The meat mixture is fermented and then air-dried to create its firm texture.

Manufacturers add pepperoni to foods primarily for its distinct savory and spicy flavor, as well as its texture. It is a very popular topping for pizzas and is also commonly used in sandwiches, pasta dishes, and various snack foods like pizza rolls.

Pepperoni is a processed meat product. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meat as Group 1, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence that consumption causes colorectal cancer. Pepperoni is also typically high in sodium and saturated fat, and often contains nitrates or nitrites as curing agents.