Best Meat Product Types in the World
This variety of Iberian ham is produced with meat coming from acorn-fed Iberian pigs that are either 75% or 50% pure Iberian breed, meaning they have been crossbred with other pigs such as the Duroc breed. As in the case of jamón 100% ibérico de bellota, the pigs used in the production of this ham are allowed to roam freely across the oak pasturelands in their final rearing stage, known as the montanera, eating an acorn-based diet until they reach the desired weight for the sacrifice, or the matanza as the Spanish call it. Jamón ibérico de bellota makes for about 13% of the total Iberian ham production and is distinguished by a red label.
The designated areas of Iberian bellota ham production include the Dehesa de Extremadura, Salamanca, Huelva, and Valle de Los Pedroches in Spain, along with Barrancos in Portugal.
THE BEST Jamón ibérico de bellota Jamones
Regarded as the most exquisite variety of Iberian ham, or jamón ibérico, this ham is made with the meat of 100% purebred black Iberian pigs that have been roaming freely across oak pastures (Dehesa) and feeding on an acorn-based (bellota) diet.
Apart from these specifications, the pigs also have to be reared in one of the designated places of origin as well as fulfill the specified standards of bellota ham production to receive the most renowned black label or pata negra status - denoting the highest-quality Iberian ham.
THE BEST Jamón 100% ibérico de bellota Jamones
Jamones Juan Manuel
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España 2024, 2020
Jamones Aljomar
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España 2022
Jamón Ibérico is a unique ham produced both in Spain and in Portugal. It is made from black ibérico pigs who eat a diet of corn, acorns, and other feed, most of them roaming freely across the pastures. As a result, the cured ham is dark red, marbled with veins of fat.
Its flavor is sweet, nutty, and just slightly salty. There are four types of jamón ibérico, depending on the diet of the pigs, namely de bellota (acorns, three years minimum), 100% de bellota, cebo de campo (cereals, free-range pigs), and de cebo (cereals, commercially reared pigs).
VARIATIONS OF Jamón Ibérico
Petrovački kulen is a traditional sausage originating from Bački Petrovac, hence the name. The sausage is made from pork, and the only additions include hot paprika and salt. However, some producers still use garlic and cumin in the production process.
A whole pig is commonly used to produce Petrovački kulen, usually with a ratio of 80% meat to 20% back fat. This meat product has a strong Slovakian culinary influence because they moved to Petrovac in the late 18th century. It's recommended to serve this spicy sausage sliced and paired with homemade bread and local cheese.
Carefully crafted with the same diligent care since the Roman times, Prosciutto di Parma is a true masterwork of time and tradition, and a gold standard of Italian prosciutto. The pigs of the Large White, Landrace and Duroc breed used in the production of this ham must also meet high quality standards, be bred in one of 10 northern and central Italian regions and fed a diet of grains, cereals and whey of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, which contributes to the complex taste of the meat.
Apart from the characteristic microclimate of the Parma region, which is ideal for the drying of prosciutto, a vital part of the curing process is salting. The expert Maestro Salatore (salt master) measures the minimum amount of sea salt required to preserve the meat.
THE BEST Prosciutto di Parma Dry-cured Hams
Jamón Serrano is a cured ham produced using the traditional methods dating back to Roman times. This ham has a bright pink to purple color and shiny appearance when cut. This ham is made in four separate steps that include salting, washing, post-salting, and drying or maturation.
Jamón Serrano is cured and dried without skin for more than a year and has a delicate and characteristic aroma. Not much salt is used during the production of this emblematic ham, which makes it only slightly salty and brings out sweet notes that complement the flavor beautifully.
THE BEST Jamón Serrano Jamones
Jamones Castelfrío
Jamón de Teruel DOP Perfecto
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Serrano de España 2024
Hermanos Escámez Sánchez
Jamón Serrano Reserva
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Serrano de España 2020
Produced in the hilly area around the town of San Daniele in the province of Udine, Prosciutto di San Daniele is even sweeter and darker in color with a more delicate flavor than in other varieties. In the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, where the winds from the Carnic Alps meet the breezes coming in from the Adriatic, Prosciutto di San Daniele is made using only local sea salt.
The curing process here differs a little from other regions since San Daniele hams are stacked on top of each other and left to mature for at least 13 months. Up until recently, only large pig breeds such as Landrace, Large White and Duroc were used for ham production, however due to an increase in demand, San Daniele hams can now be made with other local breeds.
Known as crème de la crème of Italian hams, with a tradition dating back to the 14th century, Culatello di Zibello is one of the most prized products of Parma nowadays made only with pigs raised in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia.
Culatello is tender, rich in flavor and has a refined, winey taste. It is one of the leaner forms of cured pork, cut from the best part of the whole fresh ham, and cured with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic and dry white wine. Since it is stuffed in a natural casing, most often a pig's bladder, and tied with twine, Culatello is sometimes classified as a type of salami.
Slavonski kulen is the best-known delicacy of eastern Croatian cuisine. It is a cured sausage made from prime cuts of pork combined with carefully selected spices including red paprika and garlic. Kulen has a strong smoky flavor with the aromas of paprika and pepper.
Slavonian type of kulen must be produced using the meat of pigs that have been raised in Slavonia. Only the premium cuts of pork are used in the making of this sausage and every step of the production process is kept separated from that of all other sausages.
VARIATIONS OF Slavonski kulen
THE BEST Slavonski kulen Sausages
Lomo bellota ibérico 100% is a traditional pork loin. This type of pork loin is the most prized of them all because it's made from pure Iberian pigs. The flavor is the most intense of all the varieties and it has the most homogenous fat infiltration.
Due to the small size of 100% Iberian pigs, lomo bellota ibérico 100% is usually shorter and narrower as well. When served, lomo is traditionally sliced thin and accompanied by breads, drizzled with olive oil, or wrapped around other foods such as cheese or fruit.
THE BEST Lomo bellota ibérico 100% Cured Pork Loins
Best Meat Product Producers in the World
Embutidos Entrepeñas is a family-owned company with over 60 years of tradition, dedicated to the artisanal production of premium cured meats in the heart of the Spanish region of León. Located in the picturesque village of Geras de Gordón, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the company benefits from exceptional climatic conditions that allow for the natural drying and aging of its meat delicacies.
A perfect blend of traditional techniques and modern quality standards makes each product authentic and unique. Their Cecina de León I. G. P., a delicately cured beef ham with a protected geographical indication, is renowned for its rich flavor and perfect texture, while Chorizo de Geras represents the region’s gastronomic heritage, crafted using time-honored recipes that preserve its intense aroma and distinctive spicy notes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Embutidos Entrepeñas Meat Products
Señorío de Montanera is a leading producer of 100% Iberian products from acorn-fed pigs, holding the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (D. O.P.) Dehesa de Extremadura. Founded in 1995 by a group of traditional Iberian pig breeders in Extremadura, Spain, the company is dedicated to preserving the purity of the Iberian breed and ensuring the sustainability of the dehesa ecosystem.
The company manages over 60,000 hectares of dehesa, where pigs roam freely and feed exclusively on acorns and natural pastures during the "montanera" season (from October to March). This feeding method contributes to the unique flavor and exceptional quality of their products.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
BEST Señorío de Montanera Meat Products
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious company in the Iberian ham industry, located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, Spain. With over 90 years of experience, they have mastered the art of producing high-quality Iberian hams. Their dedication to traditional curing methods has earned them recognition, including the Best Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham award in both 2020 and 2024 by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
Their product range includes various grades of Iberian hams, such as 100% pure acorn-fed, 75% pure acorn-fed, 50% pure acorn-fed, and free-range Iberian hams. Each product reflects their commitment to quality and tradition.
AWARDS
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España
2024, 2020
BEST Jamones Juan Manuel Meat Products
Maldonado Ibéricos is a distinguished Spanish producer specializing in premium Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico. Founded in 1992 by Manuel Maldonado and his father, Sabas Maldonado, the company is based in Alburquerque, Badajoz—a region celebrated for its rich Iberian heritage.
Their mission is to showcase the authenticity of Iberian products through artisanal methods. The Maldonado family is dedicated to preserving the purebred Iberian pig lineage. Their pigs are raised extensively in the dehesa, a unique ecosystem where they roam freely and feed on acorns, grasses, roots, and tubers.
BEST Maldonado Ibéricos Meat Products
Dehesa Maladúa is a distinguished Spanish producer renowned for its premium Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, particularly the exclusive Manchado de Jabugo variety. Founded by Eduardo Donato in 1989, the company is situated in the UNESCO-protected Parque Natural de la Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche in Huelva, Andalusia.
This pristine environment provides an ideal setting for raising 100% purebred Iberian pigs under certified organic practices. The Manchado de Jabugo is a rare Iberian pig breed, once on the brink of extinction. Donato's dedication to preserving this lineage has been pivotal in its revival.
BEST Dehesa de Maladúa Meat Products
Metzgerei Obermaier is a family-owned butcher shop and artisanal producer of premium meat products based in Pliening, near Munich. With a long-standing tradition and dedication to quality, this butcher shop offers a wide range of fresh meats, traditional sausages, and cured delicacies crafted using authentic recipes.
Every product is made from carefully selected locally sourced meat, blended with special spice mixes, and aged under controlled conditions to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The modern production facility integrates all processing stages, from slaughtering to final preparation, strictly adhering to European quality and hygiene standards.
BEST Metzgerei Obermaier Meat Products
Maison Conquet is a family-run butcher shop and producer of cured meats, located in Laguiole, in the Aveyron region of France. Founded in 1950 by Paul Conquet, the company has grown over three generations into a symbol of quality and authenticity in the meat industry.
Specializing in Aubrac beef, renowned for its exceptional flavor and tenderness, Maison Conquet offers a wide range of products, including fresh meats, traditional sausages, cured meats, pâtés, and ready-to-eat dishes made using time-honored recipes.
BEST Maison Conquet Meat Products
Salumificio Mec Palmieri is a renowned Italian producer of cured meat specialties, driven by a long-standing tradition and a passion for exceptional quality. Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a region famous for its rich culinary heritage, the company stands out for its carefully selected ingredients and traditional production methods that ensure authentic flavor and outstanding texture in every product.
Best known for its mortadella, it represents a perfect blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and respect for tradition. Each product is the result of strictly controlled processes, from meat selection to precise processing and maturation, achieving a unique aroma and superior quality.
BEST Salumificio Mec Palmieri Meat Products
Jamones Eíriz is a company that specializes in the production of high-quality dry-cured ham. Based in Spain, this producer follows traditional methods for curing ham, emphasizing the use of natural resources and sustainable practices. They are known for their acorn-fed Iberian hams, which are aged in natural cellars.
Jamones Eíriz offers guided tours of their facilities, providing an educational experience about the ham curing process.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Jamones Eíriz Meat Products
Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd is a producer of cured meats based in Dorset, England. The company specializes in traditional and artisan charcuterie. It uses locally sourced meats, often from free-range and rare-breed animals. The curing process includes both air-drying and smoking techniques.
Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd has received multiple awards for the quality of its products.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023, 2021
BEST Capreolus Fine Foods Meat Products
Best Meat Products in the World
Suprema de Cecina is a premium cured meat product from Spain, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor. It is made from carefully selected cuts of beef, which are shaped before drying to achieve an almost rectangular form, ideal for slicing into thin pieces.
What sets this cecina apart is the slight marbling of fat, similar to that found in Iberian ham, which enhances its juiciness and richness of flavor. The product is the result of a long and natural drying process, free from additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring, ensuring authenticity and purity.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Foie Gras au Naturel from La Ferme Basque de Charlevoix embodies the essence of simplicity and exceptional taste. Made from carefully selected duck livers and gently cooked in an autoclave, this delicacy preserves its natural texture and full, authentic flavor without the need for added ingredients.
It is best served after a brief tempering, allowing its delicate aromas and silky smoothness to fully emerge. Perfect for special occasions, it makes an elegant appetizer when paired with toasted bread, figs, or a light fruit chutney. This product reflects the elegance and care with which it is crafted – a perfect harmony of tradition and gourmet excellence.
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious Spanish company located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, and their flagship product, the Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Juan Manuel, is crafted from free-range, purebred Iberian pigs. These pigs roam freely in pastures and are fed on acorns and rich herbs, which impart distinctive flavors to the meat.
The hams undergo a meticulous curing process lasting over 36 months in natural drying sheds and cellars, resulting in a product with a delicate texture and rich, nuanced taste.
AWARDS
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España
2024, 2020
The Senorio Organic Acorn-Fed Iberico Salchichón, produced by Brindisa Ltd, is a high-quality Spanish charcuterie product. Made from the meat of acorn-fed Iberico pigs, it offers a rich and nuanced flavor profile. The salchichón is crafted using traditional methods, with a focus on maintaining organic standards throughout the production process.
This product is celebrated for its distinct marbling and delicate seasoning, making it a gourmet choice for discerning charcuterie enthusiasts.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd. specializes in crafting Dorset Coppa, a traditional Italian charcuterie made from the neck muscle of free-range pigs. The meat is cured with a blend of herbs and spices before being air-dried for several weeks to develop its characteristic depth of flavor and tender texture.
The Dorset Coppa is praised for its delicate balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, making it a sought-after delicacy among food enthusiasts. The product is meticulously crafted to maintain high standards of quality and authenticity.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Cecina de León BIO is a premium dry-cured beef product. This delicacy hails from the León region in Spain and is noted for its distinctive flavor and high-quality standards. The product is made using traditional methods that have been preserved and passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic taste experience.
The beef used is sourced from organic, free-range cattle, emphasizing a commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. The curing process involves a meticulous combination of salting, smoking, and air-drying, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor and a tender texture.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Dorset Soft Salami is a premium product crafted by Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd. The salami is characterized by its soft texture and the carefully selected blend of spices and herbs used in its preparation. It is made from high-quality British pork that is sourced from trusted local farms, ensuring both superior taste and ethical standards.
The production process includes a slow fermentation and air-drying technique, which enhances the flavor profile and results in a rich, savory taste.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd produces a Venison and Pork Chorizo that is recognized for its high-quality ingredients and artisanal crafting methods. This chorizo is typically made from finely selected cuts of venison and pork, blended with a carefully curated mix of spices to enhance its rich, savory flavors.
The meat is likely cured and fermented to develop its unique taste and texture, staying true to traditional chorizo-making techniques. The product is ideal for use in a variety of dishes, from tapas to hearty stews, or can be enjoyed on its own as a gourmet snack.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Chorizo de León is a premium cured meat product, a symbol of the gastronomic heritage of the León region, known for its intense flavor, rich aroma, and traditional preparation methods. It is made from carefully selected cuts of pork and fat, seasoned with authentic Pimentón de La Vera smoked paprika, sea salt, and natural garlic, giving it its distinctive character and lasting juiciness.
After seasoning, the chorizo is stuffed into natural casings and undergoes a slow drying process in the pure mountain air, with a light oak wood smoking, which enhances its unique aroma and full-bodied taste. Every bite delivers the perfect balance between spicy notes and the delicate texture of the meat, creating a gastronomic experience that delights lovers of authentic cured specialties.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
This exceptional jamón is crafted from purebred Iberian pigs that roam freely in the dehesas, feeding on acorns during the montanera season. The hams undergo a natural curing process ranging from 36 to 48 months, resulting in a product weighing approximately 8 kilograms.
In 2022, this jamón was honored with the title of "Best Iberian Ham in Spain" at the Alimentos de España awards, organized by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. Notably, it is the only ham recommended by esteemed chef Martín Berasategui, who holds 12 Michelin stars.
AWARDS
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España
2022
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Meat Products in the World” list until April 12, 2025, 11,817 ratings were recorded, of which 7,800 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.