Pepperoni is a type of dried, cured sausage primarily made from pork or a mixture of pork and beef. Turkey meat is sometimes used as a substitute, but when poultry is included, it must be clearly labeled in the United States. The meat typically comes from cuts like pork shoulder and belly, which have a higher fat content that contributes to pepperoni's rich flavor and moist texture

. The meat is finely ground and mixed with a blend of seasonings that commonly include paprika, chili peppers, black pepper, garlic, cayenne, and sometimes mustard seeds or powder. Salt and sodium nitrate (or natural curing agents in "uncured" versions) are added to preserve the meat and develop its characteristic reddish color. A bacterial culture such as lactobacillus is also introduced to initiate fermentation, which enhances flavor and prevents harmful bacteria growth

. After mixing, the seasoned meat is stuffed into casings-either natural (animal intestines) or synthetic (collagen)-and formed into links. These links are then fermented, smoked (often with wood chips like maple or beechwood), cooked, and dried under controlled conditions to achieve the final texture and flavor profile typical of pepperoni

. In summary, pepperoni is made from a finely ground blend of pork and beef, seasoned with spices and curing agents, fermented, smoked, and dried to produce the spicy, smoky sausage commonly used on pizzas and in other dishes