Pepperoni is a type of dried sausage, similar to salami, that is typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork mixed with spices and flavorings. Salt and sodium nitrate are then added to cure the meat, which prevents the growth of unwanted microorganisms. The meat used in pepperoni can vary, but pork is the most typical ingredient. The cuts used to make pork-only pepperonis are the shoulder and belly, which have high-fat content, giving pepperoni pizza its superior taste. Contrary to popular opinion, pepperoni is not made from sub-standard leftover meats or fillers. Pepperoni can be consumed raw or cooked, and it contains high amounts of fat, salt, and sugar. It also contains significant amounts of micronutrients needed for building our body cells.

In summary, pepperoni is a type of dried sausage made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, typically seasoned with paprika, garlic, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard seed, and fennel seed. Pork is the most typical ingredient, but other meats like turkey can also be used.