Mortadella vs bologna: differencesĬan you name the differences between authentic mortadella and the American mortadella-like bologna or baloney? It can get tricky since the two are very similar-looking. In addition to American bologna, there are other mortadella-inspired luncheon meats such as parizer, pariser, polony, Lyoner or jumbo. The names bologna and bologna sausage are believed to be derived from the official name for mortadella, Mortadella Bologna. It’s not a traditional Italian specialty like mortadella, but rather a cheaper luncheon meat version. It’s also commonly referred to as ‘bologna sausage’ because of its sausage-like appearance. Having protected status under EU law is a recognition of both its superior quality and origin, meaning real mortadella is not the same thing as bologna.īologna or baloney is a chiefly US sausage-type of luncheon meat. Mortadella is a delicacy with Protected Geographical Indication status (PGI) or Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP). It is also officially known as Mortadella Bologna and, unofficially, as mortadella meat or, more rarely, mortadella ham. Mortadella is a traditional Italian luncheon meat. What is the difference between mortadella and bologna? Is there even a difference or are mortadella and bologna the same thing? Can you tell the difference between mortadella and bologna based on how they look and taste? Is all mortadella the same? Is all bologna the same? And finally, which is the original luncheon meat between the two and which is a copycat? What is mortadella?