Quick Answer: Our top pick for soppressata on a charcuterie board is Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata (4.2 out of 5). Best value: Volpi Soppressata. Splurge: Fra' Mani Soppressata. We ranked 5 widely sold options on how they work on a board, published taste tests and awards, ingredients, value and how easy they are to find.
Soppressata is the coarse-ground, often spicy cousin of Genoa salami. The best ones have visible fat, a firm chew and real heat or sweetness. Published taste tests are limited, so ingredients and reputation carry more weight here.
How we ranked these: these are researched picks, not a side-by-side tasting. We scored each product on published taste tests and awards, its ingredient list, price and where you can buy it, plus how that style of product behaves on a board. Sources are listed at the end, and the full method is on our buying guides hub. Prices and stock last checked September 2026.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best overall: Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata ($$) | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
| Best value: Volpi Soppressata ($$) | ★★★★☆ 3.8 |
| Best splurge: Fra' Mani Soppressata ($$$) | ★★★★☆ 3.8 |
The full ranking
| Product | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata ($$) | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Sweet, buttery soppressata |
| 2. Fra' Mani Soppressata ($$$) | ★★★★☆ 3.8 | Award-winning maker |
| 3. Volpi Soppressata ($$) | ★★★★☆ 3.8 | Easy to find |
| 4. Olympia Provisions Sopressata ($$$) | ★★★½☆ 3.6 | Craft pick |
| 5. Boar's Head Sopressata ($$) | ★★★☆☆ 3.0 | Sliced to order |
1. Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata
★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5 · Best overall · Best for: Sweet, buttery soppressata · $$ mid-range
Tasting Table's number one salami across nine brands, praised for a buttery texture and a hint of sweetness balancing savory notes.
- Why we like it: Top-ranked. Very versatile.
- Keep in mind: Not in every store.
- Where to buy: Grocery, specialty stores.
2. Fra' Mani Soppressata
★★★★☆ 3.8 out of 5 · Best splurge · Best for: Award-winning maker · $$$ premium
From the heavily awarded Berkeley salumeria founded by chef Paul Bertolli. (Source: Fra' Mani, The National Provisioner.)
- Why we like it: Award-winning maker.
- Keep in mind: Hard to find. Expensive.
- Where to buy: Specialty grocers, online.
3. Volpi Soppressata
★★★★☆ 3.8 out of 5 · Best value · Best for: Easy to find · $$ mid-range
From the St. Louis family salumi maker founded in 1902. Widely available and reliable. (Source: Wikipedia.)
- Why we like it: Available. Reliable.
- Keep in mind: Few published reviews.
- Where to buy: Grocery, Whole Foods.
4. Olympia Provisions Sopressata
★★★½☆ 3.6 out of 5 · Best for: Craft pick · $$$ premium
A Portland salami with clove, oregano, garlic and chili, made with no added nitrates or nitrites and fermented with natural molds. (Source: Olympia Provisions.)
- Why we like it: Clean ingredients. Distinctive flavor.
- Keep in mind: Expensive. Mostly online.
- Where to buy: Specialty grocers, online.
5. Boar's Head Sopressata
★★★☆☆ 3.0 out of 5 · Best for: Sliced to order · $$ mid-range
Cut to order at the deli, so the edges stay fresh. A fine everyday option.
- Why we like it: Everywhere.
- Keep in mind: Less character than craft versions.
- Where to buy: Deli counters.
How the scores break down
Each product is scored 1 to 5 on five things, then weighted: how it works on a board (30%), published taste tests and awards (25%), ingredients (15%), value (15%) and how easy it is to find (15%).
| Product | On the board | Reviews and awards | Ingredients | Value | Easy to find | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Fra' Mani Soppressata | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Volpi Soppressata | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
| Olympia Provisions Sopressata | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
| Boar's Head Sopressata | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3.0 |
What to look for on the label
Label check: Pork, salt, spices and wine or garlic. 'Hot' or 'piccante' means chili; 'sweet' or 'dolce' means no heat.
Skip: Pre-sliced soppressata in a tray that has curled at the edges. Buy a whole stick when you can.
For what soppressata pairs with and how to serve it, see the soppressata guide. To see every ranked guide, visit our charcuterie buying guides.
Soppressata questions
What is the best soppressata for a charcuterie board?
Brooklyn Cured Sweet Soppressata, which topped Tasting Table's salami test.
Is soppressata spicy?
Hot soppressata is; sweet (dolce) soppressata is not. The label will say.
What goes with soppressata?
Provolone, fresh mozzarella, figs, honey and a red like Barbera or Lambrusco.
Sources
- Tasting Table: 9 Salami Brands, Ranked (2025)
- Fra' Mani: Soppressata
- The National Provisioner: Fra' Mani (Apr 2025)
- Wikipedia: Volpi Foods
- Olympia Provisions: Sopressata
Get one board idea a week, plus the free charcuterie cheat sheet, when you join the Charcuterie Lab newsletter.
