I know Italian food is regional. When I travel I like sampling various different types of local food products; especially chocolate and cheese.

Since I'm visiting Italy, I would also like buy some local deli meats/cold cuts like pancetta, proscuitto and salami.

Can fodorites recommend any good stores in Rome that I should visit.

Thanks in advance.

Volpetti in Testaccio is the most famous. Legendary.

Viola in Camp dei Fiori is great for pork products.

For chocolate, try Moriondo and Gariglio at 21 Via Pie'di Marmo, behind Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

Even the supermarket chains have amazing "deli" counters compared to those at my home in the US--don't pass them by.

I have to second Volpetti if you are specifically looking for a deli type experience. Also, as ellenem said, the grocery stores are fabulous and many have excellent deli counters.
If you want to see some pix of Volpetti, I was just there in March and have photos on my website. Plus, since you like "sampling" Volpetti is the place for you; they give tastes of almost everything.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/ROME2008Day6.html

Castroni in Via Cola di Rienzo.

Also Roscioli in Campo dei Fiori.

Thanks everyone.

>>pancetta, proscuitto and salami<<

What are you planning to do with the pancetta? With a few days in Rome, I wouldn't think you'd have time to cook, and you cannot bring meat products into the US...

Zerlina, sorry for the slow reply I haven't logged on for a few days.

The panchetta I was thinking of is ready to eat, it is round and sliced at the deli counter. I wasn't thinking of buying anything that need to be cooked.