A belt conveyor comprises a belt with a drive roller, a deflection roller that can be adjusted relative thereto upwardly and/or downwardly, and an upper run extending therebetween for transporting the food products. The belt conveyor comprises a deflection element arranged between the drive roller and the deflection roller and configured for adjustment in the direction of transport. The upper and/or the associated lower run of the belt transitions from a first longitudinal section running in the direction of transport to a second longitudinal section tilted relative thereto when the deflection roller has been adjusted. The second longitudinal section can be quickly tilted and flexibly adapted to the dimensions of the food products and their transport distances inbetween.