Ahold, Brown Sugar Ham

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Ahold, Brown Sugar Ham scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite. Coated With: Smoke Flavor): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose. Other Added Ingredients: Sugar): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Plant Proteins (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Other Additives (Sodium Erythorbate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Deli Meats, this product is more processed than about 93% of the 4,591 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Ahold, Brown Sugar Ham's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose, Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Honey Powder (Maltodextrin, Honey).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Oil Of Orange, Soybean Oil Added To Prevent Caking.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide.

Common in powdered processed foods.