Cooked Ham

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

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

• Modified Starches (Modified Food Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Plant Proteins (Isolated Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
• Other Additives (Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, 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 Cooked 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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Carrageenan.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Potassium Lactate, Potassium Acetate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.