Do They Still Make Hormel Ham Patties? A Nostalgic Favorite Lives On

For many who grew up in the 50s 60s or 70s, Hormel ham patties hold a nostalgic place in their food memories. These convenient canned ham discs dominated lunchboxes and school cafeterias for decades. But in today’s world of uncured deli meats and artisanal charcuterie, do they still make these old-school canned ham patties?

The answer is yes – Hormel ham patties are still being produced today! While not as ubiquitously found in modern lunchboxes, these vintage ham patties remain available for those craving a blast from the past. Let’s dive into the history and current status of Hormel’s canned ham patties.

Overview of Hormel Ham Patties

Hormel ham patties are small, round compressed ham discs that come stacked in cans fully cooked and ready to eat. The patties are made of chopped and formed smoked ham.

The original product was first introduced by Hormel in 1926 as one of the earliest mass-produced convenience meat items. Canned ham patties were a lunchbox staple especially in the 50s and 60s prized for being effortless to pack and eat.

Beyond lunch, ham patties were also popular appetizers and party snacks. Served on toothpicks, crackers, or biscuits, they offered easy finger food.

While the patties were a godsend for busy home cooks their quality eventually became associated with heavily processed, industrial “mystery meat.” By the 1980s as consumers sought less artificial foods, Hormel ham patties declined in popularity. But a loyal fan base remains to this day.

Are Hormel Ham Patties Still Made?

Yes, Hormel did not discontinue their classic canned ham patties. They are still manufactured and sold, though not as widely distributed or consumed as in their heyday.

They are still sold at many big grocery stores, like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, Save Mart, and more. Often, you can find them in the section with canned meat. Each can has four to eight patties.

But with the rise of fresh deli meats, they aren’t made as often. Also, canned foods have a bit of an old-fashioned image in this day and age of health consciousness and artisanal foods.

Still, Hormel knows there is an enduring demand from fans pining for the meat discs of the past. Production continues even if scaled back from decades ago.

Ingredients in Hormel Ham Patties

Today’s Hormel ham patties contain:

• Chopped and formed smoked ham
• Water
• Corn syrup
• Salt
• Sodium nitrite

The ingredients are straightforward and similar to many processed deli hams. However, the canning format and compression into discs gives them a distinct texture.

Nutrition Facts for Hormel Ham Patties

A standard 2.5 ounce Hormel ham patty provides:

• 170 calories
• 15g protein
• 7g fat
• 2g sat. fat
• 460mg sodium

They are a high protein, low carb food, though sodium content is moderately high. Overall they can fit into balanced diets in moderation.

How Are Hormel Ham Patties Packaged?

The iconic ham patties come stacked in cans filled with water or brine to keep them moist. Popular options include:

• 4 patties per can
• 6 patties per can
• 8 patties per can

Once opened, it’s best to store unused patties immersed in fresh water in the fridge.

Hormel also introduced a peel-off foil packet version in the 2010s for convenience and portability. These are less common but can sometimes be found.

How to Cook Hormel Ham Patties

As fully cooked canned meat, Hormel ham patties require no preparation beyond opening the can. They can be eaten straight from the can with just a quick rinse if desired.

Popular serving methods include:

• On sandwiches
• In salads or wraps
• On crackers as an appetizer
• In omelets or breakfast tacos
• On pizza or flatbreads
• On biscuits or rolls
• Diced in casseroles or pasta

For a crispy texture, they can be quickly pan fried too. No need to thaw; just open, rinse, and eat!

Why Were Ham Patties so Popular Historically?

There are several reasons why Hormel canned ham patties dominated American pantries and lunchboxes for decades:

Convenience – Fully cooked canned meat was revolutionary when introduced, freeing up so much cooking time.

Portability – Compact cans were perfect for packing in lunches away from home.

Affordability – Canned meats had mass market appeal with thrifty price points.

Familiarity – The smoked ham flavor was recognizable and safe for picky eaters.

Shelf Life – Canned goods last a long time compared to fresh deli meat.

Savory Taste – Salty smoked ham patties satisfied flavor cravings.

With time-starved homemakers welcoming quicker meal options, Hormel’s innovation was a runaway success story for generations.

How Do Ham Patties Measure Up Today?

Though still kicking, Hormel ham patties are far less in demand today compared to the middle of the 20th century. Some modern drawbacks include:

• Viewed as highly processed and artificial

• High in sodium

• Not considered natural or organic

• Canned format seen as outdated

• Strange, rubbery compressed texture

• Limited just to smoked ham flavor

• Lack of variety or innovation by Hormel

That said, for those feeling nostalgic, no quick snack quite hits the spot like a vintage Hormel ham patty. They remain a comfort food representing simpler times.

Are There Similar Products to Hormel Ham Patties?

For consumers wanting a convenient canned meat, there are some alternatives on shelves today:

• Spam – The iconic canned pork product is still popular
• Treet – Canned meat loaf product made by Armour since the 1920s
• DAK Canned Ham – Chopped and formed ham sold by the DAK company
• ALCOA Canned Ham Patties – Another smoked ham patty version by ALCOA
• Sulphite-Free Ham Patties – Nitrate-free alternative by Jacobs Farms
• Canned Chicken or Salmon – Equivalent poultry and fish pressed patties

However most agree none quite replicate the exact flavor and texture of a classic Hormel ham patty. For a 100% faithful experience, Hormel remains the choice.

Are Hormel Ham Patties Worth Buying Today?

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the salty, smoky comfort of a vacuum-sealed smoked ham disc, Hormel still hits the spot. For kids who grew up brown-bagging them daily or snacking on them at home, they provide nostalgia in a can.

But for those seeking fresher, less processed lunches, they may not satisfy modern tastes and nutrition standards. The canned format is clinging to relevancy as freshly sliced deli meats gain ground.

Regardless, Hormel’s 95+ year old invention endures against the odds. For a time machine trip to simpler lunches gone by, the vintage ham patties remain perfectly packed in their iconic pop-top cans.