If you enjoy Honey Baked Ham, you might be curious about what goes into this well-known holiday dish.
Some people may be worried about nitrates, while others may be interested in MSG, which is a common food additive.
In recent years, this controversial ingredient has been the subject of a lot of debate. Some say it causes bad reactions, while others say it’s completely safe.
So, does Honey Baked Ham contain MSG? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and find out.
As you gear up for a delicious holiday feast featuring a honey-glazed spiral sliced ham, you may be wondering – does Honey Baked Ham contain MSG? This common food additive has sparked health concerns for years, so it’s reasonable to want to know if it’s an ingredient
In this article we’ll dive into the details on MSG in Honey Baked Ham including
- What is MSG and why is it used in foods?
- MSG health concerns – are they valid?
- Does Honey Baked Ham have MSG listed as an ingredient?
- Testing for MSG contents and allergen info
- Natural MSG substitutes to use at home
- Tips for avoiding MSG if you’re sensitive
Let’s look at the facts about how this popular brand of holiday ham uses MSG!
What is MSG and Why is it Used in Foods?
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer that is often added to Chinese takeout, fast food, canned soups, and processed meats. Glutamic acid, which is what MSG is made of, is an amino acid that is naturally found in foods like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and breast milk.
MSG adds a savory umami flavor which people describe as meaty, brothy or savory It also balances and blends flavors in foods MSG can enhance and improve the overall taste of dishes.
In addition to flavor, MSG also has benefits as a preservative. It can suppress bitter flavors in foods and prevent spoilage bacteria from growing. These useful properties make MSG a popular choice for food manufacturers and restaurants.
Health Concerns and Risks Related to MSG
Despite its benefits for taste and preservation, MSG has received backlash over potential health risks:
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MSG symptom complex – headaches, flushing, sweating, numbness reported after eating MSG. Not scientifically verified.
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Allergic reactions – MSG can occasionally trigger reactions in those with food allergies. Rash, swelling, anaphylaxis.
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Neurotoxicity – animal studies show nerve damage, but human data is lacking.
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Hypertension – possible link to increased blood pressure, but evidence is weak.
Overall, for most people MSG is safe, even in larger amounts. A small subset may experience adverse effects. Those with severe MSG allergy need to avoid it entirely.
Does Honey Baked Ham Have MSG?
After reviewing the ingredients lists for various Honey Baked Ham products, MSG is not currently listed as an ingredient in their hams, turkeys or side dishes.
However, Honey Baked Ham does note on their website FAQs that they cannot guarantee their products are 100% free of any allergen, including MSG, due to potential cross-contact.
So while MSG is not deliberately added by Honey Baked Ham, trace amounts via processing is possible. Your individual tolerance level to such traces would factor into your personal risk.
How Honey Baked Ham Tests for MSG Contents
According to Honey Baked Ham, their suppliers certify that no MSG is intentionally added during processing of their products. They rely on these supply chain assurances rather than doing their own product testing.
Independent testing has found most hams contain some level of free glutamates like MSG naturally. Hot smoked ham was found to have the highest levels in one study – up to 533 mg/kg. Honey Baked Ham products did fall on the lower end of glutamate contents compared to other brands.
For highly sensitive individuals, independent lab testing may be needed to identify the exact MSG content of a given Honey Baked Ham product. This allows you to assess your personal tolerance level for that ham.
Honey Baked Ham Allergen Info and Menu Options
On their website and menus, Honey Baked Ham does list out major food allergens contained in each product, such as milk, eggs, wheat, etc. However, glutamates like MSG are not required to be labeled as allergens.
If you have a severe allergy or sensitivity to MSG, your safest bet is to avoid all Honey Baked Ham menu items, given the risk of traces. Focus on finding brands that explicitly guarantee no MSG is used in their processing facilities.
For less severe cases, look for Honey Baked Ham dishes without ingredients typically high in glutamates like cheese, tomatoes or seasoning blends. Stick to plain glazed ham slices as a lower risk option.
Natural Substitutes for MSG in Your Holiday Cooking
If you want to recreate Honey Baked Ham’s savory flavor at home without adding MSG, try these all-natural ingredients:
- Dried mushrooms – high in natural glutamates
- Tomato paste or sun-dried tomatoes
- Nutritional yeast
- Parmesan or romano cheese – contain natural glutamates
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Anchovy paste
- Seaweed
Combining a few umami-rich ingredients can give a similar meaty, savory taste without chemical additives. Get creative with these substitutions in your own holiday
Understanding The Ingredients In Honey Baked Ham
It’s important to know that the ham is cured with a mix of water, salt, sugar, sodium lactate, sodium phosphate, sodium diacetate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. This will help you understand what’s in Honey Baked Ham. In the curing process, these ingredients are often used to keep the meat fresh and make it last longer.
Water is used as a curing agent and helps to distribute the other ingredients evenly throughout the ham. Salt is added for flavor and also helps to preserve the meat. Sugar is added to balance out the saltiness and add a touch of sweetness. Sodium lactate is a natural preservative that helps to prevent bacterial growth. Sodium phosphate is used as an emulsifier and also helps to improve the texture of the ham.
Sodium diacetate is a flavor enhancer and preservative that is commonly used in processed meats. Sodium erythorbate is another preservative that helps to prevent the meat from spoiling. Sodium nitrite helps the ham get its pink color and is also used as a curing agent.
Keep in mind that even though some of these ingredients may sound strange or even scary, they are all FDA-approved and safe to eat in small amounts. It’s always best to carefully read ingredient labels and talk to a doctor before trying any new foods if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
What Is MSG And Why Is It Controversial?
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is an additive that has been used for more than 100 years to make processed foods taste better. A Japanese biochemist came up with it in 1908, and you can find it in a lot of canned foods, soups, fast food, and processed foods. MSG is made by fermenting starches, sugar beets, sugar cane, or molasses.
Some studies have linked MSG use to health problems like headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions, which has made the topic controversial. However, the FDA recognizes MSG as safe for consumption and requires it to be included on food labels.
The controversy surrounding MSG comes from the fact that it can be hard to tell if it’s really making people sick because the symptoms can be similar to those caused by other things. Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to MSG than others.
More research needs to be done to fully understand the possible short- and long-term effects of MSG on health. If you are sensitive to it, it’s best to stay away from products that contain it. Carefully read food labels to make sure that the things you buy don’t have MSG or any other additives that you might be against.
Honey Baked Ham Serving Instructions
FAQ
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