Deviled ham holds a special place in many people’s hearts This canned meat spread is a comforting staple that takes us back to childhood But with its high sodium content and questionable ingredients, you may be wondering – is deviled ham bad for you?
As a long-time fan of deviled ham myself, I decided to dig into the facts. I’ll walk you through the history of this processed meat, its nutritional value, and potential health concerns. Read on to uncover the truth about whether deviled ham is bad or good for your health.
A Look Back at the Origins of Deviled Ham
To understand deviled ham, we first need to learn about its history. William Underwood began selling preserved foods in 1821 in Boston. But it wasn’t until after the Civil War that his company started producing canned meats like deviled ham.
In 1868 the William Underwood Company launched canned deviled ham as a spiced meat spread. It quickly became a staple for Union soldiers in the Civil War. The now-iconic devil logo debuted in 1870 and is considered the oldest pre-packaged food trademark still in use!
Over the years, the Underwood family pioneered innovations in food safety, working with scientists to prevent canned goods from spoiling. Today, the Underwood brand still sells classic deviled ham along with other flavored varieties.
Analyzing the Nutritional Value
Now, let’s break down what’s actually in a can of deviled ham. For a 64 gram serving, you can expect around 190 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 9 grams of protein It also contains 40 milligrams of cholesterol and 6 grams of saturated fat per serving
In terms of carbs, there’s only 1 gram of mostly complex carbs and no sugar or fiber. Vitamin and mineral content is minimal, with tiny amounts of calcium and iron but no vitamin C.
I compared a few popular brands and found nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients. Some have extra sugar while others pack in more preservatives. It’s key to read labels closely!
Potential Health Concerns to Consider
So that covers what’s in deviled ham, but is it actually bad for you? There are some potential health concerns to consider:
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High sodium – Most brands contain around 500 mg per serving, which is 22% of the daily recommended intake. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and heart issues.
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Nitrates/nitrites – These preservatives extend shelf life but may increase cancer risk in large amounts. They’re found in many processed meats.
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Sugar and unhealthy additives – Some brands add more sugar than others. Too much added sugar promotes weight gain, diabetes, and inflammation.
The bottom line is moderation. Eating deviled ham in reasonable amounts as part of an overall healthy diet is probably fine. But relying on it too often could up your risks due to the sodium, preservatives, and additives.
Tips for Choosing a Healthier Deviled Ham
If you don’t want to fully give up this tasty spread, there are some ways to make better choices:
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Compare brands and choose ones with less sodium (under 400mg per serving).
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Avoid added sugars by picking low-carb options.
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Look for no artificial preservatives like nitrates or nitrites.
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Opt for natural spices like mustard, hot sauce, or black pepper rather than “flavorings.”
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Check the ingredients list and select products with a shorter list and recognizable foods.
You can also make your own healthier version at home using natural ingredients like avocado, greek yogurt, mustard, and spices!
The Bottom Line: Is Deviled Ham Actually Bad For You?
So in the end, is deviled ham unhealthy? The answer is it really depends. Moderately consuming a less processed brand of deviled ham as part of a balanced diet is likely fine for most people. However, eating it frequently or in large amounts may up your sodium, nitrates, and sugar intake to an unhealthy level.
As with most processed foods, it comes down to your overall eating habits. Use deviled ham as an occasional treat or sandwich filler rather than a diet staple. And choose better-for-you options by comparing brands and reading labels when you do indulge.
At the end of the day, we can still enjoy this nostalgic and tasty spread in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. With some smart choices, deviled ham in reasonable amounts is unlikely to be detrimental to your health. Just be mindful of what brand and how often you eat it.
So go ahead and enjoy that deviled ham sandwich with no guilt! But maybe lay off eating it multiple times a day. With a little moderation and better choices, we can keep this canned classic in our lives.
Wtf is a can of Underwood Deviled Ham … and why did I get paid to eat this sandwich on camera?
FAQ
How many calories are in a deviled ham?
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Amount Per Serving
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180
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Calories
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What is deviled ham?
Deviled ham is ground ham with added spices such as hot sauce, cayenne pepper, hot peppers, or mustard. The act of deviling, or spicing and sprucing up, can be done to a variety of food products, such as chicken, turkey, lobster, and of course, eggs. Deviled ham has long been a popular canned good, but can also be made at home with a blender.
Is ham good for someone with diabetes?
No. Ham, like other processed meats, is not a healthy food for anyone and should not be consumed often due to its high content of chemical additives.
Is Ham bad for You?
Whether you prefer it honey-baked, deviled or slapped between rye, ham is one of the most popular — and inexpensive — ways to put meat on the table. But what you save in dollars now could end up costing you more later, as the disadvantages of ham make it an unhealthy choice to nourish your body.
How do you eat a deviled ham?
Serve the deviled ham in a bowl with crackers. Serve the deviled ham on white bread with lettuce leaves. For a spicier version, add a little cayenne pepper or additional hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use Dijon mustard or brown mustard instead of yellow mustard. They will also add a little more spice to the ham spread.