Before you cut into a HoneyBaked Ham this holiday (because, come on, you know you’re getting one), learn about the brand’s long history.
BUY NOW HoneyBaked Ham, $71 for 7-lb. half ham; honeybakedonline.com
Is Honey Baked Ham Healthy? Everything You Need to Know
Honey baked ham holds a special place in many people’s hearts. This iconic holiday dish is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. With its tender, glazed exterior and juicy center, it’s no wonder why honey baked ham continues to grace tables year after year.
But is this favorite feast fit to eat? With rising health consciousness, many are questioning if enjoying honey baked ham aligns with their wellness goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the nutrients honey baked ham provides, weigh the potential benefits and risks, and outline some mindful ways to indulge in this classic comfort food. Read on to learn if honey baked ham has a place in a balanced diet.
What Is Honey Baked Ham?
Honey baked ham refers to ham that has been coated with a sweet glaze prior to cooking. While you can make it at home, many know of honey baked ham from the popular chain HoneyBaked Ham Company.
Preparing a honey baked ham starts with choosing a high-quality, fully cooked ham. Bone-in hams are traditional, though boneless options are also available for easy slicing.
Before cooking, the ham is scored and coated in a sticky glaze. Common glaze ingredients include honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cloves, mustard, and vinegar. The ham bakes with the glaze until heated through and the exterior develops a caramelized crust.
Honey Baked Ham Nutrition Facts
When examining if honey baked ham is healthy, it helps to understand what nutrients it contains:
-
Protein. A serving of honey baked ham provides about 20 grams of protein, supplying all nine essential amino acids. The protein quality is high since it comes from animal sources.
-
Vitamins and minerals. Honey baked ham contains iron, selenium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. These support immune function, metabolism, and heart health. It’s especially rich in selenium.
-
Sodium. Like many cured and processed meats, honey baked ham is high in sodium. A serving may contain over 1000 mg sodium, about half the daily recommended limit.
-
Fat. While ham contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, a serving also provides around 5 grams of saturated fat. This type of fat may raise cholesterol levels when consumed in excess.
-
Nitrates. Curing meats involves using nitrates and nitrites to prevent spoilage and enhance flavor. There are concerns that frequent intake is linked to health issues.
Potential Benefits of Honey Baked Ham
Despite drawbacks like high sodium, enjoying the occasional serving of honey baked ham offers advantages:
-
Convenient nutrition. The ham provides a sizable dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can be beneficial as part of a balanced diet.
-
Muscle support. Ham’s complete proteins help maintain and build muscle, especially important for active lifestyles and aging.
-
Heart health. Monounsaturated fats in ham may help reduce LDL cholesterol and lower heart disease risk.
-
Satisfies cravings. The sweet, savory glaze satisfies comfort food cravings in a more nutritious way than typical desserts.
Potential Risks of Honey Baked Ham
With the benefits above in mind, consuming honey baked ham regularly also poses some potential risks:
-
Sodium overload. Frequent servings contribute excess sodium, associated with high blood pressure and fluid retention.
-
Nitrate hazards. There are links between consuming cured and processed meats and increased cancer risk.
-
Weight gain. Honey baked ham’s high calorie density can lead to overeating and weight gain over time.
-
Microbial risks. If undercooked, cured meats may contain toxins that cause foodborne illness.
-
Processed drawbacks. Heavily processed meats like ham tend to lack nutrients compared to fresh cuts of meat.
How to Enjoy Honey Baked Ham More Mindfully
Luckily there are ways to continue enjoying honey baked ham while mitigating risks and maximizing nutrition:
-
Watch portions. Stick to servings of 3-4 ounces, about the size of a deck of cards. Avoid going back for seconds.
-
Limit frequency. Reserve ham for special occasions or once a week at most for the best impact on health.
-
Pair with vegetables. Bright, vitamin-rich sides like roasted veggies balance out a ham-heavy plate.
-
Seek lower-sodium. Opt for reduced sodium versions or rinse off excess glaze to cut down on salt intake.
-
Choose quality. Purchase minimally processed ham from reputable producers for fewer preservatives.
-
Cook thoroughly. Ensure hams reach safe internal temperatures (140°F) to destroy potential bacteria present.
The Takeaway – Can Honey Baked Ham Be Part of a Healthy Diet?
So, is honey baked ham healthy? In moderation, yes, it can be part of a nutritious way of eating. Ham offers benefits like protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it also contains high amounts of sodium, nitrates, and saturated fat.
Following smart habits like watching portions, limiting intake, and pairing with vegetable sides allows you to enjoy honey baked ham’s comfort qualities while avoiding pitfalls. Overall, being mindful of how often and how much you indulge in honey baked ham lets you strike the right balance for your health goals.
Look for this if you want a cheaper cut.
At certain stores, you’ll find “miscuts. ” There’s nothing that makes them inedible; the hams were just sliced poorly, so HoneyBaked Ham discounts them. Ask the employees behind the counter if they’ve got any before you shop the full-priced selection.
You can order ham four different ways.
People can eat four to six quarter hams, five different size half hams that weigh between six and ten pounds, 36 whole hams that don’t have bones and don’t have the signature spiral cut around the bone.
Why is Honey Baked Ham Worth It?
FAQ
Is Honey Baked Ham considered processed meat?
Is Honey Baked Ham healthy to eat?
Is Honey Baked Ham real ham?
What is the healthiest ham to buy?
How to make a honey baked ham?
For this honey baked ham, you’re going to use butter, honey and a hint of brown sugar. The acid of the pineapple juice balances out the sweetness from the honey, while the saltiness in the ham provides another layer of flavour. From here you can add in spices like the traditional ground cinnamon.
What is the best glaze for a baked ham?
The best glaze for a baked ham contain either honey, brown sugar or maple syrup. The saltiness from the ham and the sweetness from the glaze complement each other so well that either of those ingredients make for a pretty special glaze. For this honey baked ham, you’re going to use butter, honey and a hint of brown sugar.
What to eat at HoneyBaked Ham?
HoneyBaked Ham makes turkey, beef, and pork, too. Plus, you could cater an entire dinner party with the app and side selections: There’s mac and cheese, spinach artichoke dip, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes, to name a handful. 7. Don’t forget about the desserts. The company’s pies and cakes are just as beloved as its spiral hams.
How long do you cook a Ham in the oven?
Brush half of the glaze all over the ham and try and get some of the glaze between the slices. Cover with foil and bake for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temp is 110F. Increase the oven temp by 50 degrees, to 375F. Remove the ham from the oven, remove the foil, and brush with half of the remaining glaze.