Is Domino’s “Ham” Actually Canadian Bacon? An Investigation Into a Pizza Topping Mystery

If you’ve ever ordered a pizza with “ham” topping from Domino’s, you may have wondered – is this really ham? Or is it Canadian bacon? The ingredients list on Domino’s website lists “ham” but the slices look suspiciously like Canadian bacon I decided to get to the bottom of this pizza topping mystery.

What Exactly Is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon is not quite the same thing as traditional ham It is made from pork loin that has been cured, smoked, and fully cooked Regular ham is made from the hind leg of a pig.

So while Canadian bacon and ham are both pork products, they come from different cuts of meat. Canadian bacon is much leaner, with a round shape and meat that is pink rather than red.

Canadian bacon is sometimes called “back bacon” or “peameal bacon.” It has a similar salty, smoky flavor to ham but is less fatty. The name is a bit confusing, since Canadian bacon is not actually a traditional Canadian food item.

The Case of Domino’s So-Called “Ham”

Now onto the investigation – is the ham topping at Domino’s really Canadian bacon in disguise? Here is the evidence so far:

• The Ingredients List: Domino’s lists simply “ham” on their ingredients information. No mention of Canadian bacon.

• The Appearance: Slices of Domino’s ham look round with a pink hue – matching the distinct appearance of Canadian bacon rather than traditional ham.

• The Taste: Biting into Domino’s ham reveals a lean, lightly smoked pork flavor. Much closer to Canadian bacon than the richer, fattier taste of ham.

• The Price: Domino’s doesn’t charge extra for ham topping. Canadian bacon is generally cheaper than actual ham.

• Employee Accounts: Anonymous comments from supposed Domino’s employees online indicate the ham is in fact Canadian bacon.

Why the Discrepancy?

If Domino’s uses Canadian bacon, why do they label it as simply “ham”? Here are some possible explanations:

• Canadian bacon may be easier and cheaper for Domino’s to obtain in the quantities needed for pizza topping.

• Customers recognize and expect the taste of Canadian bacon on pizza more than authentic ham.

• Legally “ham” is a broader term that Canadian bacon can be marketed under.

• They can avoid charges of false advertising or misrepresentation by technically listing “ham” as an ingredient.

• Changing the name on menus and marketing would be expensive and disruptive.

Essentially, it may come down to keeping costs low and avoiding confusion among customers. With Canadian bacon close enough in taste and texture to actual ham, Domino’s can stick with describing it as just “ham.”

Does It Really Matter?

While Canadian bacon and ham are different, they are quite similar in their cured, smoked pork flavor. On a pizza with loads of cheese and other toppings, the difference between ham varieties is likely indistinguishable to most people.

So does it matter that Domino’s ham is potentially Canadian bacon in disguise? Not really, for the average pizza eater. However, it could be an issue for those with specific dietary restrictions, religious considerations, or who want to know exactly what they are consuming.

Low carb dieters may also care about the difference, since Canadian bacon is leaner than ham. But for the rest of us, we can continue enjoying Domino’s ham (?) topped pizzas with peace of mind.

The Verdict on Domino’s Ham

In conclusion, the evidence seems strong that the ham topping offered by Domino’s is in actuality Canadian bacon. This likely comes down to cost savings and convenience for the massive pizza chain.

The good news is Canadian bacon tastes quite similar to ham, so customers are still getting an enjoyable flavor and texture. But if you want authentic dry cured ham on your pizza, you may have to look elsewhere or request it specially.

No matter what meat ends up on your pie, Domino’s ham/Canadian bacon still hits the spot when that pizza craving strikes!