Jordan Myrick from Sporked gave me a yolk-filled tour of Los Angeles for my birthday two years ago. Jordan was one of my best friends, so he knew how much I liked deviled eggs (I make them for parties all the time) and The Devil as a guy in general. Though I would have been a little wary if they told me, “We’re going on a deviled ham tour of Los Angeles.” Read on to learn more about deviled ham. Does it really have as much to offer as egg deviled ham?
Deviled ham holds a nostalgic spot in many people’s pantries. This canned meat spread has long been a staple for quick and easy sandwiches. But with its long ingredients list, is deviled ham actually unhealthy?
I took a closer look at the pros and cons of deviled ham to find out if it’s bad for you Keep reading for a complete breakdown
What is Deviled Ham?
Deviled ham is a type of processed canned meat made from ground ham mixed with spices. To make it shelf-stable deviled ham contains
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Ground ham – made from leftover scraps after slicing ham
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Sodium nitrite – cures and preserves the meat
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Salt – for flavor and preservation
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Spices – ingredients like mustard, black pepper, etc.
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Sugar – balances spice flavors in some varieties
This combination gives deviled ham its soft, spreadable texture and tangy, spicy bite. Popular brands like Underwood have sold it since the late 1800s.
Is Deviled Ham Healthy? The Pros and Cons
There are some advantages to deviled ham, but also considerable cons regarding its nutrition. Let’s compare:
Pros:
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Convenient – ready to eat straight from the can
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Inexpensive – typically only a couple dollars per can
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Versatile – can be used in many dishes
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Long shelf life – cans last for years unopened
Cons:
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High sodium – 500mg+ per serving, increasing blood pressure risks
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Nitrites – possible links to cancer
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Saturated fat and cholesterol
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Preservatives – contains chemicals to prevent spoilage
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Lower nutritional value – lacks nutrients like vitamin C, fiber
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Processed meat – associated with health risks like diabetes
The convenience comes at the cost of excessive sodium, preservatives, and fat. But exactly how unhealthy are these cons?
Are the Downsides of Deviled Ham Risky?
Research shows there are legitimate health concerns with frequent deviled ham intake. Here are two of the biggest risks:
1. High sodium
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Most brands contain 500mg+ sodium per serving
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Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
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Adults should aim for less than 2300mg sodium daily
2. Nitrites
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Sodium nitrite is commonly added to cured and processed meats
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Studies link nitrites to increased cancer risk
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Some brands now offer nitrite-free options
Beyond sodium and nitrites, the saturated fat and cholesterol levels may also be unhealthy if you eat deviled ham regularly.
However, having it occasionally in moderate portions is unlikely to pose big risks for most people. Those with high blood pressure or sodium-restricted diets should be more cautious.
Healthier Ways to Enjoy Deviled Ham
If you don’t want to eliminate deviled ham completely, here are some tips for making it healthier:
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Choose low-sodium or nitrite-free options
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Eat small 1-2 tbsp servings at a time
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Avoid brands with added sugar
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Balance intake with veggies and hydration
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Make your own version at home with less sodium
You can also swap in some healthier alternatives:
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Mash canned salmon or tuna with spices
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Use hummus, avocado, nut butters for spreads
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Try turkey, chicken, or egg salad
Enjoying deviled ham occasionally in moderation allows you to satisfy the craving without overdoing the unhealthy elements.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, deviled ham is not the healthiest choice due to its high sodium, nitrites, fat, and preservatives. However, those without dietary issues can still enjoy small amounts infrequently.
Read labels and look for low-sodium options with no added sugar. Balance intake with nutrition and exercise. Consider making your own healthier version at home.
While deviled ham is no health food, the occasional indulgence in moderation likely won’t cause considerable harm. Use your best judgment, limit portions, and consume as part of an overall balanced diet.
What is deviled ham made of?
The base for any deviled ham, whether homemade or from a can, is ground cured ham. The next step is to spice it up. The only things that are listed on the label of Underwood deviled ham are ham, mustard flour, turmeric, and spices.
The spices you can use to make deviled ham at home are very varied. They can be cayenne pepper, paprika, mustard powder, cumin, Old Bay seasoning, spicy brown or Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and even chopped chilies. Much like on Arrakis, the spice must flow.
What is deviled ham?
First, let’s understand why it is called deviled ham. English people first used the word “deviled” in the 1700s, when a radish was probably the spiciest thing on the menu.
This general term was used for any food that had been seasoned with hot spices or condiments, making people think of the hellish fires of hell. For many puritanical Anglicans, this flirtation with Satan was about as wild as they could get.
The dish deviled ham is related to ham salad, which is a Southeast Asian tradition and a fun way to use up extra ham. Other mayo-based salads, like pasta salad, potato salad, and tuna salad, are made with finely diced meat mixed with mayonnaise, relish, and chopped vegetables. Ham salad is a lot like these salads. Deviled ham has the finely diced or minced quality, but eschews the mayo for spices.
Perhaps the thing deviled ham is known for most, though, is being sold in a can. The William Underwood Company began selling canned deviled ham in 1868. The next time you are in your grocery’s canned meat and fish section, take notice of the white-labeled can with the bright red devil on it. That’s Underwood.
Spam, the canned meat that goes with deviled ham, is a solid block of meat, but deviled ham is more like pâté.
Wtf is a can of Underwood Deviled Ham … and why did I get paid to eat this sandwich on camera?
FAQ
Is Underwood Deviled Ham bad for you?
What is deviled ham made of?
Why is deviled ham so good?
Is deviled ham like spam?
Does deviled ham come in a can?
Perhaps the thing deviled ham is known for most, though, is being sold in a can. The William Underwood Company began selling canned deviled ham in 1868. The next time you are in your grocery’s canned meat and fish section, take notice of the white-labeled can with the bright red devil on it. That’s Underwood.
Are dill pickles unhealthy?
Dill pickles are low in calorie but very high in sodium. One large dill pickle has more than two-thirds of the ideal amount of sodium that an adult should have in a whole day. So they are not a good option for people with high blood pressure or heart failure. They must be consumed occasionally in small amounts.
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.