Is Honey Baked Ham and Turkey Processed Meat?

Honey baked ham and turkey are holiday favorites for many families But there is often confusion around whether these popular deli meats are processed or not. In this article, we’ll explore what exactly classifies a meat as “processed” and whether honey baked ham and turkey fit the criteria

What is Considered Processed Meat?

The term “processed meat” refers to any meat that has been preserved or altered in some way to improve flavor, extend shelf life, or make it more convenient to consume. This includes:

• Smoked, cured, or salted meats like ham, bacon, and deli meats
• Sausages and hot dogs
• Canned meats
• Meat with chemical preservatives like nitrites or nitrates
• Ground and reformed meats like burgers or chicken nuggets

Essentially, any meat product that has been modified from its natural raw state is considered processed. This processing aims to enhance preservation, taste, and practicality, but may also introduce potentially harmful chemicals.

Are Honey Baked Hams Processed?

Traditional honey baked hams like those from HoneyBaked Ham Company are made by coating a cured ham with a glaze of honey, brown sugar, and spices. The ham is then cooked so the sweet glaze permeates the meat.

So are these hams processed? Yes Hams are cured, smoked, and salted as part of the preservation process This curing classifies them as a processed meat product even before the honey glaze is added.

The glazing adds flavor and tenderness, but does not significantly alter the nutritional profile or cancel out the base processing of the cured ham. So honey baked ham still falls squarely in the processed meat category.

What About Honey Baked Turkey?

Honey baked turkey follows a similar preparation method. The turkey is coated in a sticky, sweet glaze and then roasted until perfectly tender and juicy. But is this processed meat too?

It depends. Turkey is not cured or smoked like ham is prior to glazing. So an unadulterated turkey is not processed. However, the addition of the honey glaze introduces sugars and chemicals that act as a form of processing.

Most experts consider the turkey “lightly processed” after glazing compared to traditional processed meats. But the glazing does qualify it as having undergone some degree of processing.

Health Impact of Processed Honey Baked Meats

What does this mean for the nutritional value and health impact of these popular holiday treats? Here are a few considerations

• Higher sodium: Cured and smoked meats like ham tend to be very high in sodium, which can negatively impact blood pressure and heart health.

• Nitrates/nitrites: These chemical preservatives found in processed meats are linked to increased cancer risk with regular high intake.

• Sugars: The sweet honey glazes increase the sugar content compared to plain ham or turkey. This should be accounted for by diabetics.

• Less protein/nutrients: Processing tends to lower the natural protein and nutrient content compared to fresh meat.

However, enjoyed occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet, honey baked holiday meats can absolutely be incorporated in moderation. Just be mindful of portions.

Tips for Enjoying Honey Baked Meats

Here are some tips for enjoying processed honey baked ham and turkey more healthfully:

• Seek out low-sodium and nitrate/nitrite-free options when possible
• Eat only lean, trimmed portions to minimize fat intake
• Pair with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains
• Limit portion sizes to 3-4 oz. maximum
• Rinse off some of the glaze to reduce sugar content
• Roast or grill plain turkey and add your own healthy glaze
• Substitute honey glazed pork tenderloin for ham

With some simple precautions, these beloved holiday favorites can still be part of a nutritious and balanced seasonal spread when consumed responsibly.

The Bottom Line

Traditional honey baked ham is without a doubt a processed meat due to the curing, smoking, and salting processes used in its production. Honey baked turkey is lightly processed from the addition of the sweet glaze.

As with any food, it’s important to consume processed meats like these in moderation as part of an overall varied diet. By following basic healthy eating guidelines, even processed treats like honey baked ham can be incorporated into your holiday meals.

So this year, feel free to enjoy a little honey baked goodness alongside your veggies, fruit tray, and healthy sides. With balance and restraint, you can savor these seasonal favorites while still caring for your health.