NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham scores 51/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **high sodium content** and classification as a processed food.
FoodScore: 51/100 (Decent) for NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham.
A strength is its 17.86g of protein per 100g serving.
The primary concern is the 857.14mg of sodium per 100g.
This product is NOVA class 3 (processed), unlike a home-cooked ham.
Consider portion control to manage sodium intake when consuming this ham.
Scores +5 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
17.86g
36% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
857.14mg
37% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (17.9g)+10
−
What holds it back
Sodium (857.1mg)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 51
NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham receives a FoodScore of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the product provides a significant amount of protein, contributing 17.86g per 100g, which earns a bonus of +10 points. However, the ham's sodium content is notably high, at 857.14mg per 100g, resulting in a penalty of -4 points. This level of sodium is substantial, especially when considering typical serving sizes. Furthermore, the product is classified as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food, which incurs an additional -5 point penalty. While the ingredient list includes cane sugar, it is present in amounts less than 2% and does not contribute to added sugar penalties, as 0g of added sugar is reported. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, this product contains added ingredients like celery powder and spice extracts, and typically has a higher sodium level due to processing for preservation and flavor.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in new hope provisions, uncured hickory smoked ham actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Excellent Source of Protein
This NEW HOPE PROVISIONS ham is an excellent source of protein, providing 17.86g per 100g. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting satiety. Including adequate protein in meals can help with muscle maintenance and can contribute to feeling full, which may assist with weight management. This makes it a suitable option for individuals looking to increase their protein intake.
Convenient Meal Component
As a pre-cooked and packaged item, this ham offers significant convenience for meal preparation. It can be quickly added to sandwiches, salads, or used as a protein component in various dishes without extensive cooking. This convenience can be beneficial for individuals with limited time for meal prep, helping them incorporate a protein source into their diet more easily than preparing ham from scratch. The uncured nature means it's processed without synthetic nitrates or nitrites.
Low in Saturated Fat
With only 0.89g of saturated fat per 100g, this ham is relatively low in saturated fat. Limiting saturated fat intake is generally recommended for maintaining cardiovascular health. This product can fit into a balanced dietary pattern that aims to reduce the consumption of fats that can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Its lean protein profile makes it a better choice than some other processed meats with higher fat content.
NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham scores 51/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high sodium content and classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham is typically consumed as a cold cut in sandwiches, diced into salads, or as a quick protein addition to breakfast or dinner. Common portion sizes are around 2 ounces (56g). The main pitfall is consuming too much due to its high sodium content.
Pair with fresh vegetables and whole-grain bread to create a balanced sandwich, enhancing fiber and micronutrient intake.
Dice and add to a large salad with a variety of greens and other vegetables to make a complete meal with controlled portion sizes.
Use smaller portions, such as 1 ounce, when adding to omelets or scrambled eggs to manage sodium intake effectively.
Consider using it as a flavor enhancer in dishes like soups or stews, rather than the main protein, to reduce overall sodium contribution.
Swap out for fresh, unprocessed chicken or turkey breast when possible to further lower sodium and processing levels in your diet.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham is its high sodium content. Individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should consume this product in moderation. The ingredient list includes celery powder, which is a natural source of nitrates and nitrites, used as a curing agent in 'uncured' products. While naturally derived, these compounds still function similarly to synthetic nitrates. There are no declared major allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. However, as a processed meat product, it is generally recommended to consume such items as part of a varied diet rather than as a daily staple.
Is NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham healthy?
This ham scores 51/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. It provides a good amount of protein (17.86g per 100g) but is high in sodium (857.14mg per 100g) and is a processed food (NOVA class 3). While it can fit into a balanced diet, its sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are monitoring your sodium intake.
How does NEW HOPE PROVISIONS compare to other ham brands?
Compared to other deli hams like Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh, NEW HOPE PROVISIONS Uncured Hickory Smoked Ham has a similar nutritional profile, often with comparable protein and sodium levels. Many processed hams in the category will share the high sodium characteristic due to curing and preservation methods. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, especially for sodium and fat content.
What is 'celery powder' in the ingredients?
Celery powder is a natural source of nitrates and nitrites used in 'uncured' meats like this ham. It functions as a curing agent, contributing to the preservation and characteristic flavor and color of the ham, similar to how synthetic nitrates are used in conventionally cured products. It's listed instead of synthetic sodium nitrite to meet 'uncured' labeling requirements.
What is a recommended portion size for this ham?
The declared serving size is 2 ounces (approximately 56g). Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of sodium, which is 480mg per 2-ounce serving. Consuming larger portions regularly would significantly increase your daily sodium intake, potentially exceeding recommended limits.
Can I eat this ham every day?
While this ham provides protein, its high sodium content (857.14mg per 100g) suggests it may not be ideal for daily consumption, especially if you are concerned about sodium intake. It's generally recommended to vary your protein sources and limit processed meats to maintain a balanced diet. Consider alternating with fresh, unprocessed proteins.