Boar’s Head

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Boar’s Head Simplicity All Natural* Uncured Ham falls short of the clean food standards set by our website. This product does not qualify as organic, nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, both factors contributing to its lower rating. The presence of organic sugar, while a natural sweetener, still counts as an added sugar, which is a detractor from its overall health profile. Furthermore, the inclusion of cultured celery powder, a natural source of nitrates, raises concerns due to its potential health implications.

Boar’s Head markets this uncured ham as a simpler, more natural option compared to other processed meats. The list of ingredients is short, which usually signals a move towards a cleaner product. However, the absence of an organic certification means that the fresh ham used may have come from animals raised with conventional farming practices, possibly involving synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The lack of a non-GMO certification also suggests that the product may contain genetically modified organisms, which some consumers aim to avoid in their search for cleaner food.

The use of organic sugar, while preferable to high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, still contributes to the added sugars in the diet, which are limited in a clean eating regimen. Cultured celery powder, often used as a natural curing agent in place of synthetic nitrates or nitrites, is considered by some to be a cleaner alternative. However, its safety and healthfulness remain debated, as it still results in the formation of nitrates in the food, which are of concern to many health-conscious consumers.

The Boar’s Head Simplicity All Natural* Uncured Ham, with its 2 out of 5 green leaves rating, shows there is room for improvement. To align better with the principles of clean eating, this product would benefit from an organic certification, the assurance of non-GMO ingredients, the elimination of added sugars, and reconsideration of the use of cultured celery powder. Consumers seeking the cleanest food options might look for products that meet these criteria.