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Hillshire Farm
Flavor:
Thin Sliced Smoked Ham Lunch Meat
Ingredients:
Ham, Water, Vinegar*, Contains 2% Or Less: Salt, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphate, Natural Flavorings (Including Celery Juice Powder*), Sugar, Sea Salt, Citric Acid. *To Preserve Quality.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Hillshire Farm Thin Sliced Smoked Ham Lunch Meat ranks low on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic, and it does not utilize non-GMO ingredients, both of which are critical factors in our assessment process. The inclusion of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, further detracts from its score. More concerning is the presence of dextrose, a form of sugar that we categorize as a more harmful sweetener. Additionally, natural flavorings, which encompass a range of unspecified substances, raise questions regarding their potential impact on health.
The ingredient list reveals several areas of concern. While the product contains common preservatives like vinegar and celery juice powder, which are often used to maintain quality, the use of sodium phosphate is noted. Sodium phosphate is typically included to enhance flavor and retain moisture, but it is also scrutinized for its potential health effects.
Our scoring system penalizes the product heavily for not being organic. Organic foods are generally preferred for their stricter regulations regarding pesticide use and farming practices. The absence of a non-GMO certification implies that genetically modified ingredients may be present, which some consumers choose to avoid due to environmental and health considerations.
The presence of added sugars is a significant drawback. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity and heart disease. While citric acid is a natural preservative, its categorization as an added sugar here reflects its role in potentially increasing the product’s sugar content.
The term ‘natural flavor’ is broad and often encompasses a range of substances that are not always disclosed to consumers. This ambiguity, combined with the potential inclusion of harmful additives, affects the product’s transparency and raises concerns about its overall healthfulness.
Given these factors, the Hillshire Farm Thin Sliced Smoked Ham Lunch Meat receives our lowest recommendation. Our assessment highlights the importance of clean ingredients and transparent labeling for consumers seeking healthier food options. Those prioritizing organic, non-GMO, and additive-free products will likely consider alternative choices that align more closely with these values.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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