Hormel Natural Choice

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Hormel Natural Choice Cherrywood Smoked Deli Ham falls short of the ideal for those seeking cleaner food options. This product, while offering a smoked deli meat alternative, includes several elements that detract from its overall healthfulness and purity.

The absence of organic certification removes a layer of assurance regarding the quality of the ham’s ingredients, while the presence of non-GMO ingredients remains uncertain. This uncertainty raises concerns for consumers prioritizing natural and genetically unmodified food sources. Furthermore, the addition of turbinado sugar, although a less processed form of sugar, contributes to the product’s added sugar content, a component many health-conscious individuals strive to minimize in their diets.

More concerning is the inclusion of cultured celery powder, an ingredient that, despite its natural-sounding name, acts as a nitrate in cured meats and is subject to scrutiny for its potential health impacts. The use of cherry powder and sea salt, while less contentious, do not offset the concerns raised by the other ingredients.

Consumers dedicated to clean eating are likely to be disheartened by the product’s ingredient list. The commitment to cleaner, healthier options in the deli aisle is a growing trend, and this product does not fully align with that movement. The Hormel Natural Choice Cherrywood Smoked Deli Ham, while not the lowest scoring product on the market, has significant room for improvement. By transitioning to organic, non-GMO ingredients, and eliminating added sugars and questionable additives, it could better meet the standards of those seeking purer food choices.