Land O Frost

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the ‘Land O Frost Primo Italiano-style’ ham positions itself at the lowest tier of our clean food spectrum. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which immediately impacts its standing. In addition, the presence of added sugars, particularly sugar and dextrose, further detracts from its score. More concerning are the additives used, with generic “flavoring” raising questions about its composition and potential health impacts. The inclusion of sodium nitrite is particularly troubling due to its association with negative health effects.

The product is cured with water and salt and contains less than 2% of paprika, spices, flavoring, smoke flavor, natural wine flavor, vinegar, and lactic acid, along with the aforementioned sugar, dextrose, sodium phosphates, and sodium nitrite. The use of non-organic ingredients and GMOs reflects a disregard for the cleaner, more natural alternatives that are available and preferred by health-conscious consumers.

The added sugars, dextrose and sugar, contribute to the increasing concerns regarding excessive sugar intake in diets, which is linked to a multitude of health issues. The broad term “flavoring” does not provide transparency, leaving consumers uninformed about the specific substances they are ingesting. Sodium nitrite, a known preservative, has been flagged for its potential carcinogenic effects when consumed in processed meats.

The ‘Land O Frost Primo Italiano-style’ ham earns its 1/5 green leaves rating due to these factors. Its composition includes several ingredients that are at odds with a cleaner, healthier diet. With non-organic components, GMOs, added sugars, and questionable additives, it falls short of the standards for those seeking cleaner food options. Consumers are advised to consider these factors carefully and explore alternatives that align more closely with a commitment to health and transparency in food sourcing and ingredients.