Why is Black Forest smoked ham classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The ham is considered ultra-processed because it includes ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as added dextrose, iodized salt, a blend of spices, and preservatives like sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate, which place it in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the high salt content in this smoked ham affect a diet for people with hypertension?

With 4.75 g of salt per 100 g, a single serving provides almost the entire daily recommended limit for sodium, which can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk, so hypertensive individuals should limit consumption and balance it with low-salt foods.

Is the use of sodium nitrite in this ham a health concern?

Sodium nitrite is an approved preservative that prevents bacterial growth and maintains the pink color, but it can form nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic; regulated amounts are considered safe, yet limiting intake of nitrite-cured meats is advised for health-conscious consumers.

Dulano Selection • 200 g

Jambon fumé de la forêt noire Schwarzwälder Schinken

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Black Forest smoked ham, produced by Dulano Selection, is made from pork sourced from several European countries and is packaged in a plastic tray. It belongs to the PNNS groups 'Fish, Meat, Eggs' and the sub-group 'Processed meat', carries a Nutri-Score of E (score 27) and is classified as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) due to added salt, dextrose, spices and preservatives such as sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate. Nutritionally, it provides low sugar and modest energy (about 235 kcal per 100 g), but its saturated fat is high and its salt level (4.75 g per 100 g) exceeds average levels for similar products, which should be considered by consumers monitoring sodium intake.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal234 kcal

Fat14 g

Saturated Fat6 g

Carbohydrates1 g

Sugars0.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for processed meats, this smoked ham contains less sugar (0.8 g vs 1.56 g), slightly lower saturated fat (6 g vs 6.78 g), but considerably more salt (4.75 g vs 3.52 g) while delivering similar energy (about 235 kcal vs 255 kcal).

Ingredients

Viande de porc (d'Allemagne, de Belgique, de Pays-Bas, de France, du Danemark, d'Espagne), sel iodé (sel, iodate de potassium), épices, dextrose, conservateurs: nitrite de sodium, nitrate de potassium; fumée de bois de sapin. Conditionné sous atmosphére protectrice. Conseils de dégustation: pour plus de saveur, sortir le produit de son emballage 5 minutes avand de le déguster.

84%

35%

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