Why is Dry Cured Cooked Ham classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because manufacturers add functional ingredients such as preservatives, antioxidants and stabilisers; specifically it contains sodium nitrite (E250), sodium ascorbate (E301) and triphosphates (E451), which are typical of NOVA 4 foods.

How does the salt content in this ham affect a hypertensive or sodium‑restricted diet?

With 1.46 g of salt per 100 g, the ham contributes a moderate amount of sodium; regular consumption can quickly approach or exceed daily recommended limits, so people with high blood pressure should limit portion sizes or choose lower‑salt alternatives.

Is Dry Cured Cooked Ham suitable for vegan, keto, halal or gluten‑free diets?

The ham is unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets because it is made of 98 % British pork, and it is not halal due to the pork content. Its very low carbohydrate level makes it compatible with keto, and it contains no gluten‑containing ingredients, so it can be considered gluten‑free.

Ashfields • 240 g

Dry Cured Cooked Ham

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

The Dry Cured Cooked Ham from Ashfields is a processed pork product classified in the "processed meat" PNNS group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is rated NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed status due to the inclusion of sodium nitrite, sodium ascorbate and triphosphates. Nutritionally it offers high protein (21.5 g per 100 g) and low sugar, but its salt level (1.46 g per 100 g) and added preservatives moderate its health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal110 kcal

Fat2.5 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates0.2 g

Sugars0.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for similar products, this ham contains far less fat (2.5 g vs 18.6 g), salt (1.46 g vs 3.52 g), sugars (0.2 g vs 1.56 g) and calories (110 kcal vs 255 kcal), while providing more protein (21.5 g vs 18.4 g) and double the fiber (0.5 g vs 0.2 g).

Ingredients

BRITISH PORK (98%), Sea Salt, Stabiliser: Triphosphates; Brown Sugar, Antioxidant: Sodium Ascorbate; Preservative: Sodium Nitrite; Salt. USE BY: See front of pack. STORAGE: Keep refrigerated below 5°C. NUTRITION This pack contains 14 slices TYPICAL VALUES Per 100g Per slice (approx. 17) Energy 466kJ/

84%

35%

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