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

The product receives a NOVA 4 rating because its ingredient list includes processed components such as glucose syrup, dextrose, potato fibre and several food‑grade additives; the declared additives are sodium nitrite (preservative), sodium ascorbate (antioxidant) and triphosphates (stabiliser).

How does the sugar and salt content in British Cooked Ham affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 1.5 g of sugar and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g, the ham adds a modest amount of carbohydrate that modestly raises blood glucose, while its salt contributes to daily sodium intake; people managing diabetes or high blood pressure should account for these values within their overall daily limits.

Based on its ingredients, is British Cooked Ham suitable for vegan, vegetarian, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The ham is made from pork and contains animal‑derived ingredients, so it is unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets; it also does not meet halal requirements due to the presence of pork and sodium nitrite, but it is naturally gluten‑free because no wheat‑based components are listed.

Aldi,Ashfields • 300 g

British Cooked Ham

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

British Cooked Ham is a 300 g portion sold by Aldi under the Ashfields brand, produced in the United Kingdom and composed mainly of pork (86 %) with water, glucose syrup and a blend of additives such as sodium nitrite, triphosphates and sodium ascorbate. The ham offers a low‑fat (1.4 g), low‑saturated‑fat (0.5 g) and high‑protein (19 g) profile with modest sugar (1.5 g) and moderate salt (1.5 g) levels, but it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and carries a Nutri‑Score of C due to added sugars and the presence of preservatives. It delivers lean animal protein for meat‑eaters while requiring careful consumption by those limiting salt, additives or avoiding pork for dietary or religious reasons.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal96 kcal

Fat1.4 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates1.8 g

Sugars1.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average values for prepared meats, this ham contains far less fat (1.4 g vs 18.58 g), saturated fat (0.5 g vs 6.78 g) and salt (1.5 g vs 3.52 g), while providing similar protein (19 g vs 18.39 g) and slightly lower sugars (1.5 g vs 1.56 g).

Ingredients

pork (86%), water, glucose syrup, salt, stabiliser: triphosphates, dextrose, potato fibre, sugar, antioxidant: sodium ascorbate, preservative: sodium nitrite, spice extracts,

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about British Cooked Ham.

Ashfields