Why is Wafer thin cooked ham classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because it includes several industrial ingredients beyond the meat itself, such as sodium nitrite (preservative), potassium triphosphate, sodium triphosphate and tetrapotassium diphosphate (stabilisers), sodium ascorbate (antioxidant), curcumin (E100) and paprika extract (E160c) for colour, plus dextrose, honey, brown sugar, caramelised sugar syrup and gluten‑free breadcrumbs that contain rice flour, cornflour, rapeseed oil and additional dextrose.

How does the sugar and salt content in this ham affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.8 g of sugar per 100 g, the product adds minimal carbohydrate load for diabetics, but it contains 1.59 g of salt per 100 g, which is considered high and can contribute to elevated blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should limit portion sizes.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free?

The ham is not vegan or halal because its primary ingredient is pork and it also contains pork gelatine. It is gluten‑free, and its very low carbohydrate (0.8 g) and high protein profile make it compatible with a keto diet.

EASTMAN'S DELI FOODS

WAFER THIN COOKED HAM

Fish Meat Eggs

Product Insights

Wafer thin cooked ham is a ready‑to‑eat sliced ham made from pork (88%), water, salt and a blend of sweeteners, stabilisers and preservatives, sold under the Tesco brand in the United Kingdom. It belongs to the processed‑meat group, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), offering 17.6 g of protein, 0.8 g of sugar and 1.59 g of salt per 100 g. While the low fat, low sugar and high protein are positives, the high sodium level and the presence of eight food additives, including sodium nitrite and triphosphates, mean it should be eaten in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal95 kcal

Fat2.1 g

Saturated Fat0.7 g

Carbohydrates0.8 g

Sugars0.8 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical values for similar products, this ham contains far less fat (2.1 g vs 18.6 g), saturated fat (0.7 g vs 6.8 g), sugar (0.8 g vs 1.6 g), salt (1.59 g vs 3.5 g) and calories (94 kcal vs 255 kcal), while delivering almost the same protein (17.6 g vs 18.4 g) and higher fiber.

Ingredients

pork (88%), water, salt, dextrose, stabilisers (potassium triphosphate, sodium triphosphate, tetrapotassium diphosphate), mineral sea salt, honey, brown sugar, antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), gluten free breadcrumbs carbohydrate [rice flour, cornflour, salt, dextrose, rapeseed oil, colours (curcumin, paprika extract)], preservative (sodium nitrite), pork gelatine, caramelised sugar syrup, made using british and eu pork, per one slice 100g (10g) energy 565kj

84%

35%

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