Decoding Deli: How much sodium is in boar's head honey ham?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure and manage health. For those watching their sodium, knowing exactly how much sodium is in boar's head honey ham and other deli selections is a crucial first step toward making more mindful food choices.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the specific sodium content in Boar's Head honey hams, offers a comparison to other ham and deli products, and provides actionable tips for controlling your daily sodium intake.

Key Points

Significant Sodium Content: A 2-ounce serving of Boar's Head Maple Glazed Honey Coat Ham contains 570mg of sodium, approximately 24% of the daily value.
Uncured Ham is Not Necessarily Low-Sodium: The All Natural* Uncured Honey Ham contains 420mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving, still a notable amount, and is cured with natural alternatives like cultured celery powder.
Lower-Sodium Options Exist: Boar's Head offers specific products like the 42% Lower Sodium Branded Deluxe Ham, which is a better option for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Compare Labels for Different Products: The sodium content can vary significantly between different ham products, so always check the nutrition facts on the specific product you are buying.
Manage Intake with Portion Control: Since deli meat is generally high in sodium, practicing portion control and limiting the number of slices in a sandwich is an effective strategy.
Balance with Low-Sodium Foods: To mitigate high sodium levels, pair ham with fresh, low-sodium foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Opt for Fresh Alternatives: Consider replacing deli meat with fresh-cooked poultry or lean meat as a primary sandwich protein to reduce overall sodium intake.

Understanding Sodium in Boar's Head Honey Ham

When navigating the deli counter, the specific product you choose can make a significant difference to your nutritional intake. Boar's Head offers several honey ham options, each with a distinct sodium level. The most common varieties are the Maple Glazed Honey Coat® Ham and the All Natural Uncured Honey Ham, and it's essential to check the nutrition facts for the specific product you purchase.

Maple Glazed Honey Coat® Ham

For the Maple Glazed Honey Coat® Ham, a standard 2-ounce (56g) serving contains approximately 570mg of sodium. This represents a notable portion of the recommended daily intake. For context, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults limit daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams. A single serving of this ham contributes about 24% of the daily value for sodium, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

All Natural Uncured Honey Ham

Boar's Head also offers an uncured version, the All Natural* Uncured Honey Ham, which is a different product with a different nutritional profile. A 2-ounce (56g) serving of this variety contains approximately 420mg of sodium. This is a lower-sodium option compared to its maple-glazed counterpart, but it is still a significant source of sodium. 'Uncured' products are cured using natural ingredients like cultured celery powder instead of traditional nitrites, which can still add considerable sodium.

Comparison of Boar's Head Ham Products

Choosing a deli meat can be complex when considering sodium levels. A side-by-side comparison reveals the stark differences between some popular Boar's Head ham products.


Product	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	% Daily Value (DV)*	Notes
Maple Glazed Honey Coat® Ham	2 oz (56g)	570	24%	Sweet and savory glaze adds to sodium content.
All Natural Uncured Honey Ham	2 oz (56g)	420	18%	Uses cultured celery powder instead of nitrites.
42% Lower Sodium Branded Deluxe Ham	2 oz (56g)	480	20%	Specifically marketed as a lower sodium option.
Sweet Slice® Smoked Uncured Ham	2 oz (56g)	520	22%	A boneless, smoked, and uncured option.

*Based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

As this table shows, not all Boar's Head hams are created equal regarding sodium. The '42% Lower Sodium' option, while still a processed food, provides a clearer choice for those actively managing their sodium intake.

The Role of Sodium in Processed Meats

Sodium plays a vital role in processed meats beyond just flavor. It serves as a preservative, extending the product's shelf life and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. It also contributes to the texture and moisture of the meat. This is why deli meats, including ham, are notoriously high in sodium. Processed meats in general can contain high levels of sodium, fat, and preservatives. Consumers should be aware of these factors when making dietary decisions.

Strategies for a Lower-Sodium Diet

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to enjoy ham and other deli meats while keeping sodium in check:

Select Lower-Sodium Products: Actively look for labels that state 'low sodium' or 'reduced sodium'. Boar's Head offers specific lower-sodium options that can help.
Mind Your Portion Sizes: Pay close attention to serving sizes. A small serving of ham in a sandwich or wrap can be a good source of protein, but adding extra slices can quickly double or triple your sodium consumption.
Embrace Fresh Alternatives: Swap out deli ham for fresh-cooked poultry or lean meat, which contain much less sodium. You can cook a chicken breast at home and slice it for sandwiches throughout the week.
Balance with Whole Foods: Pair your ham with naturally low-sodium foods. Add fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meal to balance the overall sodium content.
Limit High-Sodium Condiments: Be mindful of the condiments you add to your ham sandwich, as they can also be high in sodium. Options like mustard and pickles can add significant salt to your meal.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

For those managing their dietary sodium, understanding the differences between deli products is essential. A standard serving of Boar's Head honey ham, particularly the Maple Glazed Honey Coat® variety, contains a significant amount of sodium, though other options like the Uncured Honey Ham have less. The brand also provides explicitly labeled lower-sodium products. By being aware of nutrition facts, practicing portion control, and supplementing with fresh, low-sodium foods, you can include deli ham in a healthy, balanced diet. Making informed choices at the deli counter is a simple yet effective way to support your overall health goals. For further information on managing sodium intake, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides excellent resources on healthy eating habits.

Visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for more tips on reducing sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2-ounce serving of Boar's Head Maple Glazed Honey Coat Ham contains 570mg of sodium, which is about 24% of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Boar's Head All Natural* Uncured Honey Ham contains 420mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving. While lower than the maple-glazed version, it is still a significant source of sodium, and the 'uncured' label doesn't mean it's salt-free.

Yes, Boar's Head offers products specifically marketed for lower sodium content, such as their 42% Lower Sodium Branded Deluxe Ham, which contains 480mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving.

Sodium is used as a preservative and to enhance flavor and texture in processed meats like deli ham. The curing process often involves high salt content to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.

You can reduce sodium by choosing lower-sodium ham varieties, practicing portion control, balancing your meal with low-sodium foods like fresh vegetables, and limiting high-sodium condiments.

Healthier alternatives include fresh-cooked and sliced poultry like chicken or turkey breast, fresh-roasted beef, or plant-based proteins. These options are generally much lower in sodium.

For most adults, the recommended limit is less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. A diet high in sodium is linked to health concerns like high blood pressure.