Nutrition Diet: Is Kentucky Legend Ham Considered Processed Meat?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, with strong evidence linking its consumption to an increased risk of cancer. This raises a critical question for consumers focused on healthier eating: Is Kentucky Legend ham considered processed meat? The answer lies in its curing and smoking methods.

Quick Summary

Kentucky Legend ham is classified as processed meat due to its curing with agents like sodium nitrite and its extensive smoking process. This modification enhances flavor and preservation, but also places it in the processed category defined by health organizations.

Key Points

Kentucky Legend Ham is Processed Meat: Despite marketing as 'handcrafted' and 'naturally smoked,' the curing process with additives like sodium nitrite qualifies Kentucky Legend ham as processed.
Curing and Smoking Define 'Processed': Any meat preserved by smoking, curing, or adding preservatives is considered processed, according to major health authorities like the WHO.
Additives and Health Risks: Ingredients such as sodium nitrite, while preserving the meat, can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the body.
Watch for Sodium Content: Processed hams, including Kentucky Legend, are typically high in sodium, which is a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: For sandwiches and meals, opt for fresh meats, poultry, fish, or plant-based proteins to reduce intake of processed foods.
'Uncured' is Still Processed: Hams labeled 'uncured' often use vegetable-derived nitrates (e.g., from celery powder) for preservation, but this still counts as a form of processing.

What Defines Processed Meat?

To understand if Kentucky Legend ham fits the classification, it's essential to define what constitutes processed meat. Health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) provide a clear definition. Processed meat is any meat that has been transformed through methods such as salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or adding other preservatives to improve preservation and enhance flavor. Examples include bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and salami, and yes, most ham.

These processes often involve the addition of chemical preservatives like nitrates and nitrites. While these compounds help prevent bacterial growth and maintain color, they can also form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in the body, particularly when cooked at high temperatures. Therefore, the simple act of preserving meat moves it from a 'fresh' category to a 'processed' one, regardless of its 'natural' or 'artisan crafted' marketing.

Examining Kentucky Legend Ham

Kentucky Legend markets its ham as "handcrafted" and “naturally hardwood smoked”. While these phrases emphasize traditional methods and taste, they don't change its classification as a processed meat. The brand's products, including its sliced and boneless hickory smoked hams, explicitly state that they are “cured”.

The Ingredients and Curing Process

A look at the ingredient list for Kentucky Legend ham confirms the use of several additives that fall under the processed meat definition:

Water: A common ingredient in many processed meats to aid in curing and add weight.
Salt, Sugar, and Brown Sugar: Used for flavor and preservation.
Sodium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate: These are flavor enhancers and preservatives.
Sodium Phosphate: Added to increase moisture and improve texture.
Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant that helps the curing process.
Sodium Nitrite: A chemical preservative that enhances color and flavor while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Some labels may also feature "celery juice powder" as a source of nitrates for "uncured" versions. Even when using natural sources, the vegetable-derived nitrates are still converted to nitrites, which can then lead to the formation of N-nitroso compounds in the body. This is why organizations like the MD Anderson Cancer Center caution that even meats labeled "nitrate-free" can still be processed.

The Smoking Technique

Kentucky Legend also highlights its ham is double-smoked over real hickory wood. While this contributes to its distinctive flavor, smoking is a primary method of processing meat according to health experts. The process of smoking meat can create polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are also linked to cancer risk.

Nutritional Considerations of Processed Ham

Beyond the processing methods, the nutritional profile of processed meats like Kentucky Legend ham presents other health considerations, particularly regarding sodium and fat content. Excessive sodium intake is a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

According to nutritional information found online, a 3 oz serving of Kentucky Legend hickory smoked ham can contain a significant portion of the recommended daily sodium intake. Other concerns often associated with processed meats include higher levels of saturated fat and other chemical additives.

Comparing Processed vs. Unprocessed Ham

To put this into perspective, here is a comparison between Kentucky Legend processed ham and a genuinely unprocessed, fresh pork cut.


Feature	Kentucky Legend Processed Ham	Fresh, Unprocessed Pork Cut
Processing Method	Cured (with sodium nitrite/nitrate), brined, and double-smoked.	Uncured, un-brined, sold fresh or frozen.
Key Ingredients	Water, salt, sodium lactate, sodium phosphate, sugar, dextrose, sodium nitrite, etc..	Pork (and sometimes salt for flavor).
Sodium Content	High; one 3oz serving can provide a large percentage of daily value.	Much lower; only the naturally occurring sodium in the meat.
Shelf Life	Extended shelf life due to preservatives and curing.	Short shelf life; needs to be cooked or frozen relatively quickly.
Health Classification	Processed meat (Group 1 Carcinogen by WHO).	Red meat (Group 2A Carcinogen by WHO).
Healthier Choice?	Should be limited due to curing agents, sodium, and fat.	A healthier option when consumed in moderation, with control over cooking methods and seasoning.

Healthier Alternatives and Choices

For those seeking alternatives to processed meats like Kentucky Legend ham, several options exist that don't carry the same health risks.

Fresh, Uncured Meats: Instead of pre-packaged ham, consider buying fresh pork loin, trimming it yourself, and roasting or baking it at home. You control the ingredients, adding only herbs and spices.
Poultry: Opt for fresh, skinless chicken or turkey breast, which are naturally leaner and less processed. Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient alternative for sandwiches.
Fish: Tuna or salmon, particularly canned versions, are great protein sources. Look for those packed in water with minimal added salt.
Plant-Based Proteins: Beans, legumes, tofu, and hummus offer excellent protein and fiber without the risks associated with processed meat. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Homemade Roast Beef: Cook a fresh cut of beef at home and slice it for sandwiches, giving you complete control over ingredients and seasoning.

Conclusion: Making Informed Nutritional Choices

In summary, because of its curing process with ingredients like sodium nitrite and its extensive smoking, Kentucky Legend ham is indeed considered a processed meat. While the company highlights its "artisan" and "natural" qualities, these do not negate its classification according to health organizations like the WHO. Understanding this allows you to make more informed choices within your nutrition diet. By limiting processed meat and exploring healthier, minimally processed alternatives, you can take a significant step toward reducing potential health risks associated with these food items. For further reading on the carcinogenicity of processed meat, visit the World Cancer Research Fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kentucky Legend ham is considered processed because it is cured with ingredients like sodium nitrite and other additives, and preserved through a double-smoking process, all of which fall under the definition of meat processing established by health organizations.

The main difference is the source of nitrates used for curing. Cured ham uses synthetic sodium nitrite, while 'uncured' ham often uses naturally occurring nitrates from vegetables like celery powder. Both methods, however, result in processed meat.

No, not all ham is processed. Fresh, unprocessed pork cuts exist, but most commercially available hams are cured, smoked, or otherwise preserved, classifying them as processed meat.

Processed meat is linked to health risks because the curing and smoking processes can create cancer-causing substances, and the products are typically high in sodium and saturated fat.

Healthier alternatives include fresh roasted pork loin, grilled chicken breast, canned tuna or salmon, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.

Read the ingredient label. Look for terms like 'cured,' 'salted,' 'smoked,' or the addition of preservatives like 'sodium nitrite' or 'celery juice powder.' Also, be aware of high sodium levels.

The Cancer Council recommends keeping processed meat intake to a minimum or cutting it out altogether due to its carcinogenicity. However, any intake should be in extreme moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods.