What is Boar's Head Ham Made Of? A Look at Ingredients and Nutrition

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the company's product information, Boar's Head ham is made from premium cuts of hand-trimmed pork, with specific ingredients varying between their cured and 'All Natural' uncured products. The answer to "what is Boar's Head ham made of" is crucial for consumers making mindful dietary choices, as the preparation method significantly impacts the final nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

This article explores the composition of Boar's Head ham, detailing the ingredients for both cured and uncured varieties. It examines the manufacturing process, contrasts the nutritional differences, and provides context for how these deli meats fit within a balanced nutrition diet.

Key Points

Cured vs. Uncured Ingredients: Cured Boar's Head ham uses fresh ham, water, and synthetic additives like sodium nitrite, while uncured versions use natural nitrates from sources like cultured celery powder.
Sodium Content Variation: Sodium levels differ significantly between Boar's Head ham products; the 42% Lower Sodium Deluxe Ham and No Salt Added ham are options for those monitoring their sodium intake.
High Protein Source: Boar's Head ham is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building muscle and promoting satiety.
Gluten-Free Products: All Boar's Head meats, including their ham varieties, are certified gluten-free, making them safe for individuals with gluten sensitivity.
Processed Meat Considerations: As a processed meat, ham is associated with potential health risks, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
Health Certifications: Boar's Head offers products certified by the American Heart Association, indicating they meet criteria for heart-healthy foods.

Boar's Head has built a reputation for its premium deli products, and their ham is a popular staple. However, with an increasing focus on healthy eating, many consumers question the specifics of how their favorite foods are made. Understanding the ingredients and processing of Boar's Head ham is the first step toward including it sensibly in a nutritious diet.

Cured vs. Uncured: The Key Ingredient Differences

One of the most important distinctions to understand when it comes to Boar's Head ham is the difference between their cured and uncured offerings. This variation dictates the use of preservatives and is a primary factor in both flavor and nutrition profile.

Boar's Head Branded Deluxe Ham (Cured)

This classic variety, like many traditional deli hams, uses synthetic additives for preservation and flavor. The ingredient list includes:

Fresh Ham: The primary ingredient, derived from a cut of pork.
Water: Added during processing to increase moisture and juiciness.
Salt, Sugar, and Dextrose: Used for curing and flavoring.
Sodium Phosphate: A common food additive used to retain moisture and enhance texture.
Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant used to speed up the curing process.
Sodium Nitrite: A key curing agent that prevents bacterial growth and adds the characteristic pink color and cured flavor.

Boar's Head All Natural* Traditional Uncured Ham

For those seeking a product without synthetic nitrates or nitrites, the "All Natural" line is the alternative. While it is technically still cured, the process relies on natural sources of nitrites.

Fresh Ham: The same base cut of quality pork.
Water: A common addition for moisture.
Organic Sugar and Sea Salt: Used instead of conventional sugar and salt.
Cultured Celery Powder: The natural source of nitrates that are converted to nitrites to perform the curing process.
Natural Flavors: Ingredients that enhance the taste without artificial compounds.

The Ham Production Process

While Boar's Head keeps its specific recipes proprietary, the general method for producing deli ham involves several key steps that contribute to its flavor and consistency:

Preparation: The fresh ham is hand-trimmed to meet quality standards.
Brining/Marinating: The ham is submerged or injected with a brine, a liquid mixture of water, salt, sugars, and curing agents. For cured ham, this includes sodium nitrite; for uncured, it's natural sources like celery powder.
Tumbling: The brined meat is often tumbled, which helps to distribute the brine evenly and tenderize the meat.
Casing/Netting: The meat is stuffed into a casing or netting to hold its uniform shape during cooking.
Cooking/Smoking: The ham is then slow-cooked, and depending on the product, it might also be smoked to add flavor, as is the case with their Beechwood Smoked Black Forest Ham.

Comparing Boar's Head Ham Products: A Nutritional Perspective

The nutritional content of Boar's Head ham is a critical component of any nutrition diet evaluation. A comparison of standard, lower sodium, and uncured options reveals key differences, particularly in sodium levels. The following table provides an approximate nutritional comparison based on publicly available product information for a 2-ounce (56g) serving:


Nutrient (per 2 oz)	Branded Deluxe Ham (Cured)	42% Lower Sodium Deluxe Ham	All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham	Oven Roasted Ham (No Salt Added)
Calories	60	60	70	80
Total Fat	1g	1g	2g	2.5g
Saturated Fat	0g	0g	0.5g	1g
Sodium	590mg (25% DV)	480mg (20% DV)	440mg (18% DV)	40mg (2% DV)
Protein	9g	10g	11g	14g

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by product and is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Making Healthy Diet Choices with Boar's Head Ham

For most people, ham is not a daily dietary staple but an occasional treat. For those who enjoy it regularly, choosing wisely can make a significant health difference. Boar's Head, recognizing these concerns, offers a variety of options to support different dietary needs.

Consider the American Heart Association Certified Options

Over 20 Boar's Head products are American Heart Association (AHA) certified, meeting specific requirements for saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The 42% Lower Sodium Branded Deluxe Ham is an example of such a product, offering a heart-healthy choice. Choosing these items can be a positive step for individuals monitoring their heart health.

Prioritize Uncured or Low-Sodium Options

For those concerned about synthetic nitrates and higher sodium levels, the All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham provides a cleaner ingredient list. The No Salt Added Oven Roasted Ham, with only 40mg of sodium per serving, is an excellent choice for a low-sodium diet, though it is important to remember that it is still a processed meat.

Processed Meat and Your Diet

It's important to acknowledge that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meats, including ham, as a Group 1 carcinogen, with strong evidence linking consumption to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The risk is generally associated with higher consumption. Therefore, moderation is key when incorporating processed ham into a healthy eating plan. Balancing processed meat intake with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended for optimal health.

Conclusion

So, what is Boar's Head ham made of? It's primarily hand-trimmed pork, but the other ingredients—especially the curing agents—are what truly distinguish the different products. By understanding the composition of cured versus uncured ham and comparing their nutritional profiles, consumers can make more conscious dietary decisions. While all processed ham should be consumed in moderation, Boar's Head offers several lower-sodium and uncured options that provide better nutritional choices for health-conscious individuals. When building a balanced nutrition diet, knowing your ingredients allows for smarter, more flavorful food choices.

For more detailed information on Boar's Head products and their commitment to quality ingredients, you can visit their official website at Boar's Head Nutrition & Wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boar's Head cured ham uses synthetic sodium nitrite to preserve the meat and give it a distinct pink color. In contrast, their uncured ham is made with natural sources of nitrates, such as cultured celery powder, which converts to nitrite during processing.

No, all Boar's Head meats, including their entire line of hams, are certified gluten-free. The company uses no fillers or ingredients containing gluten.

The sodium content of Boar's Head ham varies significantly by product. While standard versions can be high, they offer several options with lower sodium, such as the 42% Lower Sodium Branded Deluxe Ham and the No Salt Added varieties.

Boar's Head uses hand-trimmed, quality cuts of pork and slow-cooking methods. Their 'All Natural' line also sources pork from humanely raised animals with no added hormones or antibiotics.

Yes, Boar's Head ham is a high-protein food. For example, a 2-ounce serving of their ham can contain 9 to 14 grams of protein, depending on the specific product.

Some Boar's Head products are certified by the American Heart Association, including certain ham varieties. They also offer specific lower sodium options designed for heart-conscious consumers, which should be paired with a balanced, whole-food diet.

Like all processed meats, regular and high consumption of ham is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, as classified by the WHO. The key is moderation and balancing consumption with a healthy diet.