Black Forest Uncured Ham

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Common questions

Is Black Forest Uncured Ham healthy?

Black Forest Uncured Ham scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product is a processed food with a relatively clean ingredient list, featuring pork as a high-quality protein source and sea salt for flavor.

How processed is Black Forest Uncured Ham?

Black Forest Uncured Ham is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Black Forest Uncured Ham's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Pork, Sea salt, Rosemary extract count in its favor; Cane sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Black Forest Uncured Ham

Applegate Naturals
68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Hormel Foods
Category Meat and Seafood
Summary

This product is a processed food with a relatively clean ingredient list, featuring pork as a high-quality protein source and sea salt for flavor. The use of natural ingredients like celery powder and rosemary extract is positive, but the presence of added sugar and the processing level limit its score. The brand's commitment to no antibiotics and no artificial ingredients is commendable, though the product is not entirely grass-fed or pastured.

Key ingredients 7

Pork
Good

Pork is a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients. It provides a rich amino acid profile beneficial for muscle maintenance and growth. The quality of pork can vary based on farming practices, but it is generally considered a nutritious meat.

Risks

Potential risks include high saturated fat content and possible contamination if not properly cooked.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential vitamins such as B12, which supports energy metabolism and neurological function.

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Sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a minimally processed source of sodium and trace minerals. It is often preferred over refined salt due to its natural mineral content. Sea salt can enhance flavor without the need for artificial additives.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium and trace minerals that are important for fluid balance and nerve function.

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Rosemary extract
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant benefits and helps preserve the freshness of the product.

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Water
Neutral

Water is used as a processing aid and does not contribute nutritional value. It is essential for maintaining moisture in processed meats. There are no health concerns associated with water as an ingredient.

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Celery powder
Neutral

Celery powder is often used as a natural preservative due to its nitrate content. It is a more natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. The nitrates in celery powder can convert to nitrites, which help preserve meat.

Risks

Nitrates can convert to nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens, especially when exposed to high heat.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and can enhance flavor without artificial additives.

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Spice extractives
Neutral

Spice extractives are used to enhance flavor and may provide some antioxidant benefits. They are derived from natural spices and are generally considered safe. The specific spices used are not detailed, which limits precise analysis.

Benefits

May provide antioxidant properties depending on the specific spices used.

Cane sugar
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain and increased risk of metabolic disorders.

Benefits

Provides a source of quick energy, though it should be consumed in moderation.

See more about Cane sugar →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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