As a beloved holiday tradition for many families, honey baked ham holds a special place in our hearts But when sitting down to enjoy a slice of this savory treat, some health-conscious eaters may pause to wonder – does honey baked ham contain MSG?
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a common flavor enhancer added to many processed foods. However, there are conflicting opinions on whether this additive is safe or whether it can cause adverse reactions in some individuals.
In this article, we’ll explore whether MSG lurks within honey baked ham and provide the information you need to make an informed decision for your diet. Let’s dive in!
What is MSG?
First, a quick MSG primer. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. It was first identified as a distinct flavor in 1908 by Japanese researcher Kikunae Ikeda, who extracted MSG from seaweed.
Ikeda discovered that MSG had a powerful umami taste – that savory, meaty, mouthwatering flavor. When MSG is added to foods, it enhances their natural umami.
MSG began being commercially used as a flavor enhancer in the 1950s. Today it’s found in many packaged foods like chips, fast food, canned soups, and seasoned snack mixes. Chinese restaurants often use MSG to boost the savory flavors of dishes.
While the FDA considers MSG safe, some individuals report adverse reactions to eating it, like headaches, flushing, and heart palpitations. However, researchers continue to debate whether MSG is definitively connected to these symptoms or not.
Tracing MSG in Honey Baked Ham Production
Now let’s look specifically at how MSG may or may not fit into the process of making honey baked ham.
Honey baked ham gets its signature flavor from two main components – the curing brine and the sweet honey glaze. The brine typically contains a mixture of water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and spices that cures and flavors the meat when injected. After brining, the ham is coated with a sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and spices before baking.
MSG is not an ingredient that is intrinsically necessary to make honey baked ham. The umami flavor comes from the natural glutamates in the ham itself. Additionally, many honey baked ham brands tout their small ingredient lists and avoidance of artificial additives.
For example, the HoneyBaked Ham website states their hams contain just ham, water, corn syrup, honey, salt, and natural smoke flavoring. No MSG is declared.
However, some mass-produced hams may potentially include MSG in their formulations. To know for sure, we need to scrutinize the ingredients label on any store-bought honey baked ham.
Reading Labels to Identify MSG
When purchasing honey baked ham, read the fine print ingredients carefully to detect MSG. Keep in mind that MSG may be hiding behind euphemisms like “natural flavoring.” Here are some clues to look for:
-
Monosodium glutamate – This is the direct name for MSG as an additive. Any brand listing MSG clearly contains it.
-
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) – MSG can be created during the production of HVP through a process called acid hydrolysis. HVP as an ingredient may indicate the presence of MSG.
-
Yeast extract – This additive contains high levels of glutamic acid that enhances umami flavor similar to MSG.
-
Natural flavors – This broad term doesn’t reveal much. Reach out to manufacturers to find out if their “natural flavors” contain MSG/glutamates.
If you spot any of these sketchy ingredients on a honey baked ham, you may want to avoid that brand or give the company a call to learn more about their production methods.
Crafting Custom MSG-Free Honey Baked Ham
Rather than worrying about mystery ingredients in store-bought hams, consider making your own from scratch!
With a few simple ingredients like ham, honey, brown sugar, and spices, you can control exactly what goes into your honey baked ham creation. Look for a boneless, uncured ham to start with a fresh slate for flavoring.
Most recipes call for brushing the scored ham frequently with a glaze of honey, brown sugar, butter, and spices like cloves or nutmeg as it bakes. The glaze caramelizes, infusing the meat with sweetness.
Homemade honey baked ham takes a little work but provides total confidence that it’s free from MSG or other additives you want to avoid. Bring it to a holiday dinner and impress your guests with your top-notch culinary skills!
Other Ham Options Without MSG
If preparing an entire honey baked ham feels too ambitious, another option is to seek out alternative pre-cooked hams verified not to contain MSG:
-
Organic/natural brands – Smaller producers focused on quality ingredients are less likely to include MSG in their products.
-
Fresh deli hams – The meat counter at higher-end grocers may carry hams cured in-house without MSG.
-
Country ham – This older style of preserved ham meat typically just uses salt during curing.
Checking labels and calling manufacturers is still advised to confirm which hams are MSG-free. But branching out from big name honey baked hams opens up more choices.
The Verdict on MSG in Honey Baked Ham
After investigating the issue thoroughly, we can conclude that MSG is not an intrinsic ingredient needed to make honey baked ham. Leading brands market their hams as free from this controversial additive.
However, cheaper mass-produced hams may potentially contain hidden MSG. Carefully reading labels before purchase and knowing alternative terms for MSG is key. When in doubt, making your own honey glazed ham or finding another variety allows you to control what goes in your food.
While the FDA deems MSG safe for consumption, individuals uncomfortable with it can avoid honey baked hams containing this flavor enhancer. With vigilance and strategic choices, you can savor honey baked ham this holiday season without worrying about unwanted additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does all honey baked ham contain MSG?
No, MSG is not an essential ingredient in honey baked ham. Many major brands specifically advertise their hams as “No MSG Added.” However, some mass-market versions may contain MSG, so checking labels is important.
What are some signs of MSG sensitivity?
Headaches, flushing, sweating, numbness or