Is Smithfield Ham Good? An In-Depth Look at Quality and Reviews

As one of the most well-known ham brands, Smithfield has built a reputation for quality cured meats. But with some mixed reviews recently, is Smithfield ham still a good choice?

In this article we’ll dive into Smithfield’s ham products to determine if they live up to their slogan of being “the world’s most delicious ham.” You’ll learn

• How Smithfield’s quality has changed over time
• Inspection of ingredients and curing methods
• Customer reviews of popular Smithfield hams
• How Smithfield compares to competitor brands
• Whether Smithfield ham is still worth buying

Let’s slice into the details and decide if this classic brand still stacks up to the competition when it comes to great tasting ham,

How Smithfield’s Quality Has Evolved

Founded in 1936, Smithfield Foods grew from humble beginnings into the largest pork producer in the world. Over the decades, the Smithfield brand became synonymous with America’s finest country ham.

However, after being sold to a Chinese company in 2013, some customers feel the quality and focus on artisanal curing has declined. Modernized mass production now allows them to produce ham at high volumes.

While scaling up has likely impacted some of the specialized touches that set Smithfield apart, their products still meet baseline quality standards for enjoyable ham. But smaller producers may now have an edge regarding unique flavor and textures.

Ingredients and Curing Methods

Smithfield’s ingredients include basic cured ham components like water, salt, sugar, phosphate, nitrite, and natural smoke flavoring. They use lower sodium curing methods to produce “lean” and “less sodium” options.

Their hams are wet cured by pumping a brine solution into the meat to distribute seasoning and retaining moisture. While effective, traditional dry curing and aging tend to produce more complex, nuanced flavors.

For spiraled hams, Smithfield now uses automated high-speed presses rather than hand-carving. This speeds up production but can affect the ham’s appearance.

Customer Reviews of Popular Smithfield Products

To best determine Smithfield’s current ham quality, we analyzed reviews of two top products:

Smithfield Brown Sugar Spiral Half Ham

This bone-in wet cured ham earns 3.1 out of 5 stars. The biggest complaints focus on:

• Too much fat/not enough meat
• Extremely salty flavor
• Smaller size than advertised

Positive reviews highlight its traditional ham flavor and moist texture when cooked properly. Overall quality seems hit or miss.

Smithfield Boneless Spiral Glazed Ham

With 3.7 out of 5 stars, this honey glazed boneless ham rates higher. Customers say:

• Sweet honey flavor is delicious
• Ham stays moist when cooking
• Good value for smaller households

Negative critiques call it bland, tough, and overpriced. Flavor and texture seem less consistent.

How Smithfield Compares to Other Brands

Smithfield falls in the mid-price range for hams, from budget brands like Cook’s to premium like HoneyBaked Ham. Many customers feel the quality no longer justifies Smithfield’s pricing.

For comparable or better quality at a similar price point, competitors like Farmland, Naturewell, and Wellshire Farms offer alternatives. Smaller specialty producers also excel on unique flavor.

Is Smithfield Still Worth Buying?

The bottom line is that Smithfield ham remains decent, if unexceptional, in today’s market. While not stellar, their products meet basic expectations for enjoyable flavor if you cook them properly. However, quality can be inconsistent.

Smithfield still produces an affordable, widely available ham that works for most casual cooks and tastes fine. But it likely won’t wow guests like a premium artisanal ham. If you simply need an easy weeknight solution, Smithfield gets the job done.

Yet for deliciously consistent texture plus complex aromas and more memorable taste, it may be worth exploring other specialty ham producers or local butcher shops. This allows you to support smaller businesses with a true focus on quality as well.

Enjoy Quality Ham by Cooking It Right

While the brand may not be as exceptional as it once was, Smithfield ham can still make for a tasty meal when cooked properly. Here are some tips:

• Select hams with the most meat and least fat/skin
• Reduce sodium by soaking in water before cooking
• Cook to an internal temperature of 140°F
• Glaze during the last 30 minutes only

Preparing any ham correctly maximizes its moisture, tenderness and flavor. This helps even an average mass-produced ham like Smithfield’s taste its very best for any occasion.

At the end of the day, it’s about choosing a product that fits your budget and tastes pleasant to you. If you prefer convenient and consistent, Smithfield may suffice. For premium quality and flavor, explore beyond the grocery store offerings. Happy ham hunting!