Compared to many supermarket hams, Thumann’s Natural Ham keeps the ingredient list relatively short:
What’s in Thumann’s Natural Ham?
- Pork (a whole food source)
- Water
- Salt
- Cane sugar
- Natural flavor
Unlike some other cold cuts, it does not contain potato starch, dextrose, carrageenan, or added phosphates, which are commonly used to stretch the meat and improve shelf life but lower the actual meat content.
✅ That makes this ham less ultra-processed than many others on the shelf.
Is it healthy?
It’s still a processed meat and should be eaten occasionally but when compared to other options, Thumann’s is a cleaner choice if:
- You’re looking to minimize food additives
- You want higher real meat content
- You’re building a sandwich or wrap with whole ingredients
💡 The key is balance: don’t rely on cold cuts daily, but when you do, go for simpler, minimally modified versions like this one.
How GoCoCo helps you choose better deli meats
It’s hard to tell from packaging which deli meats are actually better. GoCoCo takes the guesswork out.
Scan your ham or turkey slices and GoCoCo will:
- 🚨 Flag additives like starches, gums, and preservatives
- 🧠 Show how much real meat is in the product
- 📊 Rank it based on overall processing level
- ✅ Suggest better swaps when available
This way, you can still enjoy convenience without falling into the ultra-processed trap.
How to use Thumann’s Ham in a healthier meal
Instead of pairing cold cuts with white bread and mayo, try building a more balanced, fiber-rich meal:
- 🥪 Whole grain wrap + Thumann’s Ham + hummus + shredded carrots
- 🥗 Salad bowl with chopped ham, beans, mixed greens, and a drizzle of olive oil
- 🧆 Whole wheat pita with ham, roasted red peppers, and cucumber
🥄 Pro tip: Add vegetables and legumes to your plate to increase volume and balance sodium intake.
Thumann’s Natural Ham is still a deli meat but it’s a better option for those trying to limit additives and prioritize real ingredients.
Use GoCoCo to scan your deli meats, compare ingredient lists, and discover cleaner swaps for your next sandwich.
FAQS
It’s less processed than most deli meats. It doesn’t contain starches or gums
It’s best to limit deli meats to occasional use and build meals around fresh protein sources like eggs, legumes, or fish.
GoCoCo scans product labels and flags additives, helping you pick cleaner cold cuts with more real meat content.
Keep reading
