Hormel

SPAM chopped pork and ham

Barcode 0037600104029

Scanned 15 times by Nomi users

Yes — SPAM chopped pork and ham is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and formulations including stabiliser (trisodium diphosphate), flavourings, antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), and preservative (sodium nitrite). These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and match NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

pork

A common animal protein derived from pigs; used as a basic meat ingredient in many dishes.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

starch

Powdered carbohydrate obtained from plants (e.g., corn, potato, tapioca); thickening agent and energy source in foods.
OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
UPF

ham

A cured, often cooked pork product; processed meat commonly used as a ready-to-eat ingredient.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

trisodium phosphate

A phosphate-based stabilizer/additive used to improve texture and stability in processed foods; extracted/ synthesized additive.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

sodium ascorbate

Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, used as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation in foods and to extend shelf life.
UPF

sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is a curing agent and preservative, commonly used to inhibit microbial growth and fix color in processed meats.

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Common questions about SPAM chopped pork and ham

Is SPAM chopped pork and ham ultra-processed?

Yes — SPAM chopped pork and ham by Hormel is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives and formulations including stabiliser (trisodium diphosphate), flavourings, antioxidant (sodium ascorbate), and preservative (sodium nitrite). These ingredients go beyond basic culinary components and match NOVA ultra-processed criteria.

Which ingredients in SPAM chopped pork and ham are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in SPAM chopped pork and ham as ultra-processed markers: ham, trisodium phosphate, flavourings, sodium ascorbate, sodium nitrite. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.