Chipped chopped ham is a processed meat product made from chopped or ground ham that has been formed into a loaf shape. It is a convenient, affordable ham option that is available from several major brands. When selecting a chipped chopped ham, there are a few key factors to consider regarding quality, taste, nutrition, and price. This article will provide a breakdown of the top chipped chopped ham brands, distinguishing features of each, and an analysis of how they compare in essential categories for shoppers. Having this information can help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing chipped chopped ham.
Major Brands of Chipped Chopped Ham
Some of the most popular national brands for chipped chopped ham include:
- Oscar Mayer
- Hormel
- Hillshire Farm
- Applegate
- Boar’s Head
- Smithfield
- Farmland
- Armour
These brands can be found in most major grocery stores across the United States. They offer chipped chopped ham products in different sizes, flavors, and price points. When comparing chipped chopped ham options, these leading brands are a good place to start.
Key Differences Between Brands
While the major brands of chipped chopped ham share some similarities, there are some key differences between them as well. Here is an overview of distinguishing features for each brand:
Oscar Mayer
- Known for affordable prices
- Typically includes added water
- Uses trimmings and pieces for chopping
- Wide range of sizes from 8oz to 16oz packages
Hormel
- Typically 80% lean or higher
- Includes natural juices
- Uses ham steaks for chopping
- More expensive than Oscar Mayer
Hillshire Farm
- High quality Black Forest ham
- Gluten-free options available
- Natural ingredients
- Higher price point
Applegate
- Organic and natural options
- No artificial ingredients
- Humanely raised meats
- Smaller sizes from 5oz to 8oz
Boar’s Head
- Deli-style, premium ham
- Minimally processed
- Contains no fillers or artificial colors/flavors
- Only available at deli counters
Smithfield
- Lower sodium options
- Hickory smoked flavor
- Typically 70-80% lean
- Larger sizes from 16oz to 64oz
Farmland
- Lower cost option
- Higher fat percentage
- Classic ham flavor
- Smaller portion packaging
Armour
- Classic chipped chopped style
- Higher sodium content
- Use of tenderized ham
- Typically only 7-8oz packages
As shown, there are noticeable differences between brands regarding ingredients, quality, size options, and pricing. This gives consumers options depending on their preferences and budget.
Nutritional Comparison
Nutrition is an important consideration for many buyers when purchasing chipped chopped ham. Here is a nutritional comparison between some top brands:
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Mayer | 2 oz | 60 | 3.5g | 510mg |
| Hormel | 2 oz | 50 | 2g | 480mg |
| Hillshire Farm | 2 oz | 45 | 1.5g | 400mg |
| Farmland | 2 oz | 70 | 4g | 600mg |
As shown in the nutritional comparison, there can be big differences between brands. Oscar Mayer and Farmland tend to have more calories, fat, and sodium due to higher water weight and lower lean meat content. Meanwhile, Hillshire Farm and Hormel nutritional stats are better with leaner meat and less sodium. However, taste and quality preferences may outweigh nutrition for some shoppers.
Pricing Differences Between Brands
Price is often the biggest determining factor for shoppers when comparing chipped chopped ham options. Here is an overview of relative pricing between brands:
| Brand | Average Price (per oz) |
|---|---|
| Oscar Mayer | $0.06 |
| Hormel | $0.12 |
| Hillshire Farm | $0.15 |
| Applegate | $0.25 |
| Boar’s Head | $0.30 |
| Smithfield | $0.10 |
| Farmland | $0.08 |
| Armour | $0.10 |
Based on average per ounce pricing, Oscar Mayer and Farmland are the most budget-friendly options under $0.10 per ounce. Hormel, Smithfield, and Armour provide good value in the $0.10 – $0.15 range, while Hillshire Farm, Applegate, and Boar’s Head are premium priced from $0.15 up to $0.30 per ounce. Pricing can fluctuate based on location, stores, and promotions.
Taste Test Comparison
Beyond nutrition and price, the most important factor for many shoppers is how the chipped chopped ham actually tastes. Here is a taste test comparison between the major brands:
Oscar Mayer
Oscar Mayer has a classic chipped chopped ham flavor profile that is salty and smoky. The texture can be soft and almost mushy. Overall an affordable option but lacks depth of flavor.
Hormel
Hormel has a balanced salty and smoky ham flavor. The texture is meatier than Oscar Mayer with a pleasant chew. Provides good quality for a moderate price point.
Hillshire Farm
Hillshire Farm has impressive Black Forest ham flavor with slight sweetness and smokiness. The texture is dense with nice ham steak pieces. One of the tastiest options despite higher price.
Applegate
Applegate has a subtlety smoky and earthy flavor from its natural and organic ingredients. The texture is smooth and ultra-fine from extra chopping. Lacks some ham flavor but has clean, natural taste.
Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head has incredibly rich and authentic deli ham flavor with perfectly balanced saltiness and smokiness. The texture is smooth and tender. The priciest but likely the tastiest of all brands.
Smithfield
Smithfield has a nice hickory smoked flavor but can be overly salty. The texture is decent but can be inconsistent with fat and gristle pieces. Middle of the road option for taste and price.
Farmland
Farmland has mild ham flavor with some smokiness. The texture is smooth but also somewhat mushy. A budget pick for shoppers focused on lower pricing not robust taste.
Armour
Armour has old-fashioned chipped chopped ham taste with decent salt and smoke flavor. The texture is pleasantly meaty and not overly processed. Solid value pick for traditional chipped ham lovers.
Ham Lovers Top Picks
Based on the overall comparison, here are some top recommendations for chipped chopped ham for different types of shoppers:
Best Overall Taste – Boar’s Head
With its ultra-premium deli flavor and tender texture, Boar’s Head is the tastiest brand for ham lovers who don’t mind paying extra for quality. The minimally processed ham has full-bodied ham steak flavor that is hard to beat.
Best Value – Hormel
For the combination of good taste, quality lean ham, and reasonable pricing, Hormel is a great value option. Their classic chipped chopped ham delivers quality meat flavor and texture without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Pick – Farmland
If keeping costs low is the priority, Farmland chipped chopped ham provides acceptable flavor and texture for a fraction of the price of premium brands. It allows ham lovers on a budget to still enjoy chipped chopped ham.
Best Natural Ingredients – Applegate
Applegate uses only natural and organic ingredients for their chipped chopped ham, with no artificial ingredients. For health-conscious shoppers, this provides a clean-label ham choice.
Best Gluten-Free – Hillshire Farm
For those with dietary restrictions, Hillshire Farm has gluten-free chipped chopped ham options made with quality Black Forest ham and natural flavors.
Choosing Your Brand of Chipped Chopped Ham
When it comes to chipped chopped ham, factors like taste preferences, budget, nutrition, and dietary needs all come into play. The major national brands provide options for different types of shoppers. Oscar Mayer, Hormel, Hillshire Farm, Applegate, Boar’s Head, Smithfield, Farmland, and Armour have their own strengths and distinguishing features. Comparing nutritional information, pricing, ingredients lists, and reading taste test reviews allows buyers to select the best brand of chipped chopped ham for their needs. With quality choices across the price spectrum, ham lovers have the ability to choose wisely. The next time you browse the packaged meat section, keep these key brand differences in mind as you pick your perfect chipped chopped ham.
Conclusion
Chipped chopped ham is an economical, versatile lunchmeat enjoyed by families across America. With a range of options from leading brands, shoppers should compare quality, nutrition, price, ingredients, and taste to select the right brand for their preferences and budget. Top contenders like Boar’s Head, Hormel, Oscar Mayer, and Hillshire Farm each have their own pros and cons. Budget shoppers can rely on Farmland or Armour for affordable chipped ham. Natural food fans can go for Applegate’s organic choices. Those with dietary needs like gluten-free can choose Hillshire Farm. While personal taste will determine favorites, understanding the key differences between the major chipped chopped ham brands allows consumers to make an informed decision when shopping this popular deli aisle staple.