Does Hickory Ham & Cheddar contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains both. It has cheddar cheese, whey, and sodium caseinate (dairy), and enriched wheat flour (gluten).

Is Hickory Ham & Cheddar good for weight loss?

No. It is calorie-dense, high in sugar and refined carbs, and contains processed fats, making it unsuitable for weight loss diets.

Where can I buy Hickory Ham & Cheddar?

This product is typically available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Hickory Ham & Cheddar safe for kids?

While it is generally safe for consumption, it contains high levels of sodium and sugar, and processed meat preservatives, so it should be eaten in moderation by children.

Is Hickory Ham & Cheddar Vegan?

The short answer is no. Hickory Ham & Cheddar is not vegan, vegetarian, or even plant-based. As a food scientist looking at the label, this product is a blend of processed meat and dairy derivatives. It contains fully cooked ham, multiple forms of cheese, milk derivatives like whey and sodium caseinate, and even dried egg whites.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product like Hickory Ham & Cheddar, we look beyond the marketing and dive into the chemical composition. This product is a complex mixture of animal by-products and processing aids.

The primary offender is the FULLY COOKED HAM AND WATER PRODUCT. This is the base of the filling. The ham is ground and formed, cured with SODIUM NITRITE, and contains DEHYDRATED PORK BROTH. This confirms the presence of meat, making it strictly non-vegan.

Next, we have the dairy components. The label lists REDUCED FAT CHEDDAR CHEESE, CHEDDAR CHEESE, and ENZYME MODIFIED CHEDDAR CHEESE. Beyond the cheese itself, there is WHEY (a milk by-product), BUTTERMILK POWDER, and SODIUM CASEINATE. Sodium caseinate is a milk derivative often used as a thickener, but it is strictly derived from animal milk.

Perhaps the most hidden non-vegan ingredient is DRIED EGG WHITES. Located near the end of the ingredient list, egg whites are used as a binder in many processed dough products. While the product is savory, it relies on egg protein for structure.

Finally, the MARGARINE used in the dough contains PALM OIL and SOYBEAN LECITHIN. While palm oil is technically plant-based, it is a controversial ingredient among vegans due to environmental concerns and the high likelihood of animal cross-contamination during processing.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

milkwheyeggpork

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Hickory Ham & Cheddar is a calorie-dense, processed food. The combination of ENRICHED FLOUR, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, and animal fats creates a product high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.

The presence of SUGAR and CORN SYRUP adds to the glycemic load, which can spike blood sugar levels. Additionally, the sodium content is significant due to the ham curing process (salt, sodium nitrite, sodium phosphate) and the cheese. This product does not fit well into a heart-healthy or low-sodium diet.

While it provides protein from the ham and milk, it comes with the cost of preservatives and additives like METHYLCELLULOSE and L-CYSTEINE HYDROCHLORIDE. It is a convenient snack but lacks the fiber and micronutrients found in whole plant foods.