Ingredient

Ham Base

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use ham base to add a savory, meaty ham flavor to processed foods …

What it is

Ham base is a concentrated flavoring ingredient made from cooked ham, ham broth, and seasonings. It is typically produced by simmering ham and bones to extract flavor and nutrients, then concentrating the liquid and adding salt and other flavor enhancers.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use ham base to add a savory, meaty ham flavor to processed foods without using large amounts of actual ham. It is commonly found in soups, frozen meals, sauces, and savory snacks where a distinct ham taste is desired.

Health notes

Ham base is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. It is a source of protein and sodium. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated similar flavoring preparations. The primary health consideration at typical consumption levels relates to sodium content, which is a factor in blood pressure management for some individuals.

Allergen info

Ham base is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Ham Base

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Zippy's, Inc. Corn Chowder Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 88kcal 1.8Protein 3.9Fat 13.1Carbs Phillips Foods Inc Phillips, Crab Soup Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 45% DV per serving 46kcal 3.5Protein 0.9Fat 6.0Carbs New Orleans Fish House, LLC Emerils, Creole Creations Seafood Jambalaya Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 39% DV per serving 106kcal 3.5Protein 4.4Fat 14.1Carbs Tippin's Restaurants Inc. Ham And Bean Soup, Smoke Other Soups High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 110kcal 6.5Protein 4.1Fat 12.7Carbs Aurelia Woodcraft Gallery Gumbo Sauce Other Cooking Sauces High in sodium — 67% DV per serving 64kcal 0.8Protein 3.8Fat 6.4Carbs Dierberg's Markets, Inc. Classic Spinach Salad With Hot Bacon Dressing Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 67% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 34% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 73% DV per serving 115kcal 6.2Protein 5.7Fat 9.4Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Baked Potato Soup, Potato Other Soups High in sodium — 43% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 106kcal 2.2Protein 7.1Fat 8.8Carbs Blend Mark LLC Red Beans And Rice Mix Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 333kcal 15.2Protein 3.8Fat 69.7Carbs Blend Mark LLC Shrimp & Grits Mix, Shrimp & Grits Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners 321kcal 7.1Protein 0Fat 75Carbs Spring Glen Fresh Foods, Inc. Ham Pot Pie With Uncured Bacon, Uncured Bacon Other Soups High in sodium — 55% DV per serving 82kcal 4.9Protein 2.9Fat 8.2Carbs
Salt (10 products) Sugar (9 products) Dextrose (8 products) Water (8 products) Niacin (7 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (7 products) Sodium Erythorbate (7 products) Black Pepper (6 products) Sodium Phosphate (6 products) Spices (6 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.