The Only Store-Bought Ham Worth Buying, According to 2 Chefs and My Mother

Growing up, we had ham at every social function. Next to the charcuterie board, on the dinner table, and in the fridge for days after, spiral ham reigned supreme in my house. As a lifelong, avid ham eater, I want to be sure that I have been purchasing the very best brand.

But instead of doing a pricey test and buying a number of spiral hams to try out, I decided to consult two chefs who love to prepare and eat ham, and then compare their insights with the person I consider the all-time ham expert: my mother, Lorraine Totino. As it turns out, the brand my family has been buying all along is the hands-down best.

The Best Brand of Store-Bought Ham

Which brand is the best store-bought ham? Well, it’s the tried-and-true Honey Baked Ham, of course. “It’s one of those brands that’s built a reputation for a reason,” says Debra Clark, a recipe developer and the founder of Bowl Me Over. “It’s all about their signature glaze. That glaze is caramelized just enough to give you a crisp, flavorful coating without overpowering the natural taste of the pork.”

Debi Morgan, the founder and recipe developer behind the Southern food blog Quiche My Grits, agrees. “The ham is smothered in a sweet, crunchy glaze that is mouthwatering. And it’s hard to find a ham as tender as a Honey Baked,” she says.

“They know what they’re talking about,” says my mom. “Honey Baked Ham is the perfect balance of salty and sweet. But what makes it stand out against other hams, which can be mealy, is that it’s moist, tender, and falls apart with each bite. It’s never chewy or dry.”

The brand’s superb texture, Clark explains, is due to “a good marbling of fat, but not too much. That little bit of fat helps keep the meat moist as it warms up.” The slow roasting and smoking of the spiral cut, bone-in ham contributes to the ham’s texture, and also adds smokiness.

That smoke is another winning attribute, according to Morgan. “Honey Baked Ham is a high-quality product that is smoked for up to 24 hours with hardwood chips,” she says. The brand uses a unique, multi-wood blend that makes for a dynamic flavor.

How to Prepare the Best Store-Bought Ham

As for preparing the ham, Clark reminds us that spiral ham comes fully cooked. “So you’re just gently reheating it,” she advises. “Take your time and you’ll end up with slices that are juicy and full of flavor.” She loosely covers her room-temp ham in foil and warms it in a 275°F oven, then cranks up the heat for the last 10 minutes so the glaze can crisp up.

The triad of flavors—salty, sweet, and smoky—plus the ham’s tender interior make it a versatile meat for any occasion, but Morgan especially loves it on Easter, which is also a favorite occasion for my family to purchase a spiral cut ham. But no matter when you serve it, says Mom, “The best part about Honey Baked Ham is the leftovers. No matter how many people are having it night-of, I get to enjoy the leftovers for days.”