Cola-Glazed Ham

Cola-Glazed Ham is a popular holiday centerpiece in the United States, featuring a baked ham coated in a sticky, sweet glaze made from cola, brown sugar, and spices. The glaze caramelizes during cooking, creating a glossy, flavorful crust that complements the savory, salty meat. It's a staple at festive gatherings like Easter and Christmas.

🍳 View the full Cola-Glazed Ham recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the ham and high in carbohydrates and fat from the sugary glaze and the meat's natural fat. A typical serving provides significant protein, along with minerals like zinc and selenium, but is also calorie-dense, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories per serving depending on the cut and glaze thickness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	25 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Zinc	3 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Selenium	20 mcg

Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it represents a modern American twist on traditional ham preparation, using a popular soft drink as a key ingredient for convenience and flavor. Nutritionally, the cola contributes both sugar for caramelization and acidity that can help tenderize the meat, though it also adds to the overall sugar content.