When you walk in, they pull your ham from a refrigerated case. It’s kept at a cool 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s cold, but not frozen solid.
So why does it feel like a hockey puck? Because the sugar glaze can get very hard in the fridge. That crust gives off serious “frozen” vibes when you touch the bag. Don’t panic—it’s just the glaze being dramatic.
Now, if you order online for shipping? Different story. That ham ships with dry ice and arrives fully frozen. But in-store? It’s never frozen. They want you to eat it within five to seven days, not wait for a thaw.
But Wait, What About the Spiral Cut?
You might think a pre-sliced ham would be more fragile. Nope. The spiral cuts are designed to stay intact while cold. If it were frozen, those slices would snap like brittle candy.
Next time you pick it up, give the bag a gentle squeeze. Does it feel rock-hard? Or just firm, like a cold stick of butter? If it’s the latter, you’re safe. If it’s the former, you might have grabbed one that was left in the back of the cooler too long.
Pro tip: Ask the staff directly. They’re super nice about it. Say, “Hey, is this ham a little frosty?” They’ll laugh and check for you. I’ve done it. It works.
