Planning a holiday dinner or a special family gathering often leads to one central question: what is the centerpiece? For many, the answer is a signature glazed ham. However, when budgeting for these occasions, the most pressing practical question is how much is a ham from HoneyBaked Ham. Because these hams are premium products known for their unique curing process and crackling sweet glaze, the price point is higher than what you would find at a local grocery store. Understanding the cost requires looking at weight, type of cut, and current market trends.
In this guide, we will dive deep into the pricing structures, the different varieties available, and how to choose the right size so you get the most value for your money. Whether you are hosting a massive Christmas dinner or a small Easter brunch, knowing the financial commitment upfront helps you plan your menu with confidence.
Understanding the Factors That Influence HoneyBaked Ham Prices
When you walk into a HoneyBaked Ham store or browse their website, you will notice that prices aren’t just a single flat rate. Several factors influence the final total on your receipt.
The primary factor is weight. HoneyBaked Hams are typically sold by the pound. While prices fluctuate based on the time of year and inflation, you can generally expect to pay between $13 and $16 per pound for a bone-in ham. If you are looking at a boneless variety, the price per pound often increases because the waste (the bone) has been removed, providing more meat per ounce.
Another factor is the specific cut. A whole ham will have a different price point than a half ham or a quarter ham. Shipping also plays a massive role if you aren’t picking up the item in person. Since these hams require temperature-controlled shipping to stay fresh, the shipping and handling fees can sometimes add $20 to $50 to the total cost depending on your location and how quickly you need it delivered.
Break Down of Costs by Ham Type and Size
To give you a clearer picture of your potential bill, let’s look at the most common options available at the HoneyBaked Ham Company.
The Signature Bone-In Half Ham
This is the most popular choice for traditional holiday meals. These hams usually range from 7 to 10 pounds. Based on current averages, a 7-pound ham might cost around $95, while a larger 10-pound ham can climb toward $140. This cut is famous for the spiral slicing that goes all the way to the bone, making serving incredibly easy.
The Bone-In Whole Ham
If you are hosting a very large crowd, the whole ham is the way to go. These typically weigh between 13 and 16 pounds. Given the price per pound, you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $170 to $220. While the upfront cost is high, the price per serving often balances out if you are feeding 20 or more people.
Boneless Ham Options
For those who prefer a no-fuss experience or want to make sandwiches, the boneless ham is a great alternative. These usually come in smaller sizes, often around 3 to 4 pounds. Because there is no bone, you are paying for 100% edible meat. These typically retail between $60 and $85. They are perfect for smaller gatherings of 4 to 6 people.
Mini Hams and Sliced Ham Quarters
For a small family dinner or a couple, a quarter ham or a mini ham (around 3 pounds) is the most economical choice. These usually stay under the $60 mark and provide the same high-quality glaze and flavor without the massive leftovers associated with a half or whole ham.
Estimating the Cost Per Guest
A great way to justify the cost of a HoneyBaked Ham is to look at the price per person. Experts generally recommend accounting for 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of bone-in ham per person. If you are buying a boneless ham, you can scale that down to about 0.33 to 0.5 pounds per person.
If you purchase an 8-pound bone-in ham for $110 and serve 12 people, your cost per person is roughly $9.16. When you consider that the ham is pre-cooked, pre-sliced, and features a gourmet glaze that is difficult to replicate at home, many hosts find this price point to be a bargain for the time and effort saved in the kitchen.
Hidden Costs and Shipping Realities
When ordering online, the “sticker shock” often comes from the shipping fees. Because the product is perishable, HoneyBaked Ham uses insulated packaging and gel packs. If you live in a remote area or order last minute during the December rush, shipping can be significant.
To save money, many savvy shoppers use the “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” option. This allows you to reserve your ham ahead of time—ensuring they don’t sell out—without paying for the heavy refrigerated shipping. Additionally, signing up for the HoneyBaked Rewards program can often net you a $5 or $10 coupon, which helps offset the premium price.
Comparing Store-Bought vs. HoneyBaked Pricing
You might see a ham at a warehouse club like Costco or a local supermarket for $3 or $4 per pound and wonder why HoneyBaked is triple that price. The difference lies in the process.
HoneyBaked Hams are slow-smoked for up to 20 hours over hickory wood chips. They are then spiral-sliced to perfection and finished with a hand-applied glaze consisting of a secret blend of spices and sugar, which is then melted with a torch to create a crunchy, savory-sweet crust. When you buy a supermarket ham, you are often buying a “water-added” product that requires you to do the glazing and slicing yourself. With HoneyBaked, you are paying for a “ready-to-serve” luxury product.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
If you want the HoneyBaked experience without the triple-digit price tag, consider these strategies:
- Buy a larger ham than you think you need. While the total price is higher, the leftover potential is immense. A HoneyBaked Ham bone can be used to make a high-quality pea soup or bean stew, extending the value of your purchase into several additional meals.
- Watch for seasonal promotions. While prices are generally fixed, there are often “early bird” specials if you order your Thanksgiving or Christmas ham a few weeks in advance.
- Consider the “Mini” versions. If you only want the taste of the glaze and the quality of the meat for a brunch, getting a few pounds of sliced ham from the deli counter at a HoneyBaked store can be much cheaper than buying a whole bone-in ham.
Preparing and Serving Your Purchase
One of the reasons people are willing to pay the premium price is that the preparation is nearly zero. HoneyBaked Hams are designed to be served at room temperature. Taking the ham out of the refrigerator about 30 to 60 minutes before serving allows the flavors to bloom and the glaze to soften slightly.
If you prefer your meat warm, you should be very careful not to overcook it. Heating individual slices in a pan or gently warming the whole ham in an oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes per pound is sufficient. Overheating will dry out the meat and ruin the delicate texture that you paid a premium for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy HoneyBaked Ham in-store or online?
Typically, it is cheaper to buy in-store because you avoid the high costs of refrigerated shipping. The base price per pound is usually the same, but online orders often include packaging fees and shipping rates that can range from $20 to over $50 depending on the delivery speed.
How many people does a 7 to 9 pound HoneyBaked Ham feed?
A 7 to 9 pound bone-in ham is generally intended to serve between 10 and 15 people. This estimate allows for generous portions during the main meal while leaving a small amount of leftovers for sandwiches the next day.
How long does a HoneyBaked Ham stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Once you bring your ham home or it arrives in the mail, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days. If you do not plan on eating it within that timeframe, you can freeze it for up to 6 weeks. To maintain quality, wrap it tightly in foil and then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Does HoneyBaked Ham offer discounts or coupons?
Yes, the company frequently offers coupons through their email newsletter and rewards program. You can often find “HoneyBucks” or percentage-off deals during the off-season or early-bird specials during the holidays. It is highly recommended to join their loyalty program before making a large purchase.
Can I buy just the glaze or a half-pound of ham?
While you cannot buy the glaze separately, you can visit the deli section of a HoneyBaked Ham store to buy ham by the pound or in individual slices. This is a cost-effective way to enjoy the flavor without committing to a $100 whole ham purchase.