Corned beef is a versatile and flavorful meat product that has been a staple in kitchens for generations. Made from beef brisket that has been salt-cured and often seasoned with various spices, corned beef can be found in canned form or as fresh cuts in the meat aisle. With numerous brands on the market, it comes in various quality grades and price points, offering something for everyone’s palate and wallet.
When it comes to portion sizes, corned beef is typically measured by weight, either in ounces or grams, and the Syn value will accordingly vary based on the size of the serving you choose. End uses for corned beef are incredibly varied; it can be the star of a hearty sandwich, the protein component in a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, or even diced up and added to casseroles and hash recipes. With its rich, meaty flavor, corned beef can serve many roles in your culinary adventures. But like any meat product, it’s important to consider its Syn values if you’re following a Slimming World diet. Keep reading to find out how many Syns are in corned beef and whether it’s a choice that aligns well with your dietary goals.
- Random House UK
- Hardcover Book
- Slimming World (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages - 06/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Ebury Press (Publisher)
Corned Beef Syn Values
On average, corned beef has 0.11 Syns per gram, equating to about 3.3 Syns per 30g slice and 11 Syns per 100g. However, Prince’s Lean corned beef is a lower-Syn option with 0.09 Syns per gram, 2.7 Syns per slice, and 9.25 Syns per 100g.
The brands we tested for these numbers are Tesco British Corned Beef, Princes Crorned Beef, Ship Corned Beef and Eastman’s.
Is Corned Beef a Free Food or a Healthy Extra?
Corned beef is neither a Free Food nor a Healthy Extra on the Slimming World plan. The criteria for Free Foods focus on how healthy and minimally processed a food is, and corned beef doesn’t meet these criteria due to its highly processed nature. Additionally, it doesn’t qualify as a Healthy Extra A or B because it lacks the necessary calcium for a Healthy Extra A and is not high in fiber for a Healthy Extra B. Therefore, if you’re following the Slimming World plan, you’ll need to count corned beef as part of your daily Syn allowance.
Is Corned Beef healthy?
Corned beef is not generally considered a health-conscious choice. While it does offer some protein and essential nutrients like iron, it is also high in saturated fats and salt. Additionally, corned beef is a processed red meat, which health experts often recommend limiting in your diet. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced, nutritious meal plan.
Is Corned Beef worth the syns?
That’s a question only you can truly answer, depending on your individual dietary goals and personal preferences. Corned beef averages around 0.11 syns per gram, which means you’ll part with about 3.3 syns for a 30g slice and 11 syns for 100g. If corned beef is a nostalgic or favorite food of yours, those syns may feel well-spent.
It’s important to consider that syns are designed to be used on treats and items that don’t fit neatly into Slimming World’s “free foods” or “Healthy Extras” categories. Corned beef falls into this realm; it’s neither a free food nor a Healthy Extra due to its high levels of processing, saturated fat, and salt. So, if you’re planning to use your syns, you’re technically using them as intended when you opt for corned beef.
However, it’s worth remembering that corned beef is not the healthiest choice. It’s high in saturated fats, salt, and is a processed meat. If you’re concerned about overall health beyond weight loss, you might prefer to spend your syns on foods that offer both flavor and nutritional benefits.
So, while corned beef might be a satisfying indulgence every once in a while, you’ll want to weigh its high syn value against its limited nutritional benefits. Using syns wisely is all about getting the most enjoyment and nutritional value for your “syn-budget,” so choose accordingly.
Corned Beef Ingredients and nutrition
Beef, Salt, Preservative (Sodium Nitrite).
