What Is Spam Meat? (4 Health Benefits & Concerns)
Though I usually stick to healthier meats on my carnivore diet, Spam is a guilty pleasure worth exploring.
Given its unique profile, I researched it thoroughly, consulted nutrition peers, and reviewed trusted sources.
This article covers Spam’s nutrition, health pros and cons, and ways to prepare and cook it.
Quick Summary
- Spam meat is a canned, pre-cooked meat product made by Hormel Foods.
- Hormel Spam is made of pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.
- Hormel Spam is high in protein but also high in sodium and fat.
What is Spam Meat?
Spam is a canned, pre-cooked meat introduced by Hormel in 1937 to provide an affordable protein source during the Great Depression.
The name combines “spiced” and “ham.” Today, it remains a global staple, widely available in supermarkets around the world.
Also Read: What Is Potted Meat?
What Is Spam Meat Made Of?
Spam is made from ground pork, added ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite [1].
It’s cooked, sterilized, and canned for freshness. This canned lunch meat comes in flavors like teriyaki, hickory smoke, jalapeno, bacon, and tocino.
Spam became a military staple in WWII due to its long shelf life and easy shipping.
"When the first SPAM® cans came off the production line in 1937, the world was forever changed. This revolutionary new product won over the hearts of soldiers, world leaders, celebrities, chefs, kids and parents."
- Hormel Foods' Official Website
The product's popularity grew after World War II, and today, Spam varieties are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Today, Spam products are so popular that a Spam museum opened in Austin, Minnesota. Founded in 1991, it is a must-visit destination for Spam fans [2].
Nutritional Information
A 2-ounce serving of Spam has 180 calories, 7g protein, 16g fat (6g saturated), 1g carbs, 790mg sodium, 40mg cholesterol, and small amounts of vitamin B12, iron, and potassium [3].
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Health Benefits and Concerns
Spam’s high sodium content is a major concern, as excess sodium can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.
Its saturated fat content may also contribute to obesity and heart problems.
Spam, like other processed meats, contains nitrates and nitrites used for preservation.
These additives, along with elevated fat and cholesterol levels, have been linked to a higher cancer risk, especially in the colon and stomach [4].
While the cancer risk from nitrates and nitrites remains inconclusive, they’re the main ingredients in Spam that raise concern.
Regular consumption without adjusting overall diet may lead to weight gain.
On the positive side, Spam is a good source of protein for muscle repair and provides vitamin B12, vital for nerve and red blood cell health [5].
Cooking with Spam
Spam is a simple canned meat that’s easy to cook in many ways. It can be sliced and fried, added to soups or stews, or used as a pizza or sandwich topping.
1. Fried Spam
A popular method is slicing and frying it in a bit of oil until crispy. Serve with a fried egg and toast for a classic breakfast.
2. Spam Musubi
Spam Musubi has been a popular Hawaiian dish since after the World War, made by wrapping a slice of Spam in rice and seaweed.
To make Spam Musubi:
- Start by cooking a cup of sushi rice.
- Cut a sheet of nori (seaweed) into a rectangle and place it on a piece of plastic wrap.
- Place a slice of Spam on the nori and top it with only a small circle of teriyaki sauce.
- Add a layer of rice on top of the Spam and press it down firmly.
- Fold the nori over the rice and Spam, and use the plastic wrap to shape the musubi into a rectangle.
3. Spam and Pineapple Skewers
For a fun and easy appetizer, make Spam and pineapple skewers. Cut the Spam into cubes and skewer them with chunks of fresh pineapple.
Brush the skewers with some honey and soy sauce, then grill or bake them until the Spam is crispy and the pineapple is caramelized.
4. Spam Fried Rice
You can use Spam products as a protein in a rice dish. To do this, cook a cup of white rice.
While the rice is cooling, cook Spam cubes and vegetables such as onion, carrot, and frozen peas in a pan.
Once the Spam is cooked, add the cooked rice with some soy sauce and fry the mixture until the rice is slightly crispy.
FAQs
What Does Spam Taste Like?
Salty like ham with a bologna-like texture and a hint of sweetness and smoke.
How Are Cans of Spam Different From Ham?
Spam is a mix of pork, ham, and seasonings; ham is just cured pork from a single cut.
Is Spam a Bully Beef?
No. Bully beef (corned beef) is made from cow brisket; Spam is made from pork and ham.
Is Spam Healthy for You?
As a processed meat, Spam is high in sodium and fat. Best consumed in moderation.
References:
- https://www.hormelfoods.com/newsroom/news/what-is-spam-anyway/
- https://theclio.com/entry/53794
- https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Classic_spam_by_SPAM_541053_nutritional_value.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8838348/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b12
Spam Musubi is a snack I discovered on a trip to Hawaii, and now I make it at home whenever I miss the islands.