Spam is a convenient and versatile food that Spam-lovers use in multiple ways – add in numerous recipes – from BBQ spam burgers and classic festive musubi to paninis and cobb salads.
The Spam taste is a bit spicy and salty – the texture is similar to bologna, and the taste is identical to ham. Many people don’t like its combo of salty and spicy taste, but people who have grown up eating it consider it delicious.
In addition to unique tastes, Spam is cheap and easy to cook. It has a long shelf life and comprises various beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals – that is why it is said Spam is worth trying.
Walk through this article and explore more facts about Spam; figure out why it is so famous!
Key Takeaways:
- Spam is a popular meat product that is being sold in 44 different countries.
- According to Brian Lillis, by 2020, retail sales of Spam raised by 28%.
- This canned food is made with various preservative and flavoring agents and preservatives. Till now, more than 9 billion SPAM® cans have been sold.
- Spam is enriched with zinc, protein, potassium, copper, and iron, but it also comprises the proportion of fat, sodium, and nitrates.
- Spam is fun, but overusing this processed food can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and different types of cancer.
- One study in 448,568 adults revealed that processed meat could create a higher risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Part 1: What Does Spam Taste Like?
Spam has a flavorful coating that offers a distinctive taste, a bit of which is very similar to salted ham but do remember Spam is somehow more than ham. Its flavor varies based on the recipe type and preparation style you choose; overall, Spam is easy to make!
It is pink in color, rectangular in shape, and includes a sufficient amount of protein to create effective health results.
If you want to add a spongy and moist texture to your sandwich or other dishes, adding Spam can work wonders. You can incorporate it into your burger or some fast food if you can stomach the taste of salty meat.
Spam gained traction during World War II because it was a cheap yet convenient food to feed overseas soldiers.
Now, it is being eaten and sold worldwide and has gained a massive place in every home due to its long shield life, convenience, versatility, and ease of preparation. Top above, it also contains an excellent nutrient ratio.
Part 2: Why Should You Try Spam?
In this 21st century, where the market is flooded with dozens of fast food and other food brands, how can Spam be so famous? The reason is Spam’s deliciousness, great branding, and excellent execution.
Let’s figure out the features of Spam that have retained this 1936’s introduced food’s popularity:
Economical Option
Spam is a cost-effective food for billions of people around the globe. Though the company has raised the Spam price due to inflation, it is still affordable for individuals or people who want to feed their family on a budget.
People who cannot pay $20 or 30 for a vegan burger prefer Spam as their whole food or blending with other foods.
Amid the COVID pandemic, Hormel ensured the availability of plentiful Spam so the maximum number of people could buy this affordable food.
The company also signed a multi-year supply agreement with its key vendors so they can cover ultimate stores and ensure the availability of Spam on most of the shelves.
Amazing Shelf Life
Unlike other food items, Spam has a long shelf life; you can purchase it once and stay on your pantry shelf for years. Spam is a fantastic backup choice for people with nothing to eat or cook.
Due to this lasting life, Spam was one of the essential Pandemic necessities like pasta and toilet paper. Like in wars, Spam was the necessary food because they could keep it with them without worrying that it would get spoiled, soggy, or rotten.
Besides the Spam itself, the metal-like sturdy packaging makes it long-lasting and the consumer’s favorite product.
Spam Is Versatile Processed Food
Spam can be used in various dishes, such as BBQ glazed spam burgers, cobb salads, classic festive musubi, and paninis.
Hence, budget-conscious consumers can enjoy multiple dishes at a lower price. The company tries all the means to promote its product on a larger scale and provide ease to customers.
Though Spam has shown some changes since 1936 (founding), Spam is an excellent throwback to global wars— it reminds us of its past with vintage lunch boxes and vinyl records.
This Spam creates a linkage between the old and new generations and offers a chance for this generation to look excellent with old-school lunchbox items.
Consistent And Varied
Span is varied and constant – the old Spam that your grandmother used to cook tastes the same as old Spam, so when you get it, many traditions revive. However, it is too easy to change the recipe if you want to make some modifications.
Spam features 14 different varieties, including jalapeno, Hot & Spicy, Jalapeno, Hickory Smoke, etc. Many brands are more prevailing than others, yet Hormel has made the ultimate effort to meet customers’ changing needs and provide them with what they expect.
Convenient In Multiple Ways
Another benefit of Spam is that it is convenient and quick to cook, mainly when you run out of time and have limited ingredients. It is canned and pre-cooked like chicken, beef, or other perishable protein products.
You can make a versatile recipe using this ingredient but enjoying its sandwich, pasta, siders, and rice has no replacement.
Spam is perfectly okay to try straight taking out of a can, but many consider it nasty. So try it with eggs or sandwiches; it delivers additional fun and great texture.
Nutrition Of Spam
Spam is not unique in taste but includes a high quantity of fats, calories, and sodium. In addition, it also provides protein and micronutrients, such as potassium, zinc, copper, and iron.
A two-ounce (56-gram) serving of Spam includes:
- Protein: 7 grams
- Calories: 174
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Sodium: 32% of the RDI
- Zinc: 7% of Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Potassium: 4% of Reference Daily Intake
- Iron: 3% of the Fat: 15 grams of Reference Daily Intake
- Copper: 3% of Reference Daily Intake
Spam also offers a small portion of magnesium, folate, vitamin C, and calcium.
Part 3: Overuse Of Spam Can Be Disastrous
Spam itself is not harmful, but its overuse – if you consistently overuse it, it becomes risky to your health because it includes some unfriendly preservatives.
Contains Sodium Nitrite
Spam consists of sodium nitrate, an ingredient that helps to prevent bacteria growth and uplifts food flavor and final appearance of the Spam.
However, when Spam is exposed to severe heat, its nitrates can be transferred into nitrosamine, which is associated with adverse health effects.
In addition, the large nitrate intake can increase the potential risks of brain tumors and thyroid cancer formation.
High In Fat
When Spam is compared with other protein-containing foods, it includes more fats than protein. If you don’t create balance in your diet, it potentially increases the fat quantity. In other words, if you consistently take spam food, it will dramatically increase your weight.
Our Summary
Spam is a meat product made from processed ham and ground pork. Additionally, it is combined with some seasoning and preservative agents (sugar, potato starch, salt, and sodium nitrite) and then closed, canned, and vacuum-sealed.
It is an affordable canned food, which has been so trendy since WWII; trying this unique flavored modern food is really worth it because its real taste can be identified when you eat it.
Spam brings tons of perks and benefits that ease consumers’ life in multiple ways. But you need to remember that besides long shelf-life, convenience, and nutrients, this food is also high in fats and preservatives that can adversely impact health. So, use it wisely – don’t overuse the span!