Is Bacon Grill the Same as Spam? A Comprehensive Comparison

Spam and bacon grill – two iconic canned meats that have graced many a sandwich over the years With their salty, meaty flavor and convenient shelf-stable packaging, they hold a special place in the hearts and pantries of generations past and present But are these two tinned treats one and the same? Let’s take a closer look and settle this debate once and for all.

A Brief History of Spam and Bacon Grill

First, a little background. Spam, that beloved block of precooked pork shoulder and ham introduced by Hormel Foods in 1937, needs no introduction Over the decades, it became a dietary staple for soldiers, travelers, and home cooks looking for an easy, inexpensive source of protein

Bacon grill emerged later, in the 1950s. Produced by companies like Tulip and Danish, bacon grill contains pork along with bacon flavoring. It was likely developed to appeal to the British palate and its love of all things bacon.

Both foods were common find in pantries and recipes throughout much of the 20th century, especially in the UK. However, Spam maintained greater popularity and market share overall.

The Key Differences Between Spam and Bacon Grill

Though similar in many ways, Spam and bacon grill have some distinct differences:

Ingredients:

• Spam contains chopped pork shoulder and ham.

• Bacon grill contains chopped pork along with added bacon flavoring.

Texture:

• Spam has a soft, smooth texture when cooked.

• Bacon grill has a firmer, chewier texture.

Flavor:

• Spam has a milder pork and ham flavor.

• Bacon grill has a smokier, bacon-y taste.

Color:

• Spam is a pale pinkish-brown color.

• Bacon grill is darker, more of a reddish-brown.

Fat Content:

• Spam has 15g of fat per serving, on average.

• Bacon grill has around 10g of fat per serving.

Shelf Life:

• Both have similar shelf lives of 2-3 years when unopened.

Price:

• Spam is generally a dollar or two cheaper than bacon grill.

Availability:

• Spam is widely available in supermarkets and stores.

• Bacon grill can be harder to find these days. International food stores and online retailers are your best sources.

How to Cook Spam and Bacon Grill

Spam and bacon grill also differ slightly in terms of how they are typically cooked and served:

Cooking Methods:

• Spam can be enjoyed cold straight from the can, but is often sliced and pan-fried or grilled before eating.

• Bacon grill is most often grilled or fried to enhance its smoky bacon flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spam is commonly served in sandwiches, with eggs, in fried rice, or diced up in pasta dishes and casseroles.

• Bacon grill is primarily eaten in sandwiches or rolls. It’s also great in a fry up breakfast.

Flavor Pairings:

• Spam goes well with ketchup, mayo, mustard, soy sauce, syrup, and pineapple.

• Bacon grill pairs nicely with brown sauce, ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce.

So bacon grill is mainly for sandwiches, while Spam is more versatile for use in recipes. And each one has its own favored condiment pairings based on their distinct flavors.

Nutrition Comparison

As processed meats, neither Spam nor bacon grill are health foods. But how do they compare nutritionally?

Per 2 ounce serving:

• Spam has 150 calories, 15g fat, 450mg sodium

• Bacon grill has 130 calories, 10g fat, 680mg sodium

So bacon grill is slightly lower in calories and fat than Spam, since it contains less pork shoulder. However, it is higher in sodium content.

Both meats are high in protein, however the protein mainly comes from the pork content rather than vegetables or whole grains.

For servings this size, neither food counts as an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

The Verdict: Are They Interchangeable?

So can you use bacon grill when a recipe calls for Spam and vice versa? While they are very similar products, there are some minor differences in texture and especially flavor.

Here are some guidelines:

• In a sandwich, they are pretty much interchangeable. The differences will be subtle.

• In a Spam fried rice or pasta dish, bacon grill will work but the flavor will be smokier. You may want to reduce any other bacon or smoked meat ingredients if using bacon grill instead of Spam.

• In a recipe where Spam is an ingredient (like Spam musubi), bacon grill will work but the end result will taste more bacon-y.

So in most cases you can safely substitute one for the other. But the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the dish.

To decide which one to use:

• If you want a more bacon-like flavor, use bacon grill.

• If you want a milder pork and ham flavor, go with Spam.

• If sodium content is a concern, Spam may be a better choice.

• If you prefer a firmer, chewier texture, choose bacon grill.

• If you want a smoother consistency, Spam is the way to go.

The Verdict Among Home Cooks

Curious about how everyday home cooks feel about this porky predicament, I turned to online forums and communities to see what their experiences have been.

The consensus among British home cooks in particular seems to be that bacon grill and Spam, while very similar, are not identical products:

• Bacon grill is viewed as firmer and chewier when cooked.

• The smoky bacon flavor of bacon grill makes it preferable for sandwiches.

• Spam is appreciated for its smooth texture and versatility in recipes.

• While one can be subbed for the other, each has its unique qualities that impact the final dish.

• Bacon grill can be harder to find these days than Spam.

So the choice comes down to personal taste and what flavor and texture you prefer. Both have their fans and their place in the cupboard!

While these two canned meat products certainly have their similarities, Spam and bacon grill are not exactly the same thing. Bacon grill has a smokier bacon flavor and chewier bite. Spam is milder in flavor with a softer consistency when cooked.

So whether you’re making a sandwich or cooking a recipe, opt for bacon grill if you want a bacon hit. Go for Spam if you prefer a smoother, porkier taste and texture. Or try them side by side and decide which one suits your own preferences!

With this guide, you now have the knowledge to distinguish between these two canned classics and make the choice that’s right for you.