Is Canned Ham Really The Same As Spam? Let’s Find Out

Canned ham and Spam – two canned meat products that have sparked endless debates. With their similar look and feel, many have wondered if they’re actually the same thing.

As a long-time canned meat enthusiast, I’ve done deep dives into both Spam and canned ham. And I’m here to finally settle the debate once and for all: are they one and the same? Or totally different canned meats?

Let’s start with some quick definitions

Canned ham – Ham that is cured, pressed and steam cooked inside a can. It’s made of 100% ham and often contains added water.

Spam – A branded canned meat product made by Hormel. It contains pork, ham, salt water potato starch and sugar.

At first glance, I can see why people might mistake one for the other. They’re both pink, rectangular-shaped canned meats after all. But when you look closer, there are some clear differences that set Spam and canned ham apart.

Ingredients: More Than Just Ham vs. Ham and Pork

The main difference lies in the ingredients

Canned ham contains ham and only ham. It’s made from cured and pressed whole ham pieces. The only other ingredient is usually added water.

Spam contains pork and ham – made from chopped pork shoulder and ham. And it has other ingredients like potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

So while canned ham is 100% ham, Spam is more of a ham-pork hybrid with other additives. This difference in ingredients gives each one a distinct texture and flavor profile.

Manufacturing Process: Cooked Then Canned vs. Cooked In The Can

The way canned ham and Spam are processed also sets them apart.

Canned ham is cooked first then pressed into cans. The cooked ham pieces are compacted and sealed in the cans before going through a final steam cooking process. This helps retain the ham flavor and texture.

Spam is cooked inside the can. The raw pork and ham pieces are chopped up, mixed with other ingredients, sealed in cans and cooked. This unique process gives Spam its signature firm texture.

So the cooking method impacts the final product’s mouthfeel and taste. Canned ham tends to be smoother and feel more “natural”, while Spam has a more processed, meatloaf-like texture.

Nutrition: Ham Keeps It Simple

When comparing canned ham vs Spam nutrition, ham has a slight edge.

Canned ham is leaner with less fat and calories than Spam. A 3 oz serving of canned ham contains around 60 calories and 1g fat. The same amount of Spam has about 180 calories and 16g fat.

Canned ham also has fewer preservatives and additives. It contains no added sugars or carbohydrates. Its ingredient list is simple – just ham and water.

Spam has extras like potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. This gives it a higher sodium content at about 780mg per serving.

Overall, canned ham has a more natural nutritional profile. But Spam offers useful amounts of nutrients like vitamin C and iron.

Price: Spam Is Usually Cheaper

Price-wise, there’s no contest. Spam is significantly cheaper than canned ham.

A 12 oz can of Spam costs around $2-3. Canned ham tends to cost more, averaging $3-5 for the same size.

Spam’s lower cost can be attributed to its ingredients. It makes use of lower-cost cuts of pork and ham mixed together. Canned ham is made of pricier ham cuts.

So if you’re hoping to stock up on canned meat on a budget, Spam provides more bang for your buck. Canned ham is the pricier gourmet choice.

Shelf Life: Both Keep For Years

When stored properly, canned ham and Spam can both last 2-5 years in the pantry.

The canning process removes oxygen and seals the meat, preventing spoilage. As long as the can remains intact, the shelf life is extremely long.

Canned ham lasts 2-3 years on average if kept below 75°F. Refrigerating after opening extends its life further.

Spam is designed to keep even longer – up to 5 years at room temperature. It can last indefinitely in the fridge once opened.

So you can stock up on either one without worrying about expiration dates for quite a while.

Uses: More Versatile Options With Ham

Canned ham tends to be more versatile than Spam when cooking. Its savory ham flavor works well in both sweet and savory dishes. A few ways to eat canned ham:

• Fried ham steaks
• Ham sandwiches
• Split pea and ham soup
• Ham and cheese omelets
• Baked ham and pineapple

Spam’s stronger flavor profile makes it best suited for recipes where it can stand out. Popular ways to serve Spam include:

• Spam musubi – a Hawaiian specialty
• Spam omelets or fried rice
• Grilled Spam sandwiches
• Spam pizza
• Baked beans with Spam

So canned ham integrates seamlessly into everyday recipes. Spam transforms dishes into unique Hawaiian, Asian or retro culinary creations.

The Verdict: Related But Definitely Not The Same

After looking closely at ingredients, processing, nutrition and more, it’s clear canned ham and Spam are similar but distinct products.

While they’re both pink, rectangular-shaped canned meats, canned ham is made purely of ham while Spam contains pork and other additives. Their cooking methods, texture, fat content and versatility differ as well.

Spam is cheaper and lasts longer unopened. But overall, canned ham has a more natural nutrition profile and adapts better to recipes.

So if you see these two canned meats side-by-side in the grocery aisle, make sure to take a closer look and pick up the one that fits your needs. While one may work better in certain dishes, both canned ham and Spam have their place in the pantries of canned meat lovers!

So now you know – Spam and canned ham are absolutely not the same thing. But they can live together in canned meat harmony.