What’s SPAM, really — and what goes into it?

Ever since Hormel Foods Corporation introduced it in 1937, SPAM, the canned cooked meat known for its long shelf life, became a must-have pantry item in every household in America.

The name of the brand stands for ‘Spiced Ham’ — or at least, that’s the popular belief. Some speculate that it stands for ‘Shoulder of Pork And Ham,’ while others suggest it could mean ‘Specially Processed American Meat.’

It’s taste and texture are rather unique, which makes many question what ingredients the company uses to make the popular product.

SPAM gained popularity during the WWII, when it was used to feed the troops. Even today, it is a staple food in places like Hawaii, South Korea, and the Philippines.

1936 can of Hormel “Spiced Ham” at the Spam Museum/ Wikipedia

It comes in various flavors and varieties, satisfying diverse food preferences. From the classic original SPAM to flavors like Hickory Smoke, Hot & Spicy, and even SPAM with Cheese, there’s a SPAM for everyone’s taste.

If you’ve ever wondered exactly what ingredients SPAM is made of, these are the ones used in the classic can: pork (with ham), salt, water, sugar, potato starch (used as a binder), and sodium nitrate, a common preservative used in cured meat to keep it look fresh, extend shelf-life, and preserve the pink color.

Sliced Spam (straight from the can)/ Wikipedia

In fact, sodium nitrate is found is certain vegetables such as spinach and celery, as well as in unregulated drinking water. It is a chemical compound of nitrate and sodium.

While nitrates are a natural part of any normal diet, excessive consumption can lead to health risks. Research suggest that high levels can cause colorectal cancer. Also, high intake is linked to diseases such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, heart disease, and ovarian, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic and thyroid cancers.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA/ Wikipedia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the daily intake of sodium nitrate to be limited to 3.7 milligrams per kilo of body weight. The issue is that this ingredient is not listed on food labels, making it difficult to track the amount you are getting on a daily basis.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

Greta Thunberg’s brutal response to Donald Trump amid ‘anger management issues’ comment

President Donald Trump and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg come from very different perspectives. While Greta is best known as a climate change activist, Trump...

Pick your wing to reveal who your guardian angel is

Sometimes, you may feel the presence of an invisible guide that offers protection and remind you you are not alone. That comforting presence could...

Doctor issues warning about eating too much rice

Rice is a great source of gut-friendly fiber, complex carbohydrates, and B vitamins. The fiber in brown and wild rice supports digestive health by...

A wealthy CEO in Mexico found a staff member skipping meals to breastfeed her baby — the shocking truth behind it shocked everyone

While the entire city slept, Jyoti, a thirty-four year old mother, kept working tirelessly. She spent every night mopping floors, carrying heavy buckets, and...

Student, 21, died just days after getting what they thought was ‘fresher’s flu’ as family issue warning

Lucas Martin, a 21-year-old graduate from England, recently awarded a degree in international business from the University of Liverpool, tragically died on September 12,...

JD Vance with tears in their eyes

JD Vance, eyes glistening with tears, delivers a heartfelt announcement… Vice President Vance’s recent remarks quickly stirred controversy, drawing scrutiny for both their timing and...