Is Bacon Grill the Same as Spam? Unpacking the Differences

Walk down the canned meat aisle at any grocery store and you’ll likely encounter two familiar brands – Spam and Bacon Grill. At first glance, they seem quite similar. But looks can be deceiving. While both are made from chopped and cured pork, there are some notable differences that distinguish Bacon Grill from its more famous canned meat counterpart.

In this article, we’ll unpack the key similarities and differences between Bacon Grill and Spam. You may be surprised to find they aren’t as interchangeable as their names suggest!

A Brief History of Canned Pork Products

Before diving into the Bacon Grill vs. Spam debate, it helps to understand the origins of each.

Spam – First introduced in 1937 Spam is one of the earliest examples of canned precooked meat products. It was created by Hormel as a way to make use of pork shoulder meat. Thanks to its convenience and affordability, Spam became a wartime staple in the 1940s. Though its popularity has waned over the years, Spam remains an iconic American canned meat.

Bacon Grill – Bacon Grill arrived on the scene much later, first sold in the UK in 1986. It was marketed as a canned bacon alternative. The original maker, Premier Foods, aimed to replicate the smoky bacon flavor in a convenient canned form.

So while Spam pioneered the canned meat concept, Bacon Grill tweaked the idea with a bacon focus to find its niche decades later.

Ingredients: More Than Just Pork

Both Spam and Bacon Grill contain pork as their primary ingredient. However they differ in their specific pork cuts and meat blend.

Spam – Made from chopped pork shoulder and ham. Shoulder is an inexpensive, fatty cut that benefits from Spam’s smoking and curing process.

Bacon Grill – Uses more than just pork. Contains roughly 70% pork shoulder along with chicken, turkey, smoke flavor, and beef. This blend likely contributes to its bacon-esque taste.

Additionally, Bacon Grill contains roughly 2/3 less salt than traditional Spam, possibly making it less intense in flavor.

Taste Test: Subtle vs. Bold Flavor Profiles

Now onto the all-important question – how do they actually taste?

Spam – Has a decidedly bold, salty, and smoky pork flavor. The pork shoulder provides a robust meatiness, while the ham contributes some subtle sweetness. Certainly makes its presence known!

Bacon Grill – More subtle smoky and salty notes with hints of savory umami. Doesn’t overpower the palate as much as Spam. The flavor is a bit meatier and richer than with real bacon.

So in a face-off, Spam’s porkiness prevails over the smokiness in Bacon Grill. But Bacon Grill offers a more bacon-esque experience for those craving that flavor.

Texture: Meaty Chunks vs. Fine Dice

Beyond taste differences, Spam and Bacon Grill diverge in their textures as well.

Spam – Formed into a solid chunk, sliceable brick shape. Internal meat has a pleasantly springy, firm texture with discernable ham and pork bits throughout.

Bacon Grill – Softer, looser texture with finely diced, almost mushy meat. No visible chunks or ham pieces like Spam. The chicken contributes to its softer consistency.

Spam’s meatier chew makes it better for frying up crispy slices. Bacon Grill’s smoother texture lends itself more to scrambling or crumbling as a baking/topping ingredient.

Sodium Content: Not a Huge Difference

Given its bold flavor, you may assume Spam contains way more sodium than Bacon Grill. But the numbers suggest they’re closer than you think.

Spam – 380mg sodium per 2 oz serving

Bacon Grill – 290mg sodium per 2 oz serving

Bacon Grill has around 25% less sodium per serving compared to Spam. However, they both remain very high sodium foods. If limiting salt intake, both should be consumed sparingly.

Price Point: Bacon Grill Wins

When it comes to cost efficiency, Bacon Grill tends to beat out Spam.

Spam – Roughly $3.50 – $4.00 per 12 oz can

Bacon Grill – Around $2.50 – $3.00 per 12 oz can

Bacon Grill’s lower price point makes it the thriftier choice. Being UK-based, its largest market is overseas. But if found locally, the savings add up, especially when cooking for a crowd.

Nutrition: Porky Proteins

Nutritionally, Spam and Bacon Grill are quite similar, offering comparable amounts of calories, protein, and fat.

Calories – About 120 calories per 2 oz serving of each

Protein – 15g protein per serving in both (around 30% DV)

Fat – 9g of fat per serving in both (~13% DV), mostly from pork.

The protein and little iron make them a savory way to get some nutrients. But the high sodium offsets those benefits. Moderating intake is key.

Cooking Uses: From Frying to Grilling

When it comes to cooking methods, both Spam and Bacon Grill shine.

Ideal Preparation Methods:

• Pan Frying – Create delicious crispy edges

• Grilling – Infuse smoky depth

• Baked Dishes – Add meaty texture

• Breakfast – An egg and meat boost

• Sandwiches – Extra flavor for burgers or subs

Recipes to Try:

• Spam Musubi

• Spam Fried Rice

• Grilled Bacon Grill Cheese

• Bacon Grill Quiche

So whether sliced, diced, or crumbled, both perform well in recipes. Play around to see which texture you prefer.

The Verdict: Related, yet Distinct

While these two canned pork products share similarities, they each offer their own perks. So which is better? It depends on your tastes.

Spam remains the more recognizable brand name with that classic salty, robust pork flavor. It crisps up nicely in the pan.

Bacon Grill replicates smoky bacon notes at a friendly price point. Its texture works well mixed into dishes.

Ideally, it’s good to keep both stocked for maximum flavor options. Spam shines in fried rice or musubi, while Bacon Grill rocks in a quiche or baked pasta.

The bottom line? Though kindred canned meats, Spam and Bacon Grill serve different purposes. There’s room in the pantry for both!

So next time you’re browsing the market shelves, consider picking up a can of nostalgic Spam and a pack of budget-friendly Bacon Grill. Get cooking to taste how these similar-yet-different pork products shine.