How many people would say that spam is better than bacon? Spam is made from pork shoulder and ham. It used to be called “spiced ham,” but because it was so popular during WWII, the name was changed to “spam.” Bacon is a type of pork that is cured and smoked. It became popular in the United States in the 1920s.
Some people think spam is better than bacon because it tastes saltier and smokier. Other people think that bacon is better because it has a richer flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
Spam is a prepared meat that has been around for a long time and became popular in the US. The product is made of pork shoulder, ham, and salt, which are then combined and smoked. In the 1930s, Jay Hormel and his brother wanted to make a food that could be kept for a long time. They came up with Spam. The company released the product under the name Spam, which is an acronym for spiced ham.
Bacon is one of the oldest processed foods in the world. It is said that the Chinese were cooking bacon-like products as early as 1500 BC. The process of curing and smoking meat was used to preserve food before the days of refrigeration.
Bacon quickly became popular in Europe after Christopher Columbus introduced it to the continent in the 15th century. In fact, bacon was so popular that it was considered a food for the wealthy. The poor could only afford pork belly, which is not as fatty or salty as bacon.
Today, bacon is popular all over the world. In places like the US, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, you can find it in restaurants and grocery stores.
Both spam and bacon are beloved salty savory foods with dedicated fanbases. However many health-conscious eaters try to avoid processed meats whenever possible.
When it comes to nutritional value and potential health risks, is bacon actually worse for you than spam, or vice versa? This article provides a thorough comparison.
What is Spam?
Spam is a popular canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation. The originalSpam variety is made from chopped pork shoulder meat, ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.
Spam was first introduced in 1937. Its long shelf life and low cost made it a staple food for soldiers during World War II. Today it remains beloved in Hawaii, Guam, and other parts of the world.
What is Bacon?
Bacon refers to pork belly that has been cured and smoked. Pork bellies are rubbed with a curing salt mixture, then smoked over wood chips to infuse flavor. After smoking, bacon is sliced and packaged for sale.
Bacon has been produced and eaten for centuries around the world. It became especially popular in North America as a breakfast food in the early 20th century.
Nutrition Profile Comparison
Let’s examine the basic nutrition facts of spam versus bacon:
Spam (2 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 6g
Bacon (2 oz)
- Calories: 263
- Fat: 19.6g
- Sodium: 579mg
- Protein: 8g
So while bacon contains more calories and fat than spam, it has less sodium and more protein.
Both meats are high in sodium. They contain nitrates, added during curing for preservation and color.
Health Concerns
Processed meats like spam and bacon have been associated with some negative health effects:
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Increased risk of heart disease, due to high sodium levels and saturated fat in bacon.
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Higher cholesterol levels from eating saturated fat and dietary cholesterol in bacon.
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Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Nitrites may play a role.
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Potential increased cancer risk. The World Health Organization classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen. However, the cancer link is inconclusive.
So which is worse in terms of health risks? Here is a comparison:
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Heart health – Bacon may be worse due to higher saturated fat content.
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Sodium – Spam contains significantly more sodium per serving.
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Cancer risk – Both are classified as possible carcinogens, so the risks appear similar.
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Diabetes risk – Again, evidence is inconclusive whether one is clearly worse than the other.
How Are They Prepared?
Preparation methods also impact the nutrition profiles:
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Spam is most often pan-fried before eating. Frying adds more fat and calories.
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Bacon is also frequently pan-fried, which spikes fat intake.
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However, both meats can be prepared in healthier ways like baking, grilling, or broiling.
Healthier Alternatives
If limiting processed meats, here are some healthier swaps to consider:
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Try Canadian bacon or turkey bacon in place of regular bacon.
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Swap in smoked turkey or tofu in recipes calling for spam.
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Use mushrooms, eggplant, jackfruit, or beans in place of bacon bits.
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Opt for baked chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like tempeh.
The Bottom Line
Based on nutrition profiles, bacon appears slightly worse than spam due to its higher fat and calorie content. However, both meats should be eaten in moderation on a healthy diet.
In general, it’s ideal to limit intake of highly processed meats to reduce sodium, nitrites, and saturated fat. Enjoy bacon or spam occasionally as a treat alongside plenty of whole foods and plants.
When cooking, opt for healthier preparations like baking instead of frying. And consider substituting plant proteins or less processed meats like turkey bacon some of the time.
Both spam and bacon can be enjoyed in balance on an overall nutritious diet. But for better heart health and reduced cancer risk, it’s wise to consume them sparingly.
Nutrition of Spam vs Bacon
Today, there are countless choices of breakfast meats to choose from. Two of the most popular options are spam and bacon. Though both have their fans, many people are unsure of which is the healthier option.
Nutritionally, spam is higher in sodium and lower in protein than bacon. However, spam also contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and zinc. Bacon is also high in sodium but contains cholesterol and saturated fat.
So what’s the verdict? In terms of overall healthiness, spam is probably the better choice. It has more nutrients than bacon and is lower in unhealthy fats and cholesterol. That said, if you’re looking for a meat that’s high in protein, bacon would be a better option.
Taste of Spam vs Bacon
When it comes to the great debate of spam vs bacon, there can only be one clear winner. Though they are both meat products, spam is nothing like bacon. In the first place, spam is often processed and full of bad things, while bacon is a real food made from pork.
Second, spam has a strong, unpleasant taste that most people can’t stand, but bacon has a great smoky taste that everyone loves.
Finally, spam is much more expensive than bacon, making it a poor value for your money. In conclusion, there is no contest between spam and bacon – bacon is the clear winner every time.
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