Is Canned Ham the Same as Spam? Unpacking the Differences

Walk down the canned meat aisle at any grocery store and you’ll likely spot those iconic little rectangles of Spam. The famous canned meat product has been around since 1937. But even earlier in 1926, its predecessor canned ham was invented.

With their similar look, meat content, and reputation as salty, old-fashioned foods, it’s only natural to wonder – is Spam actually the same thing as canned ham? Or are there some differences between the two?

In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about how canned ham and Spam compare. We’ll explore their origins, ingredients nutritional values and best uses. Read on to finally learn the deal with these quirky canned meats.

Canned Ham Came First

Before Spam existed there was canned ham. In 1926, the Hormel company invented shelf-stable canned ham, revolutionizing preservation methods for pork. The gelatin-set cylinders of salty, smoky ham became popular. Then in 1937 Hormel introduced Spam – the iconic canned meat blend of pork and ham.

So while their origins overlap, Spam followed on the heels of canned ham. But over the decades, people commonly conflated the two products. Let’s look closer at how they differ.

Ingredients Breakdown

Both canned ham and Spam contain pork and salt as main ingredients. But the particular blend of pork cuts and parts makes their contents distinct:

Canned Ham

• Ham only
• Occasional addition of water or gelatin

Spam

• Pork and ham mixed
• Also contains salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite

So while canned ham is 100% ham, Spam contains both ham and other pork parts like shoulder. The other ingredients also set Spam apart with its signature sweet/salty flavor profile.

Nutritional Value Comparison

With their focus on pork, canned ham and Spam both provide protein. But how do they stack up nutrition-wise?

Canned Ham

• 100 calories per serving
• 4g fat
• 600-1000mg sodium
• 10g protein

Spam

• 150 calories per serving
• 5g fat
• 880mg sodium
• 12g protein

Canned ham is lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to Spam. But Spam contains slightly more protein than canned ham. Ultimately, both offer protein but should be eaten in moderation.

Different Usage and Preparation

Canned ham and Spam can both be eaten straight from the can if desired. But they differ slightly in how they’re best prepared as ingredients:

Canned Ham

• Baked or glazed
• Diced in scrambles or casseroles
• Sliced in sandwiches

Spam

• Fried in slices
• Added to fried rice or ramen
• Baked into spamsicles

Canned ham takes well to baking, glazes, and sandwiches. Spam is more often fried, added to rice dishes, or shaped into “spamsicles” treats. So their uses vary somewhat.

Price Point Comparison

Price-wise, canned ham and Spam have some major differences.

Canned Ham

• $3 to $6 per can

Spam

• $2 to $3 per can

A can of Spam generally costs at least $1 less than canned ham. Even store brands of canned ham exceed Spam prices. So if you’re looking for the more budget-friendly canned meat, Spam has a clear price advantage.

Which is Healthier Overall?

Given the choice between canned ham and Spam, many assume the former may be healthier, since it’s just ham. But let’s recap their nutritional differences:

• Spam has 50 more calories per serving than canned ham.
• Canned ham has less fat than Spam.
• Canned ham has significantly less sodium than Spam.
• Spam edges out canned ham slightly in protein content.

So based on these numbers, canned ham appears to be the healthier choice between the two. With less calories, fat, and sodium, it aligns better with nutritional guidelines.

However, both meats should ideally be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.

Which Has the Better Taste?

Taste is subjective, but in a canned ham vs. Spam taste test, Spam tends to be favored.

Canned ham lacks strong flavor. Its taste is simply that of salty ham.

Meanwhile, Spam has a more complex flavor with sweet, smoky, salty notes that people find more appealing.

So for overall taste and enjoyment, Spam gets higher marks than the blander canned ham.

Which Makes a Better Gift?

Canned meats tend to be funny, kitschy gifts suitable for joking relatives or quirky White Elephant exchanges. Between canned ham and Spam, most people default to gifting Spam.

Some reasons why Spam makes a better gift include:

• Spam’s retro branding and recognizable name
• Spam’s versatility for cooking goofy recipes
• Spam’s humor factor as a “weird” meat product
• Spam’s lower price point

Spam’s iconic status gives it an edge for humorous gifting occasions. A can of Spam simply makes a funnier present than canned ham.

Are They Interchangeable in Recipes?

Can you swap canned ham and Spam in recipes freely? Unfortunately, you can’t due to a few factors:

• Different flavors – smokier Spam doesn’t mimic blander ham
• Different fat contents – may impact cooking time
• Different consistencies when cooked
• Varying saltiness and sweetness

Substituting Spam for canned ham or vice versa likely won’t provide the intended results. For best flavor and texture, use the exact canned meat a recipe specifies.

The Verdict: Similar But Not Identical

Canned ham and Spam share origins and a nostalgic appeal. But they have distinct ingredients, nutrition profiles, ideal cooking methods, and overall taste. The bottom line is that while these canned meats are similar, they aren’t quite identical products:

• Canned ham is 100% ham; Spam contains ham and other pork parts
• Spam has a signature sweet and smoky taste compared to blander canned ham
• Canned ham is slightly healthier based on its lower sodium and calories
• Spam costs noticeably less than comparable canned ham
• Spam has retro novelty appeal that makes it favored for gifts

So feel confident next time you’re in the canned meat aisle – canned ham and Spam may seem the same, but each has unique traits. Now that you know how they truly compare, pick whichever one best fits your budget, taste preferences, and recipe needs.