The ingredients list is surprisingly short: pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. That last item preserves freshness and prevents bacterial growth, though its sodium content means some people enjoy it in moderation.
The name “SPAM” came from a company contest, won by actor Ken Daigneau, brother of a Hormel executive. He received $100 for his suggestion, unknowingly christening a product that would become both a culinary mainstay and a cultural icon.
Today, SPAM comes in varieties like Hickory Smoke, Hot & Spicy, and SPAM with Cheese. It stars in breakfast scrambles, sushi rolls, and casseroles alike. Beyond food, SPAM has inspired songs, stage shows, and viral recipes—proof that what’s inside the can is more than just meat.
