Despite all the mystery around its name, the actual ingredients are quite simple. According to Hormel Foods, SPAM contains pork, water, salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate. The production process is straightforward: ground pork and ham are blended with these ingredients, sealed in cans under vacuum, cooked, and then cooled for several hours.
SPAM became especially important during the Great Depression and continued to be a reliable food source throughout the war years. Today, it’s still popular in many parts of the world because of its long shelf life, affordable price, and versatility in cooking. Whether you love it or prefer other options, there’s no denying that SPAM has earned its place in food history.