Spam is one of the most underappreciated foods in existence. Just think about it: it’s canned meat at a time when fresh meat is easy to find and cheap; it’s an odd shade of pink; it takes a while to get used to; and it’s full of fat, calories, and sodium. This is true: Spam is one of the worst foods ever, but you should stop worrying about that and just enjoy it.
If you like bacon, salami, and hot dogs, there’s no reason you shouldn’t also like Spam. This is especially true of hot dogs; Those things are basically Spam tubes encased in intestines.
If you’re scared of Spam, don’t be. It’s just ground pork shoulder and ham mixed with salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and nitrites, which are the same salts that turn bacon and hot dogs pink. Thats it.
So heres a challenge: The next time youre in the supermarket, pick up a can of Spam. In a skillet, brown a thin slice of Spam on both sides. Then, put the slice of Spam in the middle of a grilled cheese. Take a bite, and any stigma that might have surrounded it in the past will quickly fade away. You probably don’t like Spam because you’re afraid of what it might taste like. We’re not saying you should eat it every day, but there’s nothing wrong with it.
Bacon and spam are two iconic processed meats that have graced breakfast tables for decades. But when it comes to your health, is one better than the other? Let’s dive into the nutrition profiles of spam versus bacon to see which processed meat reigns supreme.
Bacon 101
Everybody knows bacon. It’s made from cured and smoked pork belly and sold in thin, fatty strips Two slices of pan-fried bacon contains
- 80 calories
- 7g fat
- 15g protein
- 330mg sodium
The high fat content provides much of bacon’s beloved flavor. But it also means over 50% of the calories come from fat. Half of that is artery-clogging saturated fat due to bacon’s high pork content.
Bacon does contain a decent amount of protein for a meat product, as well as some B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron. But overall, it is considered a processed red meat high in saturated fat and sodium.
Spam 101
Spam is a molded, canned meat product made by Hormel Foods. The original Spam recipe contains chopped pork shoulder meat along with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. A 2 ounce serving of Spam contains:
- 180 calories
- 16g fat
- 10g protein
- 770mg sodium
Like bacon, the predominant nutrient in Spam is fat, providing well over half the total calories. Much of this comes from saturated fat as well. But Spam is lower in protein compared to bacon by gram weight.
Spam is also extremely high in sodium. A 2 ounce serving contains over 30% of the recommended daily sodium intake. All that salt is used to cure and preserve the canned meat.
Nutrition Showdown: Bacon vs. Spam
So how do bacon and Spam compare nutritionally in a head-to-head showdown? Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Bacon | Spam | |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 9g per oz | 8g per oz |
| Saturated Fat | 3g per oz | 3g per oz |
| Protein | 5g per oz | 5g per oz |
| Sodium | 165mg per oz | 385mg per oz |
Based on this comparison, Spam contains slightly less total and saturated fat per ounce compared to bacon. The protein content is nearly identical.
However, Spam has a whopping 2.3 times more sodium than bacon by weight. All that extra salt used in the curing process packs a huge sodium punch.
The Winner? Bacon!
Based on the nutrition numbers, bacon edges out Spam in terms of being better for you. Here’s why:
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Bacon is lower in sodium per gram compared to extremely salty Spam. Consuming less sodium is beneficial for heart health and blood pressure.
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The overall fat content is lower in bacon than Spam. Limiting fat intake can help with weight management.
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Bacon contains less mystery meat than the conglomerated Spam. You know you’re getting pure pork.
However, keep in mind neither are really a “healthy” choice. Some tips for enjoying bacon more sensibly:
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Opt for center-cut bacon with less fat around the edges.
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Drain excess grease after cooking.
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Watch your serving size and don’t overindulge.
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Use bacon as a flavoring in dishes rather than eating it alone.
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Look for lower-sodium bacon alternatives when possible.
The Better Breakfast Meat
At the end of the day, bacon brings home the win for having slightly better nutrition figures plus more natural ingredients than uber-processed Spam. But both should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, not daily breakfast staples.
For a truly healthy breakfast, try swapping the bacon or Spam for veggie-packed options like:
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Omelets with spinach, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.
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Egg white scrambles loaded with vegetables.
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Whole grain avocado toast topped with a fried egg.
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A tofu veggie scramble.
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Smoked salmon and veggie bagel sandwiches.
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Greek yogurt bowls with fresh fruit and nuts.
Rather than everyday bacon or Spam, save thoseprocessed meats for an occasional breakfast treat a few times a month. Your heart and waistline will thank you!
Easy Spam Salt Removal | Better than Bacon
What’s the difference between Bacon and spam?
These days, you’ll find bacon the world over. Spam, meanwhile, is a canned lunch meat that was invented by Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota, in 1937. Inexpensive and shelf-stable, the product was catapulted to popularity in times of scarcity, proving to be a cheap source of protein during both the Great Depression and World War II.
Who invented bacon & spam?
Soon, the process was adopted by Greeks and Romans. These days, you’ll find bacon the world over. Spam, meanwhile, is a canned lunch meat that was invented by Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota, in 1937.
Is spam a healthy food?
Spam is a popular canned meat product made with ground pork, ham and various flavoring agents and preservatives. Spam is high in sodium, fat and calories. It also provides a little protein and several micronutrients, such as zinc, potassium, iron and copper. One two-ounce (56-gram) serving of Spam contains ( 1 ):
Is spam good for You?
Spam is high in sodium, fat and calories. It also provides a little protein and several micronutrients, such as zinc, potassium, iron and copper. One two-ounce (56-gram) serving of Spam contains ( 1 ): In addition to these nutrients, Spam provides small amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, folate and calcium. Summary
Is spam a good source of protein?
Key Point: Spam is a moderately good source of protein and it contains various vitamins and minerals. Spam also has a high sodium and fat content. Here are some of the beneficial properties of spam. Spam sometimes gets a bad name because it is a form of processed meat.
What is the difference between spam and processed meat?
Spam is high in calories, fat and sodium but also contains some protein, zinc, potassium, iron and copper. Processed meat is any type of meat that has been cured, canned, smoked or dried to increase its shelf life and enhance its taste and texture.