It's no secret Hawaiʻi loves Spam. But health experts fear its long-term risks (2024)

FAQs

What do Hawaiians call Spam? ›

In Hawaii, Spam is so popular that it is sometimes referred to as "The Hawaiian Steak". There is even an annual Spam-themed festival on the island of Oahu each spring, known as the "Waikiki Spam Jam".

This variety offers the scrumptiousness of SPAM^® Classic with 33% less calories, 50% less fat, and 25% less sodium. Sizzle it up and add it to eggs for breakfast, on a sandwich for lunch or with rice for dinner.

Though Spam is convenient, easy to use and has a long shelf-life, it's also very high in fat, calories and sodium and low in important nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it's highly processed and contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that may cause several adverse health effects.

Why is Spam such a big deal in Hawaii? The canned food was introduced in the mainland U.S. in 1937 as an inexpensive meat product, but made its way to Hawaii after World War II, when Pearl Harbor became a critical naval base and military personnel brought cans with them.

The true root of the island's love for SPAM^® products goes back to World War II, when the luncheon meat was served to GIs. By the end of the war, SPAM^® products were adopted into local culture, with Fried SPAM^® Classic and rice becoming a popular meal.

6 facts about Spam

Hormel has produced more than 9 billion cans of Spam. The product is sold in 44 countries. The United States consumes the most Spam, followed by Korea. The average Hawaiian eats at least five cans of Spam a year.

Spam should be consumed in moderation. However, it is only barely less healthy than normal deli ham, so long as you don't factor in the damage Spam will do to your nostrils while cooking it.

Bacon Contains More Fat Than Spam

One 2-ounce serving of the original Spam variety contains 180 calories and just a handful of micronutrients like zinc, potassium, iron, and copper. It also boasts 16 grams of fat. Bacon, on the other hand, has about 263 calories in a 2-ounce portion with an estimated 19.6 grams of fat.

It may come as a pleasant surprise to learn that SPAM is not the preservative-packed mystery meat you might think it is. In fact, SPAM only contains six ingredients! And the brand's website lists them all. They are: pork with ham meat added (that counts as one), salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

One potential downside of eating too much of this tasty lunch meat? An increased risk of kidney disease. Since sodium is processed by the kidneys, overconsumption of sodium-rich foods like Spam, especially long-term, can lead to kidney stones or even kidney disease.

Why is Spam cancerous? ›

Spam has six ingredients: pork, salt, water, potato starch, sugar and sodium nitrate. Studies have shown that processed meat containing nitrates may lead to certain cancers. Nitrates are chemicals put in canned foods to boost their shelf life.

Some say SPAM stands for Specially Processed American Meat, others believe it is a portmanteau for spiced ham, while others say it stands for Shoulder of Pork and Ham.

You can eat Spam raw since all canned foods are pasteurized during the process. Also, you can eat raw spam straight from the can, but the smell can be quite unpleasant. Spam is a canned meat that is made of minced pork as well as processed in ham.

regular price is $3.39 for a 12 ounce can. sometimes it's on sale for $3.29. or four cans for $9, so $2.50 each. or four cans for $8, so $2 per can. #2 - Target. a can of spam cost $3.59.

The canned meat can be found chopped up in fried rice, sliced in saimin soup, or served more simply with eggs and rice for breakfast. Spam is so ubiquitous in the islands that Hawaii consumes the most Spam per capita at about 7 million cans a year, showcasing how it's a part of Hawaii's unique history and heritage.

The Waikiki SPAM JAM Festival takes place each year in the heart of Waikiki: 30+ restaurants and vendors cook up imaginative takes on canned spam, elevating it to culinary levels you could never imagine.

Spam musubi – A slice of Spam perched atop a block of rice and wrapped in seaweed – is perhaps the most popular Spam dish in Hawaii, and it's available almost everywhere.