Why Is It Called Spam, Anyway?

Why Is It Called Spam, Anyway?

If you’ve ever opened a can of Spam, fried it up in a skillet, and wondered why it’s called “Spam” in the first place, you’re not alone. This mystery meat has been a kitchen staple, a cultural icon, and even the subject of jokes for decades — but its name has always stirred curiosity. So, let’s slice into the history of Spam and uncover the truth behind the name.

What Is Spam, Really?

First introduced by the Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937, Spam is a canned meat product made of just six ingredients: pork (including ham), salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. It was designed as an affordable, shelf-stable source of protein — and it hit its stride during World War II, when it was shipped overseas to feed U.S. troops.

Spam became a symbol of resourcefulness and survival. After the war, it remained popular, especially in regions like Hawaii, South Korea, and the Philippines, where it became embedded in local cuisines. But the question remains: Why the name?