It came in a can, conquered lunch plates, survived wars, and somehow earned a cult following. Spam wasn’t just meat, it was a movement. Born in the late ’30s and booming by wartime, this salty, squishy, strangely satisfying square of mystery became a kitchen staple and pop culture punchline all in one bite.
Loved, mocked, hoarded, fried; it’s been everywhere from Army rations to Hawaiian feasts. But Spam didn’t just feed mouths, it fed eras. This is the story of how one humble can became a legend… and maybe even dinner tonight.
1
Born in a Can: SPAM is Born!
1937, Austin, Minnesota: Hormel launches SPAM (short for “Spiced Ham”), a revolutionary canned meat. Affordable, shelf-stable, and ready to eat!
2
The Secret 6
Only six ingredients: pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. Simple, but powerful.
3
SPAM Goes to War
WWII made SPAM a soldier’s best friend. Over 100 million cans shipped to feed Allied troops across the globe.
4
Troop Treat or Troop Torture?
Troops were split: some loved it, some never wanted to see it again. Either way, SPAM kept them going.
5
A Presidential Fan
Dwight D. Eisenhower praised SPAM in a 1966 letter, calling it “a meat of many uses.” Commander-in-chief approved!
6
From Rations to Recipes
After the war, SPAM came home and moms across America found creative ways to use it in casseroles and sandwiches.
7
Hula and Ham
Hawai‘i embraced SPAM with open arms. Today, it’s beloved in musubi, fried rice, and loco moco. Aloha, SPAM!
8
SPAMalot: The Monty Python Effect
The 1970s comedy troupe Monty Python gave SPAM cult status with a sketch that repeated the word 132 times. Iconic.
9
GIs, Hawaiians, and Filipinos
SPAM became a staple across the Pacific. WWII GIs introduced it, but local cultures turned it into gourmet comfort food.
10
SPAM Goes Global
South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and the UK all developed their own SPAM love stories. It’s not just an American thing.
11
SPAM Hits the Airwaves
1950s TV and radio ads pitched SPAM as a quick, modern solution for the busy housewife. Retro gold!
12
Fried, Baked, or Chopped
Any way you slice it, SPAM delivers. Fry it for breakfast, mix it in a salad, or bake it with pineapple: endless combos.
13
SPAM Museum Opens!
In 2001, Austin, MN opened the official SPAM Museum. Free admission and full of meat-lover history.
14
Dressed to Impress
Retro packaging from over the years shows SPAM’s stylish evolution. From wartime utilitarian to 1950s fabulous.
15
SPAM Fest Fever
Spam Jam festivals in Hawai‘i and Minnesota celebrate the canned legend with music, food, and costumes. Yes, costumes.
16
SPAM in the '70s Kitchen
Pair it with Jell-O, pineapple rings, and avocado green appliances, and boom! You're back in your mom’s kitchen.
17
SPAM Gets Fancy
Michelin-star chefs and foodies worldwide are reimagining SPAM in tacos, sushi, and gourmet creations. Who knew?
18
50 Shades of SPAM
There are now over 10 varieties: SPAM Lite, Turkey, Jalapeño, Teriyaki, and even Pumpkin Spice (no joke).
19
Still Canned, Still Kickin’
Over 9 billion cans sold and counting. SPAM remains a pantry hero across generations.
20
SPAM: America's Most Unlikely Icon
From rations to cult classic to kitchen comeback, SPAM’s story is a slice of American history you can fry up.
