Spam is a brand of canned pork meat, and the brand had introduced the product in 1937. Apart from hem and pork shoulder, there are a few other ingredients that go into this processed meat. But can everyone have Spam? Is it gluten free?
Spam is gluten free with no gluten ingredients. But the point of concern here is it’s not processed in a gluten free facility, so chances of cross-contamination prevail.
Does that mean celiacs should avoid Spam? Will it give you a gluten allergy? To find answers to such questions, you can’t skip going through the entire article. So scrolling through.
Table of Contents
Is Spam Gluten Free?
Spam is gluten free, and the packaging too comes with a gluten free label. There is no wheat in the ingredient list, which may add gluten to it.
Still, we can’t call Spam absolutely safe for celiacs because it’s not prepared in a gluten free facility. It means there are chances of cross contamination through shared equipment.
Anything made in a facility that also processes gluten products puts the food item at high risk of getting contaminated with gluten. The same is true for Spam, so we would suggest you check the ingredient label and consult with your health expert before consuming it.
Also Read:- Is Imitation Crab Gluten Free?
What Is Spam? Ingredients and Nutritional Facts Of A Few Spam Varieties
Spam is canned meat made mainly of pork shoulder and hem. The other ingredients that go in the meat are- salt, sugar, water, potato starch, and sodium nitrate. Ground ham and pork meat are mixed with other ingredients, and when it reaches the ideal temperature, the mixture is put into cans.
Spam is available in different varieties. Let’s take a look at the few varieties and their nutritional information.
Spam Classic Ingredients
- Pork with ham
- Water
- Salt
- Modified potato starch
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrate
Nutritional information per 56g
- Calories- 180
- Total fat- 16g
- Trans fat-0g
- Cholesterol- 40 mg
- Sodium- 790 mg
- Dietary fiber- 0g
- Carbs- 1g
- Sugars- 1g
- Added sugars- 1g
- Protein- 7g
Spam Lite Ingredients
- Pork with ham
- Mechanically separated chicken
- Water
- Salt
- Modified potato starch
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium phosphate
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrate
- Sodium ascorbate
Nutritional information per 56g
- Calories- 110
- Total fat- 8g
- Trans fat-0g
- Saturated fat-3g
- Cholesterol- 40 mg
- Sodium- 580 mg
- Dietary fiber- 0g
- Carbs- 1g
- Sugars- 1g
- Added sugars- 1g
- Protein- 9g
Spam Less Sodium Ingredients
- Pork with ham
- Mechanically separated chicken
- Water
- Salt
- Modified potato starch
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium phosphate
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrate
- Sodium ascorbate
Nutritional information per 56g
- Calories- 180
- Total fat- 16g
- Trans fat-0g
- Saturated fat-6g
- Cholesterol- 40 mg
- Sodium- 580 mg
- Dietary fiber- 0g
- Carbs- 1g
- Sugars- 1g
- Added sugars- 1g
- Protein- 7g
Spam Hickory Smoke Ingredients
- Pork with ham
- Mechanically separated chicken
- Water
- Salt
- Modified potato starch
- Hickory smoke flavoring
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrate
Nutritional information per 56g
- Calories- 180
- Total fat- 16g
- Trans fat-0g
- Saturated fat-6g
- Cholesterol- 40 mg
- Sodium- 640 mg
- Dietary fiber- 0g
- Carbs- 1g
- Sugars- 0g
- Added sugars- 0g
- Protein- 7g
Is Spam Healthy? Is It Free From Harmful Preservatives?
Spam isn’t very good food for everyday consumption. It’s very high in calories, sodium, and fat. It also contains preservatives and lacks essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals.
The sodium content in Spam is very high, and if you consume beyond the limit, you are exceeding your recommended daily sodium intake. This is especially dangerous for people with high blood pressure.
Consuming it in moderation won’t cause any specific harm, but you should make eating Spam daily a habit.
Is Spam Vegan?
Spam isn’t vegan because it includes meat products like- ham, shredded chicken, and pork shoulder. To become vegan, any food has to be free from animal derivatives since the two primary ingredients in Spam are meat-based, so it’s not vegan friendly.
Try These Recipes With Spam
Want to try some delicious recipes with Spam? We have a couple of finger licking dishes for you. Here are the ingredients and cooking methods for your rescue.
1. Cheesy Spam Pastor Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam Classic (cut into small pieces)
- 1 can of crushed pineapple
- 2 tbsp Mexican blend seasoning
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup onion (minced)
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- Ten corn tortillas
- 6 ounces queso fresco cheese
- Two lime (wedges)
Method
Step one
Mix lime juice, pineapple juice, Mexico seasoning, sugar, and Spam Classic, and let it rest for ten minutes.
Step two
Put a skillet on medium heat and pour oil. Let the oil heat for about ten seconds, and pour the Spam marinade. Cook for five to six minutes until the meat gets dark brown.
Step three
Take another skillet and pour oil. Let the oil get hot in medium heat and add two to three tbsp cheese in a circular motion. Put the tortilla over the cheese and cook for thirty seconds. Turn over the tortilla and cook for a few more seconds.
Step four
Place the cooked Spam over each tortilla, add onions, cilantro, and lime wedges, and your delicious tacos are ready!
2. Spam Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam classic (cut into 4 slices)
- 2 tsp sriracha
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 onions (thin sliced)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 eggs
Method
Step 1
In a pan, take some oil and saute the onions till they get golden brown. Also, cook the eggs to your desired texture.
Step 2
Put a skillet on medium heat and cook the Spam pieces for about 5 minutes. Now place the cheddar cheese slices over each Spam piece. Take a small bowl, and mix mayonnaise and sriracha until both get perfectly blended.
Step 3
Split and lightly toast the burger buns. It’s time to assemble all the ingredients. First, spread the mayonnaise mixture on the buns, add the cheesy Spam pieces, and top with eggs and caramelized onions. Your Spam breakfast sandwich is ready!
Conclusion
Spam does not have any gluten in its ingredient list, and processed meat also comes with a gluten free label. But Spam is not made in a gluten free facility, so it’s better if celiacs don’t eat Spam canned meat.
FAQs
Is Spam Lite gluten free?
Yes, Spam Light has no gluten ingredients, so ideally, it’s gluten free. However, manufacturers don’t prepare it in a dedicated gluten free facility.
Are all canned meat gluten free?
No, all canned meat is not gluten free. Makers sometimes add gluten for flavor and texture, so don’t forget to check the ingredient label before buying any.
Is Spam dairy free?
Yes, Spam is dairy free since there is no milk or other dairy products in it.
What is Spam made of?
Spam is made of ham, pork meat, shredded chicken (in certain flavors), salt, sugar, water, modified potato starch, and a few other preservatives.
