Let’s get a better understanding of canned meat by pitting luncheon meat vs spam. Both these options are quite popular and have a lot in common.
So, is there any difference between the two or is it just about the packaging?
Let’s find out!
Luncheon Meat vs Spam – Differences And Similarities
Differences Between Luncheon Meat And Spam
Here’s the thing – spam is luncheon meat. However, not all luncheon meat is spam!
Simply put, spam is a type of luncheon meat. Spam refers to canned pork. It’s relatively low cost meat and enjoyed in several parts of the world.
On the other hand, luncheon meat can include a variety of meat, including pork. Other commonly used meats include corned beef, pastrami, and more. As such, luncheon meat forms a canopy that includes several types of meat.
In most cases, luncheon meat tends to use more expensive cuts of meat, at least as compared to those used in spam. As such, luncheon meat tends to be the more expensive option between these two types
Another notable factor is that luncheon meat is a general category of pre-cooked meat. Spam represents a product from a specific brand.
While the classic spam with pork is the most popular, it includes other options as well, like “less sodium”, “oven roasted turkey”, and a few others.
What Is Spam?
Spam, as we know, is a brand of canned meat that’s made from pork. The brand originated in the Philippines and has gained a lot of fame and popularity throughout the world.
The term spam is short for “spiced ham”. That’s basically the explanation of the ingredients of this meat.
The ingredients are pork shoulder meat and ham. A lot of people say that spam is made using “useless bits” of meat. However, the company insists that they only use the best, hand-cut bits to make their product.
The meat is ground and then mixed with a few ingredients like water, sugar, nitrites, and some additives, stabilizers, and preservatives.
Spam was originally available in a dark variety, though now there’s several options, including a light variety, low sodium and low fat options, and different types of meat.
What Is Luncheon Meat?
Luncheon meat represents a variety of pre-cooked and cured meats. The meat is usually cut into slices and ready to be served. You could put a slice of luncheon meat straight on your sandwich and enjoy the food.
The meat is known by several names. These include cold cuts, lunch meats, cooked meats, sliced meats, deli meats, and more. The meat is usually available in vacuum packs, though canned varieties are available too.
Spam is a type of luncheon meat. However, luncheon meat can include several varieties beyond spam.
Conclusion
As we see in this analysis, there are a lot of similarities and some differences between luncheon meat and spam.
Essentially, spam is a type of luncheon meat. The latter is a broader term for several varieties and brands of meat, and spam is just one of them.