The History of SPAM: What’s in It and Where It Comes From

SPAM, the canned pork product produced by Hormel Foods, has become one of the most recognizable and enduring food items in the world.

For many, SPAM conjures images of nostalgic family meals, military rations, or quirky culinary creations. Introduced in 1937, SPAM emerged during a period of economic difficulty in the United States.

Just after the Great Depression, and its prominence grew significantly during World War II. Over nearly a century, SPAM has evolved from a practical source of protein into a cultural phenomenon with global significance, reflecting broader social, economic, and culinary trends.