Spam vs Luncheon Meat: What’s The Difference?

When you’re craving a juicy, meaty sandwich, it can be difficult to know what’s good for you and what’s not. For example, the leaner, vegan-friendly versions of luncheon meat have grown increasingly prevalent, which makes it even more important to know the difference between the good and the not-so-good versions.

Luncheon meat is a general term for a number of processed meats. These include corned beef, pastrami, salami and so on. Luncheon meat is typically made from processed beef and pork. Luncheon meat is also known as corned beef or pastrami.

What is Spam?

Spam, which is short for “Spiced Ham,” is a canned, preserved pork product that is originally from the Philippines. The low-cost canned meat is typically eaten as a protein source in lunches and dinners throughout the world.

There are a number of different brands of Spam, with each manufacturer using a slightly different recipe and flavoring. Commonly, Spam is sold in a light and dark variety, with dark being the original. The most common type of Spam is the “jerky-style” Spam, which is a bit drier and less greasy than the original type.

What is luncheon meat?

Luncheon meat generally refers to slightly salted, cured meats that are more expensive than Spam and are often served on special occasions. These include items such as ham, bologna, pastrami, salami and so on. Luncheon meats are typically made from processed beef and pork.

Differences between Spam and luncheon meat

The main difference between Spam and luncheon meat is in the type of meat used and the price. Luncheon meat typically uses higher quality, more expensive cuts of meat, while Spam is made primarily from pork and is generally less expensive. In other words, while luncheon meat can be considered “deli meat,” Spam is more like “ham.”

Why choose Spam over luncheon meat?

The main reason to choose luncheon meat is the price. Luncheon meats can be quite inexpensive, with a it sometimes costing just around 3.00/pound.

With the nutrient content being roughly the same, its a matter of taste and budget.

Bottom line

While luncheon meat is often high quality and lean, Spam is an all-time favorite for a reason: It’s cheap, convenient and delicious. To satisfy your sandwich cravings, turn to Spam — it’s the perfect lunchmeat for low-cost, high-protein sandwiches.