There are endless debates about which food is better. Spam or meatloaf? Popsicles or ice cream? And, of course, the eternal question — Spam or Meatloaves?
Both foods have their own unique pros and cons. So, which is better? Let’s take a look at the ups and downs of each.
What is spam?
Spam is a canned meat product that was invented in the United States during the 1900s. The name “spam” is an acronym for “Salami, Pepperoni, Ham”.
Interestingly, the main ingredients in spam are pork and salt, but it’s often made out to be a vegetarian dish.
So, why is it often associated with Spam, which is not even a real type of meat? The reason is that it was originally developed for soldiers who could not bring their own food with them on military campaigns.
It was named “Spam” because it was supposed to be an easily packed, convenient, and tasty meat substitute for people who didn’t like meat.
What is meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a savory dish made primarily from ground beef, pork, or a combination of the two. It is often topped with a ketchup-based sauce.
Meatloaf can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and as a side dish for vegetables or potatoes, or for making a sandwich.
It can also be used as a sweet dessert, or as a snack.
The History of Spam and Meatloaf
Meatloaf has been around for centuries, whereas spam was invented in the 20th century. Although people have been cooking with various forms of meat for millennia, it was in the United States that the modern meatloaf and spam trends became popular. The first meatloaf recipe was created in the 1800s by American chef Thomas Jefferson.
Comparison of Spam and Meatloaf
Both foods have many similarities, but there are a few key differences that set them aside from each other. Let’s take a look at these:
Nutrition and Health Benefits: Both foods are high in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also low in calories.
Popularity: Meatloaf is more popular than spam, probably because it’s a more recognizable term. There are, however, a lot more people who like spam than meatloaf.
Ease of Prepareth: This one is a no-brainer. Meatloaf takes a lot more time to prepare than it takes to make spam.
Price: On average, meatloaf is more expensive than spam.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one you like better. If you’re looking for a higher amount of protein in your diet, then you might like meatloaf better. If you’re looking for a cheaper but still nutritious option, then go for spam.
Whichever you choose, don’t forget to use it as an opportunity to try something new and different.