If you're trying to keep a selection of long-life food around, it's likely Spam will be on your list. It's a highly versatile tinned meat that is high in protein and has an exceptionally long shelf life. In times of emergency, having a can of Spam on hand can help you create a safe and healthy meal to keep you going.
But in spite of its long-life nature, many of us feel concerned about eating meat from so many years ago. There can be worries about whether older cans of Spam are still safe for human consumption. Luckily, there are steps to be taken to ensure the longevity of canned Spam - plus, some warning signs to look out for to avoid any potential danger.
What does Spam contain?
Spam is a pork-based meat product preserved in a can. Salt, water, sugar, and potato starch act as a seasoning for the meat, while sodium nitrate acts as a preservative. Sodium nitrate prevents bacteria growth, plus stops the fats in the meat from oxidizing. This means that even after a long time, your can of Spam should look and taste as it did on the day of purchase.
Does Spam have a use-by date?
Rather than having a use-by date, all cans of Spam have a best before date on their bottoms. This doesn't mean Spam isn't safe to consume after this date, but it is worth taking note of. The best before date can act as a guideline: if you're looking to eat Spam after its best before date, it's important to do some thorough checks beforehand to ensure the product is safe.
Warning signs
If your can of Spam is exhibiting bulges, rust, or dents, this is a sign the contents may have been contaminated and your product is no longer safe to eat. You should also look closely at your Spam for any unusual colors or smells. If you're ever in any doubt about the safety of your Spam, it's better to throw it away rather than risk food poisoning.
How long does Spam last?
All cans of Spam are designed to last between two and five years. After its best before date, Spam won't necessarily be dangerous to consume, but it may not taste or look as perfect as it once did. Once you have opened a can of Spam, it can last in your refrigerator for up to five days, according to
Spam manufacturer Hormel. If you're out of electricity and cannot keep your Spam cooled, you should consume it as soon as it's opened.
How to store Spam
If you want to extend the shelf life of your Spam, you should keep it in a cool, dry, dark place. Heat and direct sunlight can have negative effects on the contents of cans. Once opened, spam should be removed from its can and stored in an airtight container within your fridge.
