Spam : A Global History

Author: Spring, Kelly A

History: specific events & topics

Published on 1 June 2025 by REAKTION BOOKS in the United Kingdom as part of 'The Edible Series' series.

Hardback | 152 pages, 57 illustrations, 34 in colour
197 x 120

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a conflict that solidified SPAM’s place in global food culture. Created by Hormel Foods in 1937 to utilize surplus pork shoulder during the Great Depression, SPAM became an essential resource during the Second World War, and helped shape perceptions of American culture. This book explores SPAM’s complex history, from its inception to its resurgence during the 2020–23 pandemic, highlighting its enduring legacy in places like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa and South Korea. It demonstrates how SPAM, a long-lasting and valuable protein, played a crucial role during wartime and continues to influence dietary practices worldwide.