SPAM is venturing beyond the can with the introduction of the SPAM Dog, a new grill-ready hot dog link designed to offer the product's signature salty-savory flavor in a familiar format. The product debuted at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago and is being positioned as a convenient option for stadiums, convenience stores, and restaurants.
This new offering aims to combine two American culinary traditions, placing the SPAM flavor into a hot dog bun. The SPAM Dog is made almost entirely from original SPAM, with the addition of safflower oil to improve its performance on the grill. Hormel, the maker of SPAM, suggests serving the SPAM Dog hot and crispy, straight from a roller grill, and notes it pairs well with both traditional toppings like ketchup and mustard, as well as more adventurous options such as kimchi or pineapple salsa.
The SPAM Dog is currently available at select locations including Rutters in the Northeast, CHS Field in Minnesota, and various ABC stores and 7-Eleven outlets in Hawaii. Hormel announced that more vendors will be adding the SPAM Dog throughout the summer. It is not yet available in retail grocery stores.
The introduction of the SPAM Dog follows a notable resurgence for the brand. Hormel has reported record sales in nine of the last 10 years, attributing this to cost-conscious consumers rediscovering the pantry staple. First introduced in 1937, SPAM became popular during the Great Depression due to its affordability and long shelf life. Today, SPAM products are distributed in 44 countries.
Initial reactions to the SPAM Dog have been largely positive on social media. Commenters have expressed enthusiasm for the nostalgic product's new form, with many noting their long-standing enjoyment of SPAM in various dishes, from sandwiches to stir-fries. The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, continues to honor the product's history, including its role as a staple for American troops during World War II.