SPAM Fans Divided Over New Hot Honey Flavor Launch

Hormel Foods has unveiled SPAM Hot Honey, the brand's first permanent new flavor in two years, tapping into the growing popularity of sweet and spicy combinations. The company stated that the new flavor offers a balance of sweetness and heat, aiming to bring "fresh excitement" to the nearly 90-year-old brand.

SPAM Hot Honey is now available at select grocery retailers nationwide, joining more than 10 other flavors in the product line. To commemorate the launch, Hormel partnered with New York City’s Win Son Bakery for limited-time menu items, including a breakfast sandwich and a Taiwanese sticky rice roll, available through September 20 at their Brooklyn and Manhattan locations.

Customer reactions to the new flavor have been varied. Some expressed enthusiasm, with one Facebook user stating, "I’d give it a shot," and another adding, "I try every new SPAM that comes out." However, others were less receptive. "I’m still a fan of just the original flavor," one SPAM purist commented, adding, "Sweet and Spicy may taste good fried, but I will have to pass." Another user on Facebook declared, "Absolutely NOT in any flavor!" while a Reddit user noted, "So tired of this hot honey trend everywhere."

The introduction of SPAM Hot Honey aligns with a broader trend of "swicy" (sweet and spicy) flavors appearing in the food industry. In recent years, various chains and brands have introduced hot honey-infused items, from menu offerings to snacks like potato chips and bacon.

Hormel first introduced SPAM in 1937. The product gained significant traction during World War II, with over 100 million pounds distributed to Allied troops. To date, more than 9 billion cans of SPAM have been sold globally, with notable popularity in Hawaii and various parts of Asia.