How to Freeze Spam the Right Way (step by step)

Most people think of spam as processed meat that comes in a can, but did you know that you can also freeze spam? Freezing spam is a great way to store it for long periods. This blog post will show you how to freeze spam the right way. We will also give you tips on using frozen spam in recipes. Let's get started!

So, can you freeze spam?

The answer is yes! Freezing is a great option to store spam for a long time. In fact, frozen spam can last for up to six months in the freezer. Getting spam to freeze effectively requires tightly wrapping it in plastic, followed by double wrapping with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent spam from drying out, and freezer burn.

Jump to:

• What is spam, anyway?
• Can you freeze spam?
• How long does spam last in the freezer?
• How to thaw spam?
• Can spam be eaten raw?
• How long is spam good for?
• Does spam go bad?
• How to tell if spam has gone bad

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What is spam, anyway?

You probably know that you can find spam in the canned meat section of your local grocery store. But what exactly is spam? Spam is a type of processed meat that comes in a can. It is made from pork and ham. Spam was first introduced to the public in 1937 by the Hormel Foods Corporation. Since then, it has gained popularity around the world.

SPAM is the abbreviation of Spiced and Ham (taking the "Sp-" from Spiced and the "-am" from Ham). Spam adopted a rectangular shape during World War II to save on shipping space.

In most cases, spam is viewed as being made from "mystery meat." However, this is not the case. It is made from high-quality pork and ham. Specifically, the pork and ham in spam are only sourced from American-raised pigs.

The main ingredients in spam are pork, ham, salt, water, sugar, and sodium nitrite. The product also contains artificial ingredients, such as maltodextrin and autolyzed yeast extract, which give spam its taste and texture, and long shelf life.

Spam gets its pink color from sodium nitrite, a preservative that helps prevent food poisoning. The same preservative is also used to preserve bacon and ham.

Often, people eat spam as a sandwich filling or an ingredient in recipes. If you enjoy eating spam, you will be happy to know that it is relatively easy to find in most stores. You can usually find spam in the canned meat aisle. Spam is also available in many different flavors to find the perfect one for your taste.

Fun fact about Spam:

Did you know that spam is the official state food of Hawaii? In 2001, the state legislature of Hawaii passed a bill that made spam the official state food. This is a result of how prevalent spam is there. In fact, Hawaii residents consume more spam per person than any other state in the United States.

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Can you freeze spam?

Yes, spam does well when frozen. If you freeze spam, you can expect it to last up to six months in your freezer. This is much longer than the shelf life of opened spam, which is only three to five days. With this method, you can preserve spam for a long time, and it's better than refrigeration. 

In addition to freezing spam, this method can prevent it from going bad by eliminating the bacteria that cause spoilage. The bacteria will naturally reactivate as soon as you unfreeze it, which means that you should consume defrosted spam within three to five days. 

Now that you better understand what spam is and how it is made let's find out how to freeze spam!

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Tips for freezing spam:

• Wrap the spam tightly in plastic and double wrap with aluminum foil for extra protection. This way will help to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped spam with the date when you froze it. This will help you track how long it has been in the freezer.
• Place the spam in the freezer on a flat surface; this will help keep it from becoming misshapen.
• Use only fresh spam for freezing. If the spam is old, it may not taste as good once frozen.

Step-by-step instructions

Freezing leftover spam is one way to extend its shelf life and its flavor. This way, you can enjoy spam even if it's not on sale.

Step 1

Cut the spam into slices or cubes, depending on how you plan to use it. Doing this will make it easier to defrost later on. Aside from that, it will also help you portion out the spam so you can use it in different recipes.

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Step 2

Place the spam slices or cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let the spam freeze for about two hours or until it's solid. During this process, you will completely freeze the spam before being placed in an airtight container.

Flash freezing will help to prevent them from sticking together. The ease of separating frozen spam will also come in handy when you're ready to use it in a recipe.

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Step 3

Once the spam is frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
But before you do that, wrap each piece of spam individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Enclosing it in plastic wrap or foil will help keep it from drying out in the freezer.

Placing it in an airtight container will help the spam keep its flavor and prevent freezer burn. Squeeze any excess air out of a freezer bag before sealing it.

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Step 4

Make sure to label the container or bag with the date so you can track how long it has been in the freezer. By doing this, you will avoid keeping spam in the freezer for too long.

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Step 5

Put the container or bag of spam in the freezer and allow it to freeze. You can extend its shelf life even further if you store it in a deep freezer. You can store spam in the freezer for up to six months. After that, the quality of the spam will start to decline. So it's best to use it within that timeframe.

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Step 6

When ready to use the frozen spam, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Once it's melted, you can use it in any recipe. Just keep in mind that defrosted spam only lasts for three to five days, so be sure to use it up within that time frame.

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How long does spam last in the freezer?

Storing opened spam in the fridge will only give it a shelf life of 3-5 days, but freezing spam can make it last for up to 6 months. Yes, that's right, freezing spam can prolong its shelf life. This is because freezing deactivates the bacteria that cause spoilage, thus preventing it from going bad.

Of course, once you thaw the spam, the bacteria will become active again, so you must eat defrosted spam (inside the fridge) within three to five days. Otherwise, it will spoil and become unsafe to eat.

However, it's important to note that the spam quality will start to deteriorate after six months, so it is advisable to consume it within that timeframe.

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How to thaw spam?

There are three easy ways to thaw spam: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or microwave. Never unfreeze spam at room temperature; this can cause bacteria to grow fast and make spam unsafe to eat. <source>

Thawing spam in the refrigerator:

The best way to thaw spam is in the refrigerator. Planning is key because it can take up to 24 hours to defrost a block of spam thoroughly, but it all depends on how big the block is. If you cut or slice them before freezing, the thawing time will be shorter. Besides, it's easier to portion out the spam when it's frozen. This method is safe and will help to keep spam fresh.

Follow these steps 

Step 1

Remove the spam from the freezer and place it in a bowl or a plate to catch any drips. Doing this will help prevent spam from contaminating other food in your refrigerator.

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Step 2

Allow the spam to thaw for 24 hours or until it's completely defrosted. Bear in mind that the larger the piece of spam, the longer it will take to thaw. Sliced spam will soften much faster than a whole block of spam.

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Step 4

Once it's thawed, you can use it in any recipe you like. Keep in mind that defrosted spam inside the fridge could only last for 3 to 5 days, so use it up within that time frame.

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Thawing spam in cold water.

If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw spam in cold tap water. This method is faster than thawing in the fridge but requires

However, spam needs to be cooked immediately after thawing. That's because bacteria can start to grow on food kept at a temperature between 40°F and 140°F for more than 2 hours.

How to do it:

Step 1

To thaw spam in cold tap water:

1. Pack it in a leak-proof bag.
2. Make sure the bag is sealed tight to prevent water from getting in.
3. Submerge the plastic bag in cold water, ensuring the spam is completely covered.

Tip: Stabilize the bag by putting a weight on top.

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Step 2

Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method will take about 2 hours to thaw a block of spam.

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Step 3

Once it's thawed, remove the spam from the water and cook it immediately.

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Thawing spam in the microwave.

You can also thaw spam in the microwave. You should use it only if you intend to cook the spam right away. That's because microwaves can start to cook food in some areas of the food as they defrost it. Holding partially cooked food is not safe, which can cause bacteria to grow.

Step 1

Place the spam on a microwave-safe plate and defrost it on the "defrost" setting for 5 to 7 minutes per pound. Adjust the timeline depending on the amount of spam you're unfreezing. Flipping it over halfway through will help to ensure even thawing.

However, there's a drawback to thawing spam in the microwave. This method can cause the spam to cook, so it's essential to be careful. If the spam starts to boil, it will become dry and tough.

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Step 2

After thawing the spam in the microwave, cook it immediately. If you're not going to cook it right away, transfer the spam to a container and store it in the fridge. Do not refreeze it after thawing.

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How to use frozen spam

You can use frozen spam in many different ways. It can be thawed and used as a sandwich filling, or you can add it to recipes.

Here are some ideas for using frozen spam:

• Add it to your favorite recipe for a flavor boost
• Thaw it and fry it up for a quick and easy meal
• Use it as a pizza topping
• Add it to soups or stews for extra flavor
• Other SPAM inspiration/creations

The next time you see spam on sale, stock up and freeze some for later. With these tips, you'll be able to freeze it!

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Can you freeze spam in the can?

You can freeze spam in its own can, but it's not recommended. Why is that? When spam freezes, the water inside expands and can cause the can to burst. Attempting this can be a huge mess, and the risk isn't worth it. Aside from that, the can is not an ideal container for freezing food because it doesn't allow air to circulate.

The best way to freeze spam is to remove it from the can and place it in a freezer-safe container. Doing so will help keep your freezer clean and messes to a minimum. If you must freeze spam in the can, put it in a leak-proof bag first in case the can bursts. When ready to use the spam, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and add it to your favorite recipe.

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How to take the spam out of the can?

Sometimes, I find it hard to pull the meat chunk out of the tin after opening it because the meat fats have congealed on the surface and stick on the side of the container, which is quite hard to get a good grip on. 

Do you have this problem? If so, here's a tip that might help.

I find the easiest way to do this is to place it under hot running water for a minute or two. Or you can follow the steps below:

Step 1

Bring water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a decent bowl and let the canned spam lay on one side.

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Step 2

Slowly pour the boiling water onto one side. Don't rush to flip it over yet; just let the boiling water do the work and loosen up the meat from the side of the can.

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Step 3

Wait for 5 to 7 seconds, gently grab it, and quickly turn the can around while keeping the boiling water running on the other side. Be careful not to splash yourself with hot water.

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Step 4

Wipe it dry and remove the lid. Grab the tin can with both hands and try to bend it a little bit on the sides.

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Step 5

Using your other hand, strike the bottom of the can with minor impacts. Shake downward, and the meat should slide out easily in one piece.

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Another option:

Some people find that using a knife to score around the edge of the spam meat loosens it up. Then, do some tapping on the spam tin's bottom. After a bit of shaking, the spam should pop out.

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Can spam be eaten raw?

Technically, spam can be eaten raw according to USDA. The concept of "raw" spam might gross some people out, but it is perfectly safe to eat. Spam's flavor is very intense, so some people like to eat it raw. Canning involves high temperatures, killing any bacteria that might be present. So, when you open a can of spam, it is safe to eat it without cooking it.

On the other hand, some people may prefer to cook their spam before eating it. The reason is that cooked spam has a softer texture and a milder taste. If you're unsure whether raw or cooked spam is best for you, try both and decide which you like best.

Spam is a type of precooked meat, meaning it is safe to eat right out of the can. Its texture is similar to that of canned tuna and has a salty flavor. The canned variety of spam cannot be considered "raw spam."

Spam is a great option when you're feeling lazy or don't have time to cook a meal because it requires no preparation. Simply open the can and enjoy!

On the other hand, you can make a lot of dishes with spam. It can be baked, fried, or even added to soups and stews. Get creative and see what you can come up with! The possibilities with spam are endless. Find the recipe ideas here.

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How long is spam good for?

This is pretty obvious. Spam is canned and does not require refrigeration. However, cooked spam only stays fresh for three to four days in the fridge. So if you're not planning on eating it right away, it's best to freeze it.

Spam is a versatile food that you can eat in many different ways. Whether you like it raw or cooked, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this canned meat. And thanks to its long shelf life, you can always have a can on hand when the craving strikes!

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Spam (canned meat)	Shelf life
in the fridge	3 to 5 days
in the freezer	6 months (for best quality)
unopened spam	2 years after best by date
"raw" spam	3 to 5 days (in the fridge)
cooked spam	3 to 5 days (in the fridge)
freezing cooked spam	2 to 3 months (in the freezer)

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In the fridge: 

Cooked spam will last for 3-5 days in the fridge.

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In the freezer:

You can store cooked spam in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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After opening:

If the can of spam is unopened, it will last for 2 years in the pantry. Once opened, you should consume it within 3-5 days.

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Out of the can:

You can store raw spam in the fridge for 3-5 days.

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Cooked spam:

You can keep cooked spam in the fridge for 3-5 days.

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Freezing cooked spam:

It is safe to freeze cooked spam for up to 2-3 months.

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After expiration date:

If the can of spam is unopened, it can be consumed 2 years after the expiration date. However, you should eat it once opened within 3-5 days.

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After best of date:

The "best of" date on canned goods is the manufacturer's suggestion for when the product is at its peak quality. After this date, the quality of the product will start to decline. However, canned goods are still safe to eat after the best date has passed.

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Does spam go bad?

Thanks to the canning process, spam has an incredibly long shelf life. In most cases, unopened spam will last two years after the expiration date, depending on how it is stored. However, once opened, it should be eaten within 3-5 days if stored in the fridge.

While spam doesn't technically go "bad," it will start to deteriorate in quality after the best before date has passed. This means that it might not taste as good as when it was first canned. However, it is still safe to eat.

You should always throw out spam if you aren't sure whether it's still edible.

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How to tell if spam has gone bad

It is possible to spot spam that has gone bad in many ways. It's always better to take the precaution to throw out meat if you are unsure whether it is safe to eat.

• The color of the meat has changed.
• Spam that has gone bad will usually have a grey or greenish tinge.
• There is a noticeable difference in the texture of the spam.
• Bad spam will often be mushy or have a weird consistency.
• There is mold growing on the meat.
• If you see any mold growing on the surface, it's best to throw it out.
• There is a bad smell coming from it.
• If the spam smells sour, fishy, or otherwise off, it's best to discard it.

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Bottom line:

Canned spam can last up to two years if stored properly. However, the flavor and quality of the meat will start to decline after a year. If you want to extend the shelf life of canned spam, you can freeze it. Frozen spam can last for up to six months.

When it comes to cooked spam, it will last three to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep cooked spam for longer, you can freeze it, which will last up to two months.

No matter how you store spam, be sure to label it with the date so that you can keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer. This will help you ensure that you are using the spam while it is still at its best.