Introduced by Hormel Foods in 1937, SPAM became a household staple during World War II, when rations were enforced, and regular food supplies were scarce. But the mystery surrounding SPAM extends beyond its canned appearance—what exactly is SPAM, and where did it come from?The name “SPAM” itself has sparked debate over the years. Some claim it stands for Specially Processed American Meat, while others argue it’s Shoulder of Pork and Ham. The most widely accepted explanation is that the name is a portmanteau for spiced ham, coined by Ken Daigneau, the brother of a Hormel executive, after winning a naming contest in 1937.Despite the mystery of its name, the ingredients of SPAM are straightforward.