Best Spam flavors ranked: We taste-tested 8 to find the winner

From Korean BBQ to jalapeño, we sampled Spam's diverse offerings and share the results.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Express-News taste-tested every variety of Spam it could find in San Antonio area stores, ranking eight flavors from classic to innovative. The article also explores Spam's history and popularity in Hawaii, where it's a cultural staple, and features recipes using different Spam varieties.

Why it matters

Spam has long been a divisive food, but this article shows how the brand has evolved with new and creative flavors that are finding favor with a new generation of consumers. The story also highlights how Spam remains an integral part of Hawaiian cuisine and identity, providing insight into the product's enduring appeal.

The details

The article's author, Paul Stephen, conducted a blind taste test of eight Spam varieties, including classic, jalapeño, Korean BBQ, maple, and more. He ranked the flavors from least to most preferred, with the Korean BBQ variety coming out on top for its blend of sweet and savory notes reminiscent of Korean barbecue. The piece also explores Spam's history and popularity in Hawaii, where it's a cultural staple often used in dishes like Spam musubi. The author interviewed the franchise operator of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in San Antonio, who shared how Spam remains a top-seller at his restaurants.

  • The taste test was conducted this week.
  • The article was published on March 4, 2026.

The players

Paul Stephen

The author of the article and a food writer for the Express-News.

Doug Townsend

The franchise operator of three L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants in San Antonio and four others across Texas.

Hormel

The manufacturer of Spam and the company responsible for developing the brand's diverse flavor offerings.

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What they’re saying

“I think Spam is as synonymous to Hawaii as poi is. That's my belief. I think when people think of Hawaii, especially Polynesian people, they think of poi, taro root, and Spam.”

— Doug Townsend, Franchise operator, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Express-News)

“We bought some. We brought them into the restaurants. I fried them up. Oh, man, I was very impressed that the R&D group at Hormel (Spam's manufacturer) did a wonderful job with this.”

— Doug Townsend, Franchise operator, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Express-News)

What’s next

Townsend said he is considering adding a limited-time offer featuring a dish that blends the jalapeño Spam with a pineapple and mango salsa to the menu at his L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants.

The takeaway

Spam, once seen as a humble canned meat, has evolved into a diverse product line with innovative flavors that are finding favor with a new generation of consumers. The brand's enduring popularity in Hawaii, where it's considered a cultural staple, highlights Spam's ability to transcend its humble origins and become an integral part of regional cuisines and identities.