Hot Dogs have traditionally been called the worst Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) offenders. Now – some would say – the concept has gone even farther off the healthy path. The maker of SPAM has launched a frankfurter based on its flagship product…
‘Just in time for Summer’, the hot dog ads and recipe posts love to blare.
But one stands out above all the rest. Not for its virtuosity, but for daring to boldly go where no wienie has gone before…
Ultimate… something…
Like ‘gilding the lily’, or improving on perfection, the SPAM hot dog is either the ultimate dietary indulgence, or the ultimate gut-bomb abomination. One food writer joked that Hormel has truly broken out of its traditional mold, “thinking outside the can”…
The SPAM Dog literally transforms its spiced ham namesake into a convent-ional-looking dog which the company says can fulfil all the missions of a traditional frank.
The flavour’s the thing
The real attraction of the SPAM Dog will be its flavour – and how it melds with traditional Hot Dog toppings and condiments. And here is where I start to see cracks in the otherwise-genius product’s armour.
According to the US National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, the favourite Hot Dog enhancements have always been: Mustard, Ketchup and Onions, each scoring more than 60 percent in the Council’s latest preference poll. Well behind come Relish (41 percent), Chili (30 percent) and Cheese (29 percent).
My immediate reaction was that I’d never put Mustard or Ketchup in SPAM. Though I’ve heard that many folks do so all the time, especially when slicing the stuff into quick sandwiches. The flavours just don’t play well together, in my estimation.
Traditional Sweet Pickle Relish might be a nice complement to SPAM’s salty-savoury nature. But I have rouble trying to form a mental impression of what it might taste like.
Ironically, my two fave Hot Dog toppings are Chili and Cheese. And I do feel those classic toppers would bless a SPAM Dog properly. Go figure.
Mixed social media reactions…
“Absolutely, bring it on!” wrote one fan. “I’ve eaten every SPAM there is.”
“I grew up eating SPAM and like it. I would definitely try the Spam Dogs,” commented another. Adding they still regret missing the chance to try the limited-edition Spam McMuffin in Hawaii.
Yet another fan summed it up in three little words: “Dreams come true.”
On the other hand…
“I’m not a Spam fan, but this doesn’t look too bad,” one commenter allowed. “I’d try it…”
“Sounds a bit ‘yucky’ to me,” another admitted, adding they’d stick with conventional franks.
My take
I will admit to a prurient curiosity about the SPAM Dog. I will try it – once. And I will eat it again if I like it. But I’m still waving the yellow caution flag about how well the product will buddy-up with conventional Hot Dog toppings. And I will have to reserve my final decision on the SPAM Dog until I see it’s retail price.
I note that Hormel is releasing the SD cautiously, first at selected stadiums, ballparks and conven-ience stores. Could it be that the company has its own doubts about whether the SPAM Dog – a genius product on paper – will hit a home run with fans?
~ Maggie J.