Treet vs Spam: 8 Differences You Need to Know

When it comes to canned meat products, there are two that stand out above the rest: treet and spam.

But what differentiates these two products?

And which one is the better choice for you?

Both have been around for decades and have built up a loyal following of fans, and both are great options for a quick and easy meal, but some key differences set them apart.

To help you choose the next time you’re at the grocery store, here is a thorough comparison between treet and spam.

This blog post will take a comprehensive look at Treet and Spam to see the differences.

What is Treet?

Treet was introduced in 1937 by the Hormel Foods Corporation.

Treet is processed meat from pork shoulder meat, ham, and bacon.

The pork shoulder is cooked and ground up before combined with the ham and bacon.

The mixture is then canned and typically sold in 12-ounce cans. 

Treet has a mushy texture and a salty flavor. 

It is often used as a sandwich filling or ingredient in other dishes, such as casseroles.

For those searching for a quick and simple supper, it is typically high in protein and low in fat. 

Treet can be eaten straight from the can or cooked in various ways.

What is Spam?

Spam was introduced in 1937 by the Hormel Foods Corporation as well.

Spam is also a type of processed meat, but it is made from chopped pork shoulder meat and ham that has been pressed together.

The mixture is then canned and typically sold in 12-ounce cans. 

Spam has a firmer texture than treet and a sweeter flavor.

It can be used in the same way as treet, but it is also popularly fried spam and served as an entree. 

Like treet, spam is high in protein and low in fat.

However, spam has a higher sodium content than treet, so it is important to keep that in mind if you watch your salt intake.

Spam can also be eaten straight from the can or cooked in various ways. 

What are the differences between Treet and Spam?

Treet and Spam are two popular canned meat products that have been around for decades. 

While both are made from pork, there are some key differences between the two.

Let’s look closely at Treet and Spam to see what separates them.

1. Ingredients

The components list is one of the most significant elements in any food comparison.

Comparing the components of Treet and Spam, here they are:

Treet: Chicken, water, soy protein concentrate, salt, dextrose.

Spam: Pork with ham, salt, water, sugar, and sodium nitrite.

As you can see, both Treet and Spam contain meat as their main ingredient.

However, Treet contains chicken, while Spam contains pork with ham.

Additionally, Treet contains soy protein concentrate, while Spam contains sugar.

This ingredient difference gives each product a unique flavor that fans have come to know and love.

2. Taste test

When it comes to flavor, Treet and Spam offer different experiences. 

Treet has a milder taste with a softer texture, making it a great option for adding to casseroles or using in sandwiches.

Spam, on the other hand, has a more distinct taste with a firmer texture that holds up well when cooked or fried. 

Fans of Spam often enjoy it as is, sliced and served alongside eggs for breakfast or as part of a classic Spam musubi for lunch.

While both Treet and Spam may be canned meats, their flavor profiles are quite different from one another.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, which one you prefer in your meals.

3. Texture

Another important factor to consider in any food comparison is texture.

Food texture can impact everything from how it feels in your mouth to how easy it is to chew and swallow.

Let’s take a closer look at the texture of Treet and Spam:

Treet: Smooth with small chunks of chicken throughout.

Spam: Smoother than Treet with no chunks or chunks so small they’re barely noticeable. 

As you can see, both Treet and Spam have smooth textures.

However, Treet has small chunks of chicken throughout, while Spam does not have any chunks or has such small chunks that they’re barely noticeable.

This difference in texture gives each product a unique mouthfeel that fans have come to know and love. 

4. Color

In addition to flavor and texture, the color of a food can also impact its overall appeal.

Treet and Spam offer different experiences in this regard as well.

Treet has a light pink color similar to chicken, while Spam has a darker pink hue closer to traditional ham.

This color difference can influence how each product is used in dishes and how it presents on the plate.

5. Uses

While Treet and Spam can be used in various dishes, they each have their signature uses.

Treet is often used as a substitute for chicken in casseroles or added to sandwiches to boost protein.

It’s also popularly used in military MREs (meals ready to eat) due to its long shelf life and versatility.

On the other hand, Spam is often enjoyed as is or added to dishes like fried rice or sandwiches.

It’s also a popular option in Hawaiian cuisine, where it’s used in dishes like Spam musubi and loco moco.

Ultimately, the uses for Treet and Spam may overlap, but each product has its signature dishes and ways of being enjoyed.

6. Availability

Regarding availability, Treet and Spam can easily be found in most grocery stores. 

However, if you’re looking for a wider selection of flavors and varieties, Spam may have the edge.

Currently, 12 different varieties of Spam are available, including jalapeno, hickory smoked, and even a lower sodium option. Treet only offers two variations: original and spicy.

7. Nutrition

Regarding nutrition, Spam has a higher amount of calories and total fat.

One serving (3 slices) of Spam contains 180 calories and 16 grams of total fat, while one serving (2 slices) of Treet only has 60 calories and 1.5 grams of total fat.

Spam also has a higher amount of sodium, with 790 milligrams per serving, compared to Treet’s 380 milligrams.

Treet is a slightly healthier option with fewer calories, fat, and sodium.

However, both products should be consumed in moderation as a balanced diet.

8. Price

Finally, price is always an important factor in any food comparison.

Let’s take a look at the price of Treet and Spam side by side:

Treet: $2.69 per can 

Spam: $3.19 per can                        

As you can see, Treet is less expensive than Spam by 50 cents per can.

This price difference may not seem like much, but it can add up over time if you’re a regular consumer of canned meat products. 

Treet vs Spam: Are they the same?

Treet and Spam are both popular canned meat products that have been around for decades.

Both are made from pork, but there are some key differences between the two.

The most significant difference is in the ingredients; while both products contain pork shoulder, Treet does not contain ham like Spam.

This gives Treet a slightly different flavor than Spam.

Another difference is that Treet is cooked before it is canned, while Spam is canned raw and then cooked later.

This means that Treet has a softer texture than Spam.

Treet is often used as a substitute for chicken in dishes, while Spam is more commonly enjoyed on its own or added to fried rice and sandwiches.

Regarding nutrition, Treet has fewer calories, fat, and sodium per serving.

Regarding price, both products are typically available at a similar cost per can.

However, sales and coupons may make one product more affordable at certain times.

Ultimately, the decision between Treet and Spam comes down to personal preference regarding taste and desired uses for the product.