Table of Contents
Spam has been around for over 80 years now. In that time it’s become an American cult classic. The canned meat product was issued to US troops during World War 2.
There are reports of US troops in Vietnam eating expired Spam which was produced during WW2. From all reports, it didn’t taste good but Spam can definitely be edible beyond it’s best by date. I do not recommend eating 20 year old Spam!
It’s relatively cheap, has a long shelf life, and it’s filling. Maybe not the best tasting meat around but it has a place in some people’s emergency preps.
Expiration date of Spam (and Spam lite)
Spam has a best by date of about three years after it was produced. Since it has a best by date and not an expiration date the Spam may be good to eat beyond the date on the can.
After the best by date, the canned Spam may have lost some flavor or freshness. In ideal conditions the shelf life of spam can be extended beyond the best by date.
Is expired Spam safe to eat?
Since Spam does not have a definitive expiration date, there is no set time in which it will spoil.
You can usually safely eat expired Spam a few years beyond the best by date on the can. This is assuming the can has not been damaged and stored properly.
What are the risks of eating old Spam?
Spam, like any relatively wet food can develop botulism during long term storage. Spam which is beyond it’s best by date should be inspected carefully prior to eating.
If you eat Spam which has botulism or other contamination you may risk food poisoning. The botulism bacteria release a toxin which accumulates in any food they are present. Eating Spam or any food with botulism can be fatal.
Take extreme care when you consume Spam which is beyond it’s best by date.
Is Spam a good emergency food?
Spam can make an ok emergency food due to it’s decent shelf life. With up to three years based on the best by date, you have a while before your Spam starts to degrade. Spam can then last years beyond the date printed on the can if you need it to.
With that said, three year shelf life is pretty short compared to many dry foods. For this reason you will probably want to rotate your supply of Spam to not let it go to waste.
I personally have a small amount of Spam in my emergency food storage and rotate through it during the year. For information on the best canned food for survival check out our post.
Canned meat alternatives
Canned food like Spam, canned tuna, canned chicken, and other canned meats all have a similar shelf life. They all also are more prone to things like botulism. Additionally, canned foods are somewhat bulky and heavy due to their high moisture content making them more inconvenient to store long term.
If you absolutely want meat products in your emergency stores then freeze dried meats are going to be a better option. When stored properly using airtight containers and oxygen absorbers, freeze dried meat can have a shelf life of 20 years or more. Learn more about oxygen absorbers here.
How to store Spam
Storing Spam long term isn’t hard but you will want to adhere to the fundamentals of long term food storage.
Protect the Spam from:
High temperatures
Freezing
Moisture
Oxygen
Pests.
Due to the can packaging, Spam is already highly resistant to moisture, oxygen, and pest intrusion.
Keep those cans of spam in a cool and dry place and they should easily last until the best by date and probably longer.
Unopened Spam cans do not need to be refrigerated. If you have an opened Spam container the leftover Spam can be stored in the refrigerator but should be consumed in a few days ideally.
Do not freeze Spam in the can. To freeze it you should remove the Spam from the can and place it in another airtight container.
When is Spam unsafe to eat?
No matter how old the Spam, you should inspect it prior to eating. Even Spam which is not past the best by date could become compromised.
Look for:
Bulging cans
Leaking liquids
Dents or scrapes on the can
Rust
Pressure (or liquid) released when opening
Unusual appearance or smell to the meat
If you notice any of the above signs, there is a chance you have spoiled Spam.
FAQ
How long does opened Spam last in the fridge?
Opened spam can be stored in the fridge for three to five days
How long does Spam last in the can?
Until the best by date on the can which is typically about three years. If stored proper Spam can last years beyond the best by date.
How long does cooked Spam last in the fridge?
Cooked Spam can safely last three to five days in the fridge.
How long does Spam stay good?
Unopened Spam cans can last about three years or until their best by date. In many cases longer.
