First Look: SPAM Dog Early Taste Preview

Friends, this week has kept me hopping in the service of journalism. Over the past seven days, I dedicated two days to the National Restaurant Association Expo, three days to Sweets & Snacks Expo, and two days recuperating from navigating a combined 66 miles across both events on a freshly twisted ankle. The effort paid off when I became one of the first members of the press to sample Hormel’s fresh SPAM creation: the SPAM Dog. I hobbled into a private conference room at the center of Hormel’s expansive expo booth, where I received my own SPAM glizzy. Let’s determine whether SPAM deserves a life beyond the can.

Is this SPAM-based hot dog?

Let me be clear: this hot dog is entirely SPAM through and through. The only ingredient in this frank that doesn’t appear in the classic canned meat product is safflower oil. Apparently, that particular addition made a meaningful difference in how well the SPAM Dog performed on roller grills. Since Hormel is positioning the SPAM Dog primarily for the convenience-store market, that emphasis is a major priority.

SPAM Dog Review

Finally, SPAM Hot Dog!

Pros: My grilled test dog was prepared with a spicy pineapple salsa and the forthcoming King’s Hawaiian hot dog bun. (I had assumed King’s Hawaiian had been producing hot dog buns as long as they’ve produced hamburger buns, but apparently, these will debut on shelves this summer. Hormel surprised me with a two-for-one tasting!) The end result was indeed the first tropical hot dog I’ve ever tasted—and hopefully not the last. If I ever encounter this same ingredient pairing at a ballpark, I’d gladly pay concession-stand prices to enjoy it again.

Before you jump into the comments, I did take a bite of SPAM Dog without the luxury toppings as well. I’m a fan of SPAM, so I enjoyed that classic flavor in this newly configured SPAM form factor. As a devoted SPAM musubi enthusiast, I can’t wait to see all the different ways this dog’s presentation will evolve once it lands in restaurant kitchens nationwide.

Cons: I don’t anticipate this converting die-hard SPAM detractors, but I don’t think it’s aiming to. SPAM already has a devoted following and doesn’t need a total reinvention. You’ll appreciate the SPAM Dog to the same extent you enjoy SPAM in any other form.

Rating:

9/10

Where can I try a SPAM Dog for myself?

Regrettably, SPAM enthusiasts nationwide won’t find this item in the hot dog aisle at grocery stores in the near term. As noted earlier, I sampled it at a restaurant-industry gathering; Hormel is releasing the SPAM Dog exclusively to foodservice buyers for the time being. The representatives I spoke with mentioned that a retail launch could be feasible later, but it isn’t on their immediate agenda.

As for where it will be available, Hormel indicated that the SPAM Dog will begin rolling out this summer at Rutters, the northeastern convenience chain; CHS Field in St. Paul, Minnesota; LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, Michigan; select ABC and 7-Eleven stores in Hawaii; and other selected convenience outlets. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll see the SPAM Dog land at Sheetz soon. Those bold operators will have no trouble crafting standout menu items with this new protein-tube base.