We Got An Early Taste Of The SPAM Dog

Folks, I have had a busy week in the service of journalism. In the last seven days, I’ve spent two days at the National Restaurant Association Expo, three days at Sweets & Snacks Expo, and two days recovering from walking a combined 66 miles across the two events on a freshly twisted ankle. That perseverance paid off when I became one of the first members of the media to try the new SPAM Dog. I limped my way into a private conference room at the heart of Hormel’s expansive expo booth, where I was presented with my very own SPAM glizzy. Let’s find out whether SPAM was worth launching outside the can.

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So this is a SPAM-flavored hot dog?

Y’all, this hot dog is 100% SPAM. The only ingredient featured in this hot dog that isn’t found in the classic canned meat product is safflower oil. Evidently, that particular ingredient made a huge difference in how well this new SPAM Dog performed on roller grills. Since Hormel is launching the SPAM Dog almost exclusively in the convenience store market, that’s a big priority.

SPAM Dog Review

Finally, SPAM Hot Dog!

Pros: My grilled test dog was assembled with a swicy pineapple salsa and the upcoming King’s Hawaiian hot dog bun. (I assumed King’s Hawaiian had been making hot dog buns as long as they’ve made hamburger buns, but apparently, these will be debuting on shelves this summer. Hormel surprised me with a two-for-one taste test!) The end result was definitely the first tropical hot dog I’ve ever eaten–and hopefully not the last. If I ever see this same combination of ingredients at a ballpark, I’d happily pay concession stand prices to have it again.

Before you jump me in the comments, I did take a bite of SPAM Dog sans the luxury accoutrements as well. I dig SPAM, so I had a great time with that classic taste in this new-to-SPAM form factor. As a diehard SPAM musubi enjoyer, I cannot wait to see all the different ways this dog gets dressed up once it hits restaurant kitchens nationwide.

Cons: I don’t expect this to convert any SPAM haters, but I don’t think it’s trying to. SPAM has enough of a cult following that it doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. You’ll like the SPAM Dog exactly as much as you like SPAM in any other context.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Hormel

Rating:

9/10

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Where can I try a SPAM Dog for myself?

Unfortunately, SPAMheads across the country won’t be able to find this in the hot dog section of the grocery store anytime soon. As mentioned earlier, I tried this at a restaurant industry event; Hormel is launching the SPAM Dog exclusively to foodservice buyers at this time. The representatives I spoke to said a retail launch was plausible but not on their immediate radar.

As for where it will be available, Hormel shared that the SPAM Dog is rolling out this summer at the northeastern convenience chain Rutters, CHS Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, Michigan, select ABC and 7-Eleven stores in Hawaii, and other select convenience stores. I have my fingers crossed that we’ll see the SPAM Dog hit Sheetz in the near future. Those madmen will have no trouble concocting amazing menu items with this new protein-tube base.