In a world where the cost of living is ever-rising and the nostalgia for simpler times grows stronger, it's no surprise that many are turning back the clock to embrace the frugal food habits of yesteryear.

However, a recent feature in Coles magazine has sparked a mix of outrage, humour, and a touch of sadness among shoppers, as the promotion of a retro pantry staple has led to an unexpected comparison to 'dog food'.

The full-page recipe in question showcases a Hot and Spicy SPAM dish, which has been met with raised eyebrows and a few chuckles.

The ad, which called SPAM the 'hero ingredient', has inadvertently highlighted a surprising reality for many Aussies trying to stretch their weekly food budget further.

Shoppers called out Coles magazine’s Hot and Spicy SPAM dish for being compared to ‘dog food’. Credit: Coles

The recipe suggested mashing the $5.40 can of SPAM with a fork to create a mince-like consistency, then combining it with rice noodles and aromatics, topped with thin slices of fried SPAM.

While some shoppers have expressed their disbelief, likening the canned meat to pet food, others have defended the product as a versatile and budget-friendly option.

The editorial team of Kidspot weighed in on the matter, with mixed reactions ranging from the appreciation of SPAM's potential in tasty recipes to outright rejection in favour of other pantry items.

‘Well, for starters, it actually looks surprisingly delicious. And no shade to anybody trying to feed their families for less. In saying that, is it also a sign of the times? I think definitely, yes,’ Kidspot team member Em said.

‘SPAM is always looked down on, but in the right recipe and with the right seasonings, it can make a great meal for the family,’ Kidspot’s Kitchen Editor Liz said.

‘I feel like stocking up on SPAM is zombie apocalypse level—there are many other items I will fill my pantry with first (like instant noodles and ALDI tuna) before resorting to this American way of life. It’s giving dog food vibes,’ Kidspot team member Carly shared.

The resurgence of SPAM is not an isolated trend.

Corned beef, also known as silverside, has seen a dramatic increase in demand, with IGA reporting a 31 per cent jump in annual sales.

Priced at about $8 per kilo, corned beef has become one of IGA’s top-selling beef products.

Estella Young, IGA’s Executive General Manager, attributed this to the product's value and the nostalgia it evokes, especially during the colder months when comfort food is most sought after.

‘We know that there’s a lot of Aussie families that are doing it tough and really working hard to make ends meet,’ she said.

‘When you’re able to get a great value protein and make meals, recipes that potentially don’t just make dinner for that evening [but] lunch the next day as well…that’s a great way to stretch your budget. No matter which way you cut it, it’s really good value.’

With the cost of fresh meat and produce on the rise, budget-conscious consumers are looking for ways to make their dollars stretch further without compromising on nutrition or taste.

IGA has responded to the growing demand by reducing the price of corned beef from $12.50 to $8 per kilo, a move mirrored by Coles and Woolworths, where corned beef is also priced at $8 per kilo.

The canned version of corned beef costs $3.50 for a 340g can at both supermarket chains.

Online searches for corned beef recipes have surged, with a 67 per cent increase on delicious.com.au last year, and the trend continues to gain momentum this year.

Key Takeaways

• Shoppers have noticed a full-page ad in the Coles magazine promoting Hot and Spicy SPAM, highlighting a return to pantry staples like corned beef and processed meats.
• The ad features a recipe for Spicy SPAM Noodles and suggests adding SPAM to various meals, signifying SPAM as a hero ingredient and an affordable option in cost-conscious times.
• IGA has reported a 31 per cent increase in corned beef sales, noting that nostalgia and the search for good value are likely contributing to the resurgence of this retro product.
• Corned beef has been reduced in price at IGA and is comparably priced at Coles and Woolworths, reflecting consumer demand for cheaper meat alternatives amid challenging economic conditions.

Have you found innovative ways to incorporate them into your meals? Do you fondly remember dishes made by loved ones featuring these ingredients? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Lizzylou]

I have eaten spam for most of my life, my mother would buy it along with the corned beef also in a can, we would have it for meals, sandwiches or I would sneak a couple of slices for a snack. There is nothing wrong with spam although not keen on the hot spam or the bacon one but the original spam is great.

 

[NotNats]

I have eaten spam for most of my life, my mother would buy it along with the corned beef also in a can, we would have it for meals, sandwiches or I would sneak a couple of slices for a snack. There is nothing wrong with spam although not keen on the hot spam or the bacon one but the original spam is great.

I'm with you on this - grew up on SPAM & Corned Beef. There is nothing wrong with it. We have just gotten spoilt from being able to afford the best cuts of meat.

 

[LeahI]

I have eaten spam for most of my life, my mother would buy it along with the corned beef also in a can, we would have it for meals, sandwiches or I would sneak a couple of slices for a snack. There is nothing wrong with spam although not keen on the hot spam or the bacon one but the original spam is great.

And ham in a can

 

[mylittletibbies]

There's nothing wrong with corned beef.
Prefer it to the tough steak that I seem to get everywhere these days.
I even tried a local butcher.
All I got was a higher cost and no improvement in the steak
And, yes, I do know how to cook it.

 

[Clancieblue]

Great camping recipe.

 

[DLHM]

“SPAM” was first introduced to consumers in 1937. Still selling today, so what does that say?

 

[julieapol]

I have always mashed potatoes with raw onion mixed through then mix Home Brand tin corn beef through and have with fresh bread and butter. Got called to school when they were discussing what you had for dinner on Sunday night and all 3 of my kids (different year levels) said Cat Food. That was what they called it, all grown up now and their kids have cat food too.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I have always mashed potatoes with raw onion mixed through then mix Home Brand tin corn beef through and have with fresh bread and butter. Got called to school when they were discussing what you had for dinner on Sunday night and all 3 of my kids (different year levels) said Cat Food. That was what they called it, all grown up now and their kids have cat food too.

 

[Greentrees]

There's nothing wrong with corned beef.
Prefer it to the tough steak that I seem to get everywhere these days.
I even tried a local butcher.
All I got was a higher cost and no improvement in the steak
And, yes, I do know how to cook it.

My mother used to buy Camp Pie for sandwiches or a snack. I didn’t like it much but I ate it.

 

[Luckyus]

I used to buy tinned corn beef until I got one that was full of thick veins? have never bothered since buy it from the butcher, I just ask him when it was last pumped?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Sounds like GPS to me!

Grandma's Pensioner Stew!!

 

[PattiB]

My mum used to buy Spam but none of us really liked it. I was stunned to find it at Coles a couple of years ago but my sister in law was so excited as she absolutely loves it. I’m still shocked!

 

[Harimau01]

Spam is considered a delicacy in South Korea, probably because of the US servicemen stationed there.⁷

 

[JustPat]

In Hawaii it is so popular that some supermarkets put it behind locked doors and it has to be asked for and some have been burgled to steal large quantities to sell on the black market. As for me hated spam as a child and still do but love corned beef, my late dad used to brine/corn it himself and we ate it on a regular basis. As a matter of fact I just polished of a corned beef sandwich with some of the left over cheese sauce and iceberg lettuce.

 

[marni]

Wow.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Tried both Spam and tin Corned Beef just once and once was enough!!
In saying that I was quite partial to Campie…

 

[diamonds & roses]

I wouldn't even serve this to any animal. Even the word spam & also campie, makes me want to vomit. Campie is product that has made me very ill, just gross. Fortunately my mum never had these products at home it was when I had sleepovers with a friend & her mother would always have campie

 

[Ebby]

I have eaten spam for most of my life, my mother would buy it along with the corned beef also in a can, we would have it for meals, sandwiches or I would sneak a couple of slices for a snack. There is nothing wrong with spam although not keen on the hot spam or the bacon one but the original spam is great.

My mother cut spam into thick slices and fried it and we had Fray Bentos corned beef too .Mum also cooked lamb tongues, stewed rabbit and made oxtail soup.

 

[Teddy is my boy]

For the price of a can of Spam l would rather buy pork mince