How Many Carbs Are in a Tin of Spam? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Based on official nutritional information, a standard 2 oz serving of classic Spam contains just 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates. To find out exactly how many carbs are in a tin of Spam, you need to calculate based on the can's total serving size.

Quick Summary

The total carbohydrate content for a can of Spam is surprisingly low, typically ranging between 6 and 12 grams for an entire 12 oz can. The exact amount depends on the product variety and is calculated by multiplying the per-serving carbs by the number of servings.

Key Points

Low Carb Count: A standard 12 oz can of classic Spam contains 6 to 12 grams of total carbohydrates.
Source of Carbs: The carbs in Spam come from added sugar and modified potato starch, not from the meat itself.
Serving Size Matters: An accurate calculation for a full can requires multiplying the per-serving carb count (1-2 grams) by the six servings in a 12 oz can.
Keto-Friendly in Moderation: Due to its low carb count and high fat content, Spam can be a part of a ketogenic diet, but should be consumed in moderation.
Different Varieties: Lighter versions, like Spam Lite, typically contain even fewer carbs per serving.
High Sodium Warning: Though low in carbs, Spam is high in sodium and is a processed food, so it should be balanced with a diet rich in whole foods.

A Can of Classic Spam: The Total Carbohydrate Count

For many, Spam is a nostalgic pantry staple, a convenient, long-lasting canned meat. When examining its nutritional profile, particularly its carbohydrate content, the numbers are often lower than expected due to its ingredients. The total number of carbs in a standard 12-ounce (340g) can of classic Spam is typically between 6 and 12 grams, as there are six servings per container, with each 2-ounce serving containing 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a food with a low carb density, despite being a processed product.

Understanding the Ingredients: Where the Carbs Come From

Spam is primarily made from pork shoulder and ham. Since pork itself contains no carbohydrates, the small amount of carbs present in Spam must come from the other ingredients. The primary culprits are sugar and modified potato starch, which are included for flavor and texture.

Here is a list of common Spam ingredients that contribute to its total carbohydrate count:

Sugar: Added to enhance the flavor and create a balanced taste profile.
Modified Potato Starch: Used as a binder to hold the processed meat mixture together and improve its texture.

While these ingredients add some carbs, the quantities are small enough that the overall impact on the total carbohydrate count remains minimal. This is a key reason why Spam is sometimes considered by those on low-carb diets, although moderation is always recommended for processed foods.

Different Varieties, Different Carb Counts

The nutritional makeup can vary between different Spam varieties. Hormel, the manufacturer, offers several versions that may have slightly different carb totals, depending on their formulation.

For example, Spam Lite is explicitly designed to have fewer calories, fat, and sodium. The carb count in this variety is also often lower. Based on available nutritional data, a 1 oz serving of Spam Lite contains only about 0.38 grams of carbohydrates. This makes the total for a 12 oz can even lower than the classic version. It is crucial for consumers to check the specific nutrition facts label on the can for the most accurate information on a particular product.

How Spam Fits into a Low-Carb or Keto Diet

Because of its low carbohydrate content, classic Spam can technically be a part of a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Many in the keto community consider it a keto-friendly option in moderation. The high fat-to-protein ratio also aligns with ketogenic principles, where fat is the primary energy source.

Here are some ways low-carb dieters can incorporate Spam:

Fried Spam and eggs: A classic breakfast combination that works well within keto macros.
Spam "chips": Thinly sliced and baked or fried until crispy for a crunchy, salty snack.
Spam and vegetable stir-fry: Paired with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, or broccoli.

While Spam can be a convenient addition, its high sodium content and status as a processed meat mean it should be consumed thoughtfully. Many low-carb plans emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, so processed options like Spam should be an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.

Nutritional Comparison: Spam vs. Other Canned Meats

To put Spam's carbohydrate count into context, it's helpful to compare it to other popular canned meat products. The table below shows a comparison of classic Spam to a few alternatives.


Product	Can Size	Servings per Can	Carbs per Serving	Total Carbs per Can (Approximate)
Spam Classic (US)	12 oz (340g)	6	1-2g	6-12g
Spam Lite (US)	12 oz (340g)	6	~0.5g	~3g
Generic Luncheon Meat	Varies	Varies	Varies, can be higher	Varies
Canned Tuna in Oil	Standard can	Varies	0g	0g

Conclusion: The Low-Carb Convenience of Canned Spam

In summary, the number of carbs in a tin of Spam is relatively low. For a standard 12 oz can of classic Spam, you can expect a total carbohydrate count of 6 to 12 grams. The small amount of carbohydrates comes primarily from the sugar and modified potato starch added during processing, not from the pork and ham. While suitable for moderate consumption on low-carb or keto diets, it is important to remember that Spam is a processed food and should be balanced with a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. For more detailed information on specific products, the Hormel brand website is a reliable source to consult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Spam contains both sugar and modified potato starch. These are included to improve the flavor and texture of the product and are the source of its low carbohydrate count.

Spam can be considered keto-friendly in moderation due to its low carbohydrate count and high fat-to-protein ratio. However, its high sodium and processed nature mean it is not ideal for every keto plan.

Based on a 12 oz can containing six 2 oz servings, a single 2 oz slice of classic Spam has 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Yes, but Spam Lite has an even lower carbohydrate count than the classic version, with nutritional information showing less than one gram of carbs per 2 oz serving.

Spam's carb count is often comparable to or lower than other similar processed meats, some of which may contain more added binders or fillers that increase their carbohydrate content.

Yes, different flavor varieties of Spam may have slightly different carbohydrate counts depending on the ingredients used. Always check the nutrition facts label for the specific product.

The classic variety of Spam is generally considered gluten-free as its ingredients do not include wheat or other gluten-containing grains. However, it is always best to check the product label for specific dietary information.