Ham is a staple on Filipino Christmas tables, a symbol of family and celebration. But recently, some consumers have noticed that budget Christmas hams look or even taste more like Spam than the traditional bone-in pork hams of the past. The reason lies in how affordable hams are produced and how the market has evolved.
How Christmas Ham Became a Filipino Tradition
Christmas ham in the Philippines originated during the Spanish colonial period when preserved pork, or jamón, was a luxury item for elite households. Imported hams were prized for their flavor and long shelf life. By the mid-20th century, local brands such as King Sue Ham made sweet-cured hams more accessible to Filipino families.
Early hams were whole-muscle cuts of pork, often bone-in, glazed with sugar or honey, and baked for the holidays. They were both a treat and a visible marker of celebration.
Why Budget Hams Look Like Spam
In recent years, many budget hams are made from ground meat mixed with fat, seasonings, and preservatives. They are molded and cooked to resemble traditional ham. This process creates a uniform texture and shape similar to canned processed meats like Spam.
Spam itself is made by grinding pork and ham with salt, sugar, and preservatives before cooking it in a can. Its smooth, dense texture is similar to the processed budget hams that some consumers now recognize on their Christmas tables. Taste tests show that cheaper hams are often less fibrous and less meaty than traditional bone-in hams.
Economic factors also affect how affordable hams are made. Outbreaks like African Swine Fever have reduced pork supply, prompting producers to offer more affordable alternatives. Manufacturers now provide a range of products, from classic bone-in pork hams to molded chicken or pork-based hams, to meet demand while keeping prices within reach.
Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive
Even with changes in production and appearance, ham remains central to Filipino Christmas celebrations. For many families, the presence of ham on the table is more important than whether it is a traditional bone-in cut or a budget-friendly molded option. It continues to symbolize family, festivity, and the joy of the season.
