Are hot dogs good for you — and which brands ...

13 Jan.,2025

 

Are hot dogs good for you — and which brands ...

It&#;s hot dog season &#; not to mention time for the Nathan&#;s eating contest &#; and footlong fans might be wondering which brand is the healthiest, if any.

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While no one is likely seeking out hot dogs for wellness benefits, they&#;re not wholly bad for you if consumed within reason, according to one expert.

&#;They are still a food that can be enjoyed on occasion,&#; Healthline Nutrition Editor Lisa Valente, MS, RD, told The Post. &#;Hot dogs are always going to be a food you want to eat only once in a while since they are a processed meat that&#;s relatively high in sodium and saturated fat.&#;

In other words, maybe don&#;t enter too many hot dog-eating competitions. (Sorry, Joey Chestnut.)

Hot dogs are a processed meat product, and Valente explained that processed meats have been linked to cancer &#; the World Health Organization classifies processed meats as a carcinogen.

&#;Outside of the type of hot dog used, think about what surrounds the hot dog on your plate. If you can trade up to a whole wheat bun, that will add some fiber,&#; Valente said.

&#;I think it&#;s just splitting hairs to worry too much about what you&#;re topping your hot dog with. Choose your favorite condiments, and pair your hot dog with some veggie sides to balance out your plate.&#;

Valente advised checking labels and comparing products when shopping for hot dogs at the grocery store &#; and especially keeping an eye out for brands that are lower in sodium and saturated fats.

As grillers prep charcoal for the Fourth of July holiday, here are some of the best franks to consider and how they size up against each other.

Oscar Mayer

  • 110 calories
  • 10 grams of fat
  • 3 grams of saturated fat
  • 400 milligrams of sodium
  • 5 grams of protein

Oscar Mayer has plenty of options, but one stands out above the rest as the No. 1 scanned wiener in grocery stores, according to the online database Nutritionix: Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners Hot Dogs.

Their original product is made with chicken, turkey and pork and is on the lower side in a majority of categories.

Ball Park

  • 80 calories
  • 5 grams of total fat
  • 2 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 480 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

Ball Park is one of America&#;s top hot dog brands, but its Lean Beef Franks are its healthiest option.

Lean red meat is generally lower in saturated fat and does not raise total blood cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, meaning it won&#;t necessarily have a negative impact on cardiovascular health.

Nathan&#;s

  • 150 calories
  • 13 grams of total fat
  • 5 grams of saturated fat
  • 1 gram of trans fat
  • 500 milligrams of sodium
  • 5 grams of protein

While Nathan&#;s Famous Uncured All Natural Beef Franks are on the higher end of sodium levels compared to other brands, these franks are free of artificial preservatives, phosphates and nitrites &#; and they have lower sodium levels compared to Nathan&#;s regular dogs.

Hebrew National

Hebrew National is often regarded as one of the most prestigious hot dog brands in the country, but how does it hold up nutritionally? Of course, there are a few options to choose from.

Hebrew National All Natural Beef Franks

  • 140 calories
  • 12 grams of total fat
  • 4.5 grams of saturated fat
  • 0.5 gram of trans fat
  • 430 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

Notably, the brand&#;s All Natural Uncured Beef Franks have virtually no trans fats, which are the worst of all fats in food. According to the American Heart Association, consuming too many trans fats increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

Hebrew National 97% Fat-Free Beef Franks

  • 45 calories
  • 1 gram of total fat
  • 0.5 gram of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 490 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

According to the Hebrew National site, the 97% fat-free beef franks are a &#;favorite item with health-conscious consumers.&#;

The low number of calories and amount of fats in these wieners make them a winner for any summer celebration.

Trader Joe&#;s

  • 100 calories
  • 10 grams of total fat
  • 4.5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 400 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

Trader Joe&#;s Organic Uncured Grass Fed Beef Hot Dogs are made with only natural, organic ingredients, according to the brand &#; which otherwise declares that other &#;hot dogs are notorious for containing questionable ingredients&#; &#; and its product is free from unwanted preservatives, such as nitrates and nitrites.

Sabrett

  • 140 calories
  • 12 grams of total fat
  • 5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 360 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

Sabrett&#;s Skinless Beef Frankfurters aren&#;t uncured or organic &#; in fact, they&#;re the standard hot dogs at your favorite hot dog cart. Yet, they end up being on the healthier side of options.

These links have no trans fat and lower overall fat content than average &#; but their main selling point might be the lower levels of sodium, which otherwise can be detrimental to blood pressure.

Applegate

Applegate, the nation&#;s leading natural and organic meat brand, has two sub-brands: Naturals and Organic. Naturally, there are healthy options under both subcategories.

Applegate Naturals

  • 100 calories
  • 8 grams of total fat
  • 3.5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 480 milligrams of sodium
  • 7 grams of protein

The Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dog &#; made from 100% grass-fed beef &#; is one of the lowest in saturated fat; you won&#;t find many beef links at the store with less.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to lower the risk of heart disease and decrease cholesterol problems.

Applegate Organics

  • 100 calories
  • 8 grams of total fat
  • 3.5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 480 milligrams of sodium
  • 7 grams of protein

The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog from Applegate Organics is made with 100% grass-fed, pasture-made beef and is another low-calorie wiener from the brand.

Boar&#;s Head

  • 120 calories
  • 11 grams of total fat
  • 4.5 grams of saturated fat
  • 350 milligrams of sodium
  • 6 grams of protein

Boar&#;s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters are a better option for salt-watchers to pick up at the deli counter as they&#;re relatively low in sodium.

Impossible

  • 120 calories
  • 7 grams of total fat
  • 2.5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 430 milligrams of sodium
  • 12 grams of protein

If they&#;re good enough for Joey Chestnut, they&#;re good enough for everyone.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hotdog Production Line.

The Impossible Beef Hot Dogs have no added nitrates or nitrites and are billed as containing &#;half the saturated fat of the animal version.&#;

Organic Valley

  • 130 calories
  • 11 grams of total fat
  • 4 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 380 milligrams of sodium
  • 7 grams of protein

Organic Valley&#;s Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs are organic, which is a great option to avoid antibiotics or growth hormones that can be detrimental to one&#;s health.

According to the product page, there are &#;absolutely NO antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything.&#;

Niman Ranch

  • 130 calories
  • 9 grams of total fat
  • 3.5 grams of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 480 milligrams of sodium
  • 8 grams of protein

The Uncured Pork & Beef Franks from Niman Ranch are a &#;blend of Niman Ranch&#;s heritage pork and Angus beef,&#; according to the brand.

They contain no MSG and no added nitrates or nitrites &#; also making them one of the healthier options.

Lightlife

  • 100 calories
  • 3.5 grams of total fat
  • 0.5 gram of saturated fat
  • Zero grams of trans fat
  • 620 milligrams of sodium
  • 14 grams of protein

Are Hot Dogs Bad For You?

Many people enjoy hot dogs as a staple summertime menu item at baseball games and backyard barbeques. Their popularity stems from several factors, including convenience, affordability, and versatility.

Hot dogs are typically made of finely ground meats and encased in their distinctive cylinder shape. They're often served in a soft bun and topped with a choice of condiments, including ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut, among others.

As a processed meat, hot dogs may have some negative health effects. However, they offer some nutrition, like protein, and can still be included in a well-balanced diet.

What Are Hot Dogs Made Of?

Hot dogs are a type of processed meat typically made from blends of pork, beef, or a combination of the two. The meat is cut and finely ground in a mixer and then flavored with spices and curing agents.

A high-speed chopper blends the meat, added fats, salt, and other seasonings like garlic, pepper, and paprika into an emulsion or batter, which is then stuffed into the signature cylinder casings. Some hot dog brands use cellulose casings, which are eventually removed before packaging, while others use natural casings that remain in place when the hot dog is eaten.

The casings are linked and put into a smokehouse conveyor system under controlled temperature and humidity. As the hot dogs pass through the system, they're cooked thoroughly and smoked for texture, flavor, and color. Next, the hot dogs are showered in cool water, and the cellulose casing is peeled away before heading to the packaging line.

Hot dogs can be prepared in various ways to impart different flavors and textures. You can boil, grill, or smoke your hot dogs, depending on your taste preferences.

Risks of Hot Dogs

Processed meats, including hot dogs, have been associated with several potential health risks. For example, high consumption of processed meat has been linked to an increase in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and metabolic outcomes like dysregulated blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Consuming red and processed meats is also thought to increase the risk of certain cancers, especially cancers related to the digestive tract. However, research evidence remains inconsistent, as many factors can contribute to a cancer diagnosis.

Depending on your medical history and wellness goals, some aspects of hot dogs may be a deal breaker. Factors to consider when weighing the potential health risks of hot dogs include:

  • Sodium content: Hot dogs are often high in sodium, which can contribute to hypertension and increased risk of CVD. A low-sodium diet can effectively lower blood pressure, independent of antihypertensive medication. People with a history of hypertension may need to limit their intake of hot dogs to avoid exceeding their recommended sodium intake.
  • Saturated fat content: Processed meats tend to be high in saturated fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total daily calories. For example, people following a 2,000-calorie diet must limit their saturated fat intake to less than 22 grams (g) daily. One beef hot dog provides approximately 6 g of saturated fat.
  • Nitrates and nitrites: Nitrates and nitrites are often used as preservatives in processed meats. While more research is needed, preliminary studies indicate these additives may act as carcinogens and increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
  • Potential for foodborne illness: While not exclusive to hot dogs, improper handling during the cooking process can lead to contamination with bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, that can cause foodborne illnesses. Cooking hot dogs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celcius) before consumption can help reduce this risk.

While consuming hot dogs occasionally may not present significant risks to your overall health, regular consumption can contribute to adverse health outcomes. Consider the nutrition profile of hot dogs when shopping for them, and be mindful of your portion sizes to help manage some of the risks associated with the food.

Nutrition of Hot Dogs

The nutrient profile will vary between hot dog types and brands, so it's essential to read nutrition labels when comparing products at the grocery store. Consider the serving size, total calories, sodium content, and fat in the available hot dog varieties.

One plain beef hot dog (49 g) without a bun or condiments provides:

  • Calories: 151
  • Fat: 13.6 g
  • Saturated fat: 5.6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 5.7 g
  • Sodium: 424 milligrams (mg)
  • Sugar: 0.6 g

Adding a bun to your hot dog can contribute to the food's calories, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. One beef hot dog on a plain white bun (102 g) provides:

  • Calories: 314
  • Fat: 18.6 g
  • Saturated fat: 7.2 g
  • Carbohydrate: 24.3 g
  • Protein: 11.4 g
  • Sodium: 719 mg
  • Sugar: 4 g

The nutrition facts of chicken- or pork-based hot dogs will differ from those of beef-based frankfurters. Also, any condiments added to your hot dog will increase your meal's calories, sodium, and sugar.

Choosing a Better Hot Dog

Choosing a better-for-you hot dog begins with reading the nutrition facts. Here are some tips:

  • Look for hot dogs made from 100% beef or other lean meats, and avoid options made with byproducts or added fillers that offer little nutritional value
  • Know that grass-fed varieties may also be healthier due to their potential for lower saturated fat content
  • Opt for hot dogs with a lower sodium content and fewer additives when possible

Alternative options include chicken or turkey hot dogs, which are typically lower in calories and saturated fat than beef hot dogs. Vegan and vegetarian hot dogs are also available for people who follow a plant-based diet or want to reduce their meat intake. Veggie dogs are usually made from tofu or vegetables and are lower in calories and cholesterol.

Moderation is key for any hot dog you choose. Be mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption, and focus on creating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

A Quick Review

While hot dogs are a favorite staple for many summertime festivities, they may not be suitable for certain people and can negatively affect health when consumed in excess.

Hot dogs tend to be high in sodium, and high sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. They also contain a significant amount of saturated fat and some additives, like nitrates and nitrites, that pose an increased risk of cancer.

However, hot dogs can fit into a well-balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with nutrient-dense foods. Keep in mind that portion sizes, buns, and added condiments can also affect the nutrition of hot dogs.

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