It’s hot dog season, and it’s time for the 2024 Nathan’s Eating Contest. Footlong fans might be wondering which brand is the healthiest, if any.
While you probably don’t eat hot dogs for their health benefits, one expert says they’re not completely bad for you as long as you eat them in moderation.
“It’s still a food I enjoy every now and then.” Healthline “Hot dogs are a processed meat that’s relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, making them a food you should only enjoy occasionally,” nutrition editor Lisa Valente, MS, RD, told The Washington Post.
In other words, maybe you should stay away from hot dog eating contests (sorry, Joey Chestnut).
Hot dogs are a processed meat product, and Valente explained that processed meats have been linked to cancer. who It classifies processed meat as a carcinogen.
“In addition to the type of hot dog, think about what’s around the hot dog on your plate,” says Valente. “Switching to whole wheat buns will add fiber.”
“I think it’s a little trivial to worry too much about what to top your hot dog with. Pick your favorite condiments and serve your hot dog with a veggie side dish to balance out the plate.”
When buying hot dogs at the grocery store, Valente advises checking the labels and comparing products, especially looking for brands that are low in sodium and saturated fat.
As grillers prep the charcoal fire for Independence Day, here are some of the best frankfurters to consider, and how they compare.
Oscar Mayer
- 110 calories
- 10 grams of fat
- 3 grams saturated fat
- 400 milligrams of sodium
- 5 Grams Protein
Oscar Mayer has a lot to offer, but one that stands out is Scanned Wiener No.1 At the grocery store, according to Online database Nutritionix: Oscar Mayer Classic Wiener Hot Dog.
Their original products are made with chicken, turkey and pork and are priced at a lower price point in most categories.
baseball Ground
- 80 calories
- 5 grams total fat
- 2 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 480 milligrams
- 6 Grams Protein
Ballpark is one of America’s top hot dog brands. Lean beef frank It’s the healthiest option.
Studies have shown that lean red meat is generally low in saturated fat and does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical NutritionThis means that it doesn’t necessarily have a negative impact on your cardiovascular health.
Nathan’s
- 150 calories
- Total Fat 13g
- 5 grams saturated fat
- 1 gram trans fat
- Sodium 500 milligrams
- 5 Grams Protein
Nathan is famous Natural, uncured beef franks Although the sodium content is higher than other brands, these frankfurters contain no artificial preservatives, phosphates or nitrites and have a lower sodium content than regular Nathan’s frankfurters.
Hebrew National
Hebrew National is often considered one of the most well-known hot dog brands in the country, but what about nutritionally? Of course, there are options out there.
Hebrew National All Natural Beef Frank
- 140 calories
- 12 grams total fat
- 4.5 grams saturated fat
- 0.5 grams trans fat
- Sodium 430 milligrams
- 6 Grams Protein
In particular, this brand All-natural raw beef franks It’s low in trans fats, the most harmful type of fat found 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 Frank
- 45 calories
- Total Fat 1 gram
- 0.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 490 milligrams
- 6 Grams Protein
According to the Hebrew National website: 97% fat-free beef frankfurters “It is a popular product among health-conscious consumers.”
These wieners are low in calories and fat, making them perfect for summer celebrations.
Trader Joe’s
- 100 calories
- 10 grams total fat
- 4.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- 400 milligrams of sodium
- 6 Grams Protein
Trader Joe’s Organic Non-salted grass-fed hot dogs The brand says the hot dogs are made with only natural, organic ingredients (other hot dogs are notorious for containing questionable ingredients) and are free of unnecessary preservatives like nitrates and nitrites.
Sublet
- 140 calories
- 12 grams total fat
- 5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- 360 milligrams of sodium
- 6 Grams Protein
Sablette’s Skinless Beef Frankfurters It’s not raw or organic — in fact, it’s still your standard hot dog from your favorite hot dog stand — but it’s one of the healthier options out there.
These links contain no trans fats and have a lower-than-average overall fat content, but their main selling point may be their low sodium content, which can have a negative impact on blood pressure.
Applegate
Applegate is one of the nation’s leading natural and organic meat brands. Two sub-brandsThere are two categories: natural and organic. Naturally, there are healthy options in both subcategories.
Applegate Naturals
- 100 calories
- 8 grams total fat
- 3.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 480 milligrams
- 7 Grams Protein
of Natural Ancerated Beef Hot Dog Made from 100% grass-fed beef, these beef links are one of the lowest in saturated fat – you won’t find many beef links lower in saturated fat on store shelves.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake of saturated fats to lower your risk of heart disease and reduce cholesterol problems.
Applegate Organics
- 100 calories
- 8 grams total fat
- 3.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 480 milligrams
- 7 Grams Protein
of Great organic unsalted beef hot dogs Applegate Organics wieners are made with 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and are another low-calorie wiener from the brand.
Boar’s Head
- 120 calories
- Total Fat 11g
- 4.5 grams saturated fat
- 350 milligrams of sodium
- 6 Grams Protein
Boar’s Head Raw beef frankfurters It’s relatively low in sodium, making it a better option for those concerned about salt intake than buying it at the deli counter.
impossible
- 120 calories
- 7 grams total fat
- 2.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 430 milligrams
- 12 Grams Protein
If it’s good enough for Joey Chestnut, it should be good enough for anyone.
impossible Beef Hot Dog It claims to have no added nitrates or nitrites and contains “half the saturated fat of its animal-based counterpart.”
Organic Valley
- 130 calories
- Total Fat 11g
- 4 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- 380 milligrams of sodium
- 7 Grams Protein
Organic Valley Unprocessed Grass-Fed Hot Dogs Because it’s organic, it’s perfect for avoiding antibiotics and growth hormones that can have adverse health effects.
According to the product page, “There are no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs.”
Niman Ranch
- 130 calories
- Total Fat 9 grams
- 3.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 480 milligrams
- 8 Grams Protein
of Pork and beef frankfurters Niman Ranch beef is “a blend of Niman Ranch heritage pork and Angus beef,” according to the brand.
They contain no MSG and no added nitrates or nitrites, making them one of the healthier options.
Light Life
- 100 calories
- Total Fat 3.5g
- 0.5 grams saturated fat
- No trans fats
- Sodium 620 milligrams
- 14 Grams Protein
of Jumbo Smart Dog Plant-based food company Light Life’s frankfurters are made primarily with soy protein and soybean oil, so you don’t have to worry about the potentially harmful nitrites and nitrates that can be found in meat-based frankfurters.
