Hot dogs, while not the healthiest option, have become a staple at summer barbecues. However, with the introduction of healthier hot dog options in supermarkets, it is now possible to enjoy them without compromising your health. The key is knowing what to look for.
Firstly, it’s important to avoid traditional or ballpark-labeled hot dogs as they tend to have high sodium content and contain additives and preservatives. Processed meats, including hot dogs, have been linked to certain types of cancer, so it’s best to opt for whole beef, turkey, or chicken hot dogs instead of mechanically processed meats.
Another factor to consider is the sodium content. Choose hot dogs with less than 400 mg of sodium per serving, which is less than 20% of the daily value recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Additionally, look for uncured and nitrate- and nitrite-free options with minimal ingredients. Uncured chicken or turkey hot dogs are often a better choice as they are lower in saturated fat and less processed than beef hot dogs. However, even if the label says “uncured” or “no nitrates added,” it’s still important to minimize your intake as natural preservatives like celery powder and salt may not necessarily be safer.
For those who prefer veggie dogs, opt for ones with minimally processed ingredients like tofu, rather than heavily processed soy protein concentrate or isolate. While occasional processed veggie dogs may not be harmful, it’s important to note that soy ingredients haven’t been well-studied, so there are still some concerns about their safety.
To make it easier for you, here are some of the healthiest and least healthy store-bought hot dog options recommended by nutritionists:
Healthy Beef Options:
1. Organic Valley Uncured 100% Beef Hot Dogs: Made with organic grass-fed beef and minimal ingredients.
2. Applegate Naturals Do Good Dog Uncured Beef Hot Dogs: Made with regeneratively sourced 100% grass-fed beef and only four simple ingredients.
Unhealthy Beef Option to Avoid:
Ball Park Brand Prime Uncured Beef Franks: Despite being labeled as “uncured,” these hot dogs are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Healthy Pork Blend Options:
1. Applegate Naturals Natural Stadium Beef and Pork Hot Dogs: Made with antibiotic-free beef and pork, natural spices, and herbs.
2. Seemore La Dolce Beet-a Pork Sausages: Made with animal welfare-certified pork, fresh beets, garlic, and fennel.
Unhealthy Pork Blend to Avoid:
Kayem Beef & Pork Hot Dogs: Contains excessive fat and sodium, as well as added sugars, mystery flavorings, and preservatives.
Healthy Turkey Options:
1. Organic Valley Uncured Pasture-Raised Turkey Hot Dogs: Made with humanely raised turkey and free from fillers and harmful salt sources.
2. Applegate Natural Uncured Turkey Hot Dog: Made with organic turkey, organic spices, and herbs, containing no fillers or preservatives.
Unhealthy Turkey Option to Avoid:
Ball Park Brand White Meat Smoked Turkey Franks: Contains mechanically separated turkey and high sodium content.
Healthy Chicken Option:
Applegate Organics Great Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dog: Made with organic chicken, water, sea salt, and spices, with no artificial or naturally occurring nitrates or nitrites.
Unhealthy Chicken Option to Avoid:
Gwaltney Original Chicken Hot Dogs: Contains mechanically separated chicken, high sodium content, and a long list of ultra-processed ingredients.
Healthy Vegetarian Options:
1. Upton Naturals Updog Vegan Hot Dog: Made with vital wheat gluten or seitan, providing 19 grams of protein.
2. Jack & Annie’s Jackfruit Sausages: Made with real plant-based protein like jackfruit, tofu, beans, or legumes.
While hot dogs may not be the healthiest choice, these healthier options can be enjoyed in moderation without compromising your health.
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