10 Healthy Hot Dogs That Actually Taste Good
10 Healthy Hot Dogs That Actually Taste Good
Hot dogs are a quintessential American food. And for good reason: they're great for summer grilling and are an easy weeknight meal, too.
This comfort food is also a good source of protein—just be sure to check the nutritional profile to ensure your hot dog habit doesn't derail your health goals.
Of course hot dogs aren't a superfood, but their health quotient has improved because companies are making them without mystery meat and questionable additives.
So how do you pick a better protein? Look at the size of your dog, says Melanie Boehmer, R.D., at Lenox Hill Hospital.
"Jumbo, stadium, and bun-length dogs can be almost double the size of a regular hot dog and have more of everything—including calories, fat, and sodium," she tells Men's Health.
She recommends choosing a hot dog that contains at least 7 grams of protein. And more importantly, Boehmer says hot dogs don't need to be excluded in an otherwise well-balanced diet.
"I would advise being conscious of overall intake rather than scrutinizing the one hot dog you eat over the weekend," she says.
Finding a better-for-you hot dog that's nutritious and tastes good can be daunting. That’s why we did the work for you and found the finest franks available.
Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs, 12 oz
wholefoodsmarket.com
These dogs are an affordable and tasty option. They're made using grass-fed beef, offer 10 grams of protein, and contain less than 200 calories per frank.
Nutrition per hot dog: 130 calories, 9g of protein, 10g fat
Organic Uncured Grass Fed Beef Hot Dogs
organic prairie
organicprairie.com
Juicy grass-fed beef sourced from small scale organic farms is bundled up with an inspiring spice blend. The main health argument for splurging on grass-fed links is the research showing the meat is lower in stuff you want less of like pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats and higher in health-boosting nutrients such as vitamin E, beta-carotene and heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
Nutrition per hot dog: 160 calories, 8g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 13g fat
Stadium Uncured Beef & Pork Hot Dog
Applegate
instacart.com
This winner wiener should not just be celebrated for what it contains, a protein packed mix of antibiotic-free pork and beef, but also for what it doesn’t, namely questionable additives that sound like they belong more in a chemistry lab than on your grill. And at a humble 110 calories a dog, you’ve got room for extra toppings.
Nutrition per hot dog: 110 calories, 7g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 9g fat
All Natural Gourmet Chicken Hot Dogs
Thin 'n Trim
thinntrim.com
You won't find any WTF mechanically separated meat here - just pure chicken breast and thigh meat that is imbued with a touch of smoky flavor. Bonus points to the company for keeping calories low and pushing protein high.
Nutrition per hot dog: 70 calories, 11g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 2.5g fat
Beef Franks
Niman Ranch
perduefarms.com
$9.99
For when you just want a dog with big, bold beefy flavor that will hold its own under whatever condiments you pile on. The brand is praised for sourcing its meat from well-raised animals. These uncured (i.e. no synthetic nitrates) links are already cooked for you so a quick roll over the flames is all that is needed before you pop it in a bun.
Nutrition per hot dog: 170 calories, 12g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 13g fat
Hebrew National Beef Franks - 10.3 Ounces
Hebrew National
mercato.com
Hebrew National enjoys a cult following among hot dog aficionados, and these lesser fat (and thereby lesser calories) links won’t disappoint. The kosher beef dogs have classic flavor along with great snap on the outside and are plump and juicy on the inside—everything lower fat hot dogs usually aren’t. At just 100 calories in a link, you’ve got the OK to grill up a second one which will give you a hit of extra protein.
Nutrition per hot dog: 100 calories, 5g protein, 2g carbohydrates, 8g fat
Bun Length Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Teton Waters Ranch
tetonwatersranch.com
With these full-length dogs you won’t have to suffer the disappointment of starting out by biting into nothing but doughy bread. The Nutrition Facts panel screams zero carbs which is a tip-off that the 100% grass-fed and certified humane beef has not been sullied by any sugar filler. Surprisingly, sweeteners like dextrose sneak their way into too many hot dogs.
Nutrition per hot dog: 110 calories, 6g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 9g fat
Beyond Meat Beyond Sausage, Italian, Hot - 14 Ounces
Beyond Meat
mercato.com
Compared to many other “not dogs” out there, this plant-based sausage packs in healthy amounts of protein (mainly from peas not the typical soy) and tastes close enough to the real it won’t leave you pondering “where’s the beef?” A study in the Journal of Nutrition showed that a higher intake of plant foods at the expense of some of the meat in a diet can slash the risk for death from certain diseases.
Nutrition per hot dog: 190 calories, 16g protein, 5g carbohydrates, 12g fat
Misfit Foods Blended Sausage
Misfitfoods.com
These are spot on in terms of nutrition, according to Boehmer. Each link is comprised of 50 percent vegetables, so you get a dose of plants. Plus, they have a nice balance of carbs, protein and fat.
Nutrition. per hot dog: 110 calories, 10g protein, 6g fat, 4g carbohydrates
Bubbe's Chicken Soup Sausages
Seemore Meats & Veggies
goldbelly.com
These juicy sausages are bursting with carrots, herbs, and celery. Boehmer likes that each link contains a whopping 10 grams of protein. Add it to your. favorite whole wheat bun and top with pickled carrots to get even more veggies.
Nutrition: 140 calories, 4g carbohydrates, 10g protein, 10g fat
Time to toast your buns.