Nutritionists Rank Hot Dogs at Grocery Stores: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Nutritionists recommend avoiding traditional or ballpark-labeled hot dogs due to high sodium and additives. Healthier options include hot dogs made from whole beef, turkey, or chicken, with less than 400mg of sodium per serving. Uncured and nitrate/nitrite-free hot dogs with minimal ingredients are preferred. Organic Valley Uncured 100% Beef Hot Dogs and Applegate Naturals Do Good Dog Uncured Beef Hot Dogs are among the healthier beef options. Applegate Naturals Natural Stadium Beef and Pork Hot Dogs and Seemore La Dolce Beet-a Pork Sausages are recommended pork blends. Organic Valley Uncured Pasture-Raised Turkey Hot Dogs and Applegate Natural Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs are healthier turkey options. Applegate Organics Great Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dog and Bilinski’s Mild Italian Chicken Sausage with Bell Peppers are recommended chicken options. Upton Naturals Updog Vegan Hot Dog and Jack & Annie’s Jackfruit Sausages are healthier vegetarian options. Unhealthy options to avoid include Ball Park Brand Prime Uncured Beef Franks, Kayem Beef & Pork Hot Dogs, Ball Park Brand White Meat Smoked Turkey Franks, Gwaltney Original Chicken Hot Dogs, and Lightlife Smart Dogs.