With lots of hot dogs out there, it should be easy to choose a relatively healthy one, right?
Not necessarily. According to Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Foodtrainers in New York City, even “healthier” hot dogs might not be better for you. “It comes down to the quality of the meat, the processing, and the other added ingredients. “.
Less than 150 calories and less than 14 grams of fat (with no more than 6 grams saturated) are what Brown advises for hot dogs. Sodium should not exceed 450 milligrams. From Brown and our friends at Health. com, heres a list of hot dogs, good and bad.
Applegate Farms’ Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog surpasses Brown’s standards by having only 330 milligrams of sodium, 8 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), 7 grams of protein, and 110 calories. Its also made from organic, grass-fed beef.
“If you have the choice, always go for organic meat because it has never been treated with hormones or antibiotics,” she says. “Grass-fed meat is superior to regular grain-fed meat because it contains less total and saturated fat. “.
With 550 milligrams of sodium, 190 calories, 16 grams of fat (7 saturated), and 9 grams of protein, Ball Park Franks are the highest in terms of sodium, calories, and fat in the lineup.
Furthermore, they have been treated with nitrates and nitrites, which have been connected to cancer and other health issues, and they have been cured.
The U. S. Hot dogs are subject to nitrate and nitrite content limits by the Food and Drug Administration; however, delectable uncured dogs are still available.
Chicken dogs may be a fantastic option if you’d like a low-calorie, low-fat hot dog that’s still packed with protein.
Trader Joe’s Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs are made with skinless, boneless chicken breasts and thighs rather than any mystery meat.
These dogs also contain flavorings like garlic, onion, and paprika. Each one has 60 calories, fewer than a medium-size apple. Theyve got 250 milligrams of sodium, 2. 5 grams of fat, less than 1 gram of saturated fat, and 9 grams of protein.
Rocky Dogs chicken hot dogs contain 10 grams of fat each, including 2. 5 grams of saturated fat, and a trim calorie count of 110. But they lose big points in the sodium category, with a hefty 470 milligrams!.
U. S. Dietary guidelines suggest limiting your daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg, and to less than 1,500 mg if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, or if you are over 50. One of these hot dogs will eat up one-fifth to one-third of your daily sodium allowance.
Applegate also won out for best turkey frank. The companys uncured Organic Turkey Hot Dogs contain 60 calories, 3. 370 mg of sodium, 5 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), and 7 grams of protein
The USDA states that mechanically separated meat (MSM), a paste-like material created by pushing bones through a sieve at high pressure to remove any leftover meat, is used to make Oscar Mayers Classic Turkey Franks. MSM made from beef has been banned in the U. S. The Food and Drug Administration states that mechanically separated poultry is safe to eat, but it has been out of stock since 2004 due to worries about mad cow disease.
These dogs are relatively high in fat and sodium. Each has 100 calories, 8 grams of fat (including 2. 5 grams of saturated fat), 510 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
Lightlife Foods fat-free Smart Dogs, with 45 calories, 310 mg of sodium, and 8 grams of protein each, are a vegetarian’s dream come true.
In contrast to numerous other “not dogs,” Smart Dogs’ ingredient list is concise and doesn’t sound too much like an inventory from a chemistry lab. The main ingredients are water, soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, and evaporated cane juice.
Although Morningstar Farms Corn Dogs are lower in fat and calories than other varieties of hot dogs, their ingredient list is as long as your arm and includes fillers and extenders like soy, corn flour, and wheat gluten proteins.
These pack 470 milligrams of sodium apiece, 150 calories, and 2. 5 grams of fat (including a half gram of saturated fat).
According to Brown, “the majority of veggie dogs will be high in sodium and contain a lot of processed ingredients, like processed soy or textured vegetable protein.” “Sorry, vegetables arent supposed to taste like hot dogs!”.
Hey there, fellow hot dog enthusiasts! Today, I’m diving into the world of hot dogs, specifically focusing on the age-old question: are turkey hot dogs good for you?
I recently embarked on a quest to find a healthier alternative to the classic beef hot dog, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure. I experimented with various plant-based and turkey options, putting them to the test in my own kitchen and with my family’s taste buds.
Plant-Based Adventures: A Mixed Bag
My initial foray into the world of plant-based hot dogs was met with mixed results. The Simple Truth Plant-Based Sausages, both Chorizo and Kielbasa varieties, unfortunately, fell short of expectations. While they looked and smelled promising, the texture was a major letdown. Imagine a dry, crumbly powder encased in a casing – not exactly the satisfying bite you crave in a hot dog.
However, all hope wasn’t lost. Lightlife Smart Dogs emerged as the clear winner in the plant-based category. They boasted a smooth texture and a casing that mimicked the satisfying “pop” of a traditional hot dog. The only caveat was the strong smoked flavor, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Turkey Hot Dogs: The Unexpected Hero
After my plant-based experiments, I decided to explore the next best thing: turkey hot dogs. And guess what? They turned out to be a real winner! The Ball Park White Meat Smoked Turkey Franks were a hit with the whole family. They tasted great, had a satisfying texture, and offered a healthier alternative to traditional hot dogs.
The Verdict: Turkey Takes the Crown
So, are turkey hot dogs good for you? In my humble opinion, they’re a solid choice if you’re looking for a healthier hot dog option. They’re lower in fat and calories than their beef counterparts and offer a good source of protein.
Here’s a quick rundown of my findings:
- Plant-Based:
- Simple Truth Plant-Based Sausages: Not recommended due to their dry, crumbly texture.
- Lightlife Smart Dogs: A decent option with a smooth texture and satisfying “pop,” but the strong smoked flavor might not appeal to everyone.
- Turkey:
- Ball Park White Meat Smoked Turkey Franks: The clear winner! They taste great, have a satisfying texture, and are a healthier choice than traditional hot dogs.
Ultimately, the best hot dog for you depends on your individual preferences and dietary needs. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, Lightlife Smart Dogs are worth a try. But if you’re open to turkey, I highly recommend Ball Park White Meat Smoked Turkey Franks. They’re a delicious and healthier way to enjoy your favorite summer treat!
P.S. If you’re looking for even more plant-based hot dog options, check out Dave’s suggestion in the comments section. He recommends trying Morningstar Farms veggie dogs and Field Roast Signature Stadium dogs. I haven’t personally tried them yet, but they’re definitely on my list!
Low-fat hot dog: Good
“Since fat contributes significantly to flavor and texture, reduced-fat hot dogs may not always be the best choice if strange ingredients are being added to make up for it,” advises Brown. “Sodium, those artificial flavorings that make food feel fatty, and other bulking ingredients like cornstarch or modified food starch could be increased.” “.
Whats more, most of the low-fat dogs out there are cured. Nevertheless, Ball Park does a pretty good job with its Fat Free Beef Franks. They are, indeed, fat free, with 50 calories, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.
More from our friends at Health.com: Best and worst burgers
What is in HOT DOGS? Are Hot Dogs Good for You? – Dr.Berg
FAQ
Are turkey hot dogs healthier for you?
How healthy are kosher hot dogs?
Do turkey dogs taste good?