These Are Healthiest And Unhealthiest Store-Bought Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are one of those quintessentially American foods, one without which no summer cookout is complete. But when it comes time to actually choose the perfect pack of hot dogs, it can sometimes be daunting to find the right one — especially if you're looking for healthier options. We've done the work for you and tracked down the healthiest and unhealthiest hot dogs at the supermarket.

The Healthiest and Unhealthiest Store-Bought Hot Dogs Gallery

Hot dogs are a grilling mainstay, and when compared with a cheese-covered burger or a juicy bratwurst, a standard-sized hot dog can actually contain fewer calories than anything else on the grill. But not all hot dogs are created equal, and some pack far more fat, calories, sodium, and questionable ingredients into the casing than others.

If you're looking for a better-for-you hot dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, use your eyes: The bigger a hot dog is, the more calories and fat it will have. The words jumbo, stadium, and bun-length connote a larger-than-normal dog, which can sometimes be nearly double the size of a standard dog. You may also look for sodium content; sometimes the lower-calorie turkey and chicken dogs are pumped full of extra salt in order to make them taste better, which could be risky for your heart health if you eat too many.

So what do you want from your hot dog? Some brands sell uncured hot dogs (also sometimes with "no added nitrates"), which are simpler and more natural than nitrate-filled dogs. Also be on the lookout for hot dogs that contain more than around 400 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly a third of your recommended daily limit, and opt for organic hot dogs (which are made from organic meat, don't contain antibiotics or hormones, and are nitrate-free) if you can — but keep in mind that these are usually more expensive.

If you're wondering what all the mysterious ingredients in your hot dogs actually are, we suggest you check out this handy guide from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, which breaks them all down one by one, and is even searchable. But in the meantime, learn from us which supermarket hot dogs are the healthiest and unhealthiest.