We were recently asked this question by a writer. Carolyn did some hot dog digging and she’s here with some hot dog help before the long weekend.
Fourth of July weekend is a time to celebrate all things American. What’s more American than firing up the grill for some burgers and hot dogs? We’ve discussed burgers (grass fed is key) and Lauren has given us some delicious ideas (pesto turkey burger: yes please) in BBQ greatest hits. So today, it’s time to talk hot dogs. I promise, it’s not all bad but let’s get the bad out of the way…
The Downside of Dogs
Hot dogs are one of those foods that people love but really don’t want to know about. No, they’re not made from pig butt or lips or anything else your older siblings told you the second you finished eating one. But “mystery meat” might still be accurate for some brands on the shelves, which can be up to 15% “variety meats” such as like heart, liver and kidney. Then there are other issues: high in fat, high in sodium, lots of processing and additives.
I’m not suggesting you take up hot dog making but consider that a homemade beef frank would contain beef, water, egg whites and spices. Compare that to a Ball Park hot dog:
Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Salt, Potassium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate, Flavorings, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Nitrite, Extractives of Paprika.
Gross, right? Why is there corn syrup in your hot dog? I’ll save the sweet for dessert, thank you very much. Even more concerning are nitrites. They are responsible for extending shelf life, and research shows they also may be carcinogenic.
Hot Dog Help
You can avoid nitrites by buying uncured hot dogs. They don’t use any chemically preservatives. Just like when it comes to the burgers, you want to go organic with meat whenever possible, and better yet, grass fed. Grass fed cows have less total and saturated fat (and are less miserable) compared to factory-farmed cows. Look for brands like Applegate Farms, Lets Be Frank, Colemann’s, Niman Ranch, or Organic Prairie.
If you’re at a game or relative’s house, chances are you don’t have much say over nitrite content of your hot dog. Before you start a fight over frankfurters, there’s a semi-remedy. Piling on antioxidant rich condiments like sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), and whole grain mustard counteracts some of the nastiness from nitrites.
And while you’re making better decisions with the dog, do the same with the bun. Skip the white squishy type. Lisa talked about the benefits of sprouted grains recently, and turns out, Food For Life (Ezekiel 4.9) and Alvarado St. both make the ideal buns for your barbeque. Udi’s, the gluten free gods, also make a delicious gluten free hot dog bun.
Label Lingo
A few other frankfurter facts, don’t be wooed by “reduced fat”, “turkey” “chicken” or “veggie” dogs. Reduced fat dogs often add ever more chemicals to make up for the mouth feel of fat. With Turkey and chicken, you still need to read the ingredients. It’s the quality of the meat, not just the source. Veggie dogs are TVP-based concoctions; veggies are not supposed to taste like hot dogs.
While it’s a meat minefield out there, hot dogs can be healthy (or healthier). Look for the brands we mentioned, be clever with condiments and enjoy your hot dog on a wholesome bun. Most of all we wish you a happy and a healthy 4th of July.
PS. There is nothing American about bacon or chili cheese dogs.
We have a lovely little "fast-food" place in Pleasantville that serves Dines hot dogs (mentioned as a favorite in the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/05/dining/05dog.html?pagewanted=2). I'm not a big hot dog aficianado but they are really good!
I will check them out Justine, thank you. I'm not such a hot dog gal myself but my family eats them. Dines nitrite free?
Happy 4th of July.
🙂
Great tips and info! I had NO CLUE that saurkraut and whole grain mustard counteract some of the nasty nitrates. Good to know. I am going to a BBQ tomorrow and was considering bringing AMY-LU chicken sausage, but I will check out the hot dog brands you recommneded now.
Yea, I just tend to stay away from the meat at these events. I feel like there is enough other stuff to fill up on!! Will be sharing this on my FB fan page!
Thanks so much for breaking it down for us Carolyn! It is a big surprise that the low-fat dogs are even more laden with chemicals. I just figured they used leaner cuts of meat, but I guess variety meat is variety meat. I'm not a big hot dog person, but this place dogmatic is near my apt and Michael is all about it. I've had their grass-fed beef dog with horseradish mustard, really the right way to do it: http://eatdogmatic.com/menu.php
Lisa- it's so friggin' unfair that all the good places are near you/downtown. I know I live in NYC but what is it with the UWS- the stroller people don't like cool/interesting/innovative food? Maybe we'll move.
I don't eat hot dogs but the rest of my family does. I always make sure to buy them from Trader Joe's because they carry nitrite free dogs. Crazy that some have HFCS. They'll put anything in hot dogs won't they???
This post was just perfect for the upcoming weekend. I'm not gonna lie, I used to love hot dogs but have since stopped eating them for all the reasons you mentioned. I miss them a bit, but it's good to know there are some options.
You're right about most people just not wanting to know what exactly a hot dog is made of. My main issue is with the amount of salt in it. It's deathly.
Also, please know that you UWS-ers definitely have it better than us UES-ers when it comes to restaurants!
I'm not much of a hot dog fan, especially when they give me headaches. Every once in awhile I like a hebrew national. Happy 4th!
Great post! I've never been a big hotdog fan, only when I go to baseball games really. I try not to think too much about what I'm eating.
I do love Applegate farms sausages and dogs. Yum.
I love what you said; "veggies aren't supposed to taste like hotdogs!" Such a great point….who wants a link of TVP surrounded by other random ingredients?! Not me. Although, they do taste pretty decent….
My daughter loves hot dogs but I don't really like it when she eats them…so this is a great read for me. I really hate buying them at home until now! Thank you for the fabulous list of companys I can trust!
hahahah can't stop laughing – "veggies aren't supposed to taste like hot dogs". True .. very true! What a great post!
I buy the Applegate farms variety every now and then, but we don't eat them to much. No sauerkraut for me thanks, but LOTS of chopped onions are pretty tasty on a dog 🙂
I am not a fast food fan…a little indulgence once in a long while should be fine. I don't think a hot dog would taste the same if it's made with reduced fat and chicken breast.
Great post. Love all your tips here. Especially the recommendation for buns. Happy Belated Fourth. Hope your summer is going well 🙂
I think that you asked a very good question. Great tips and info! Good to know. Good post!