Are Hot Dogs Really Bad for You?

Few foods say summer tradition and fun quite like a hot dog. But after gobbling down one (or two) on a sun-soaked afternoon, a question may have crossed your mind: Are hot dogs bad for you?

Not to rain on your picnic, but it’s safe to say that they’re not the healthiest food around.

Now, that doesn’t mean hot dogs should be yanked off your grill, but you might want to rethink your approach to this classic cookout favorite, says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. Here’s why.

Why aren’t hot dogs a healthy choice?

A standard hot dog tends to be calorie-dense and high in saturated fat — which isn’t an ideal combo. Looking deeper, the ingredient list for hot dogs raises a few red flags for your health. That includes:

• Processed meat: Regularly eating processed meat has been linked to higher risks of certain diseases, including colorectal cancer and heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies hot dogs as a carcinogen, like asbestos and tobacco.
• Added salt: One beef hot dog can have upward of 20% of your recommended daily sodium intake. A diet high in sodium can contribute to elevated blood pressure, which raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Nitrates and nitrites: These preservatives can form compounds in the body that are associated with an increased risk of cancer. That’s particularly true when nitrates and nitrites in meat-based products are cooked at high heat.

Hot dogs are considered an ultra-processed food made mostly from refined ingredients and additives (like those mentioned above). It takes significant industrial processing to turn all that stuff into a meat stick.

In general, that’s not a recipe for better health.

“High consumption of ultra-processed foods — specifically, processed meats — has been shown to increase risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer,” Zumpano cautions. “It shows that what you eat day after day matters.”

Are there healthier hot dogs?

If you’re looking to make your hot dog selection a little bit healthier, you have a few choices for the grill. They include:

• Hot dogs made from leaner meats, like chicken or turkey
• Plant-based hot dogs
• Lower-sodium hot dogs
• Uncured hot dogs (no nitrates or nitrites)
• Organic hot dogs

“You also want to look at the ingredients,” advises Zumpano. “If you see more processed ingredients and ingredients you can’t pronounce, that’s the type of hot dog you probably want to avoid or limit.”

Healthier hot dog toppings

Your choice of toppings can also add nutritional value (or at least, fewer negatives) to your hot dog. For instance:

• Mustard stands atop the picnic podium as the healthiest condiment choice. It’s lower in calories and sugar than ketchup. It also has fewer calories and less fat than mayo or other creamy sauces.
• Fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes and peppers add flavor and nutrients without the added sodium in many pre-packaged options. (Those veggies would make a nice salsa, too!)
• Sauerkraut can deliver a tasty tanginess plus probiotics that are good for gut health.

“Hot dog toppings can make more of a nutritional difference than you might think,” emphasizes Zumpano. “Certain choices can add flavor and freshness while keeping the list of negatives from getting longer.”

Should you stop eating hot dogs?

Hot dogs don’t have to be off your table, but it’s best if they’re not a regular part of your diet. Try to save hot dogs for special occasions, suggests Zumpano.

So, go ahead and grab a hot dog off the grill at your family picnic. Roast one over a campfire under a starry sky. Order one to eat in the stands at a ballgame while cheering on your favorite team.

“Sometimes, hot dogs are more than just food — they’re part of the moment,” Zumpano understands. “Enjoy them during those times. You’ve got plenty of other meals where you can make healthier choices.”