Indulging in hot dogs is a timeless pleasure, especially during the summer. Whether you're enjoying them at a ballgame, grilling them at a family cookout, or grabbing a quick bite from your favorite fast-food spot, there's something about a juicy hot dog on a toasted bun that satisfies your cravings. However, it's essential to acknowledge that this delicious treat may not always be the best nutritional choice. The nutritional value of certain fast-food hot dogs can be surprising and leave you concerned about your health.
According to Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD, most fast-food hot dogs, like their counterparts, are generally unhealthy due to the use of preservatives. "These hot dogs often contain nitrates and nitrites, which are commonly used as preservatives in processed meats," explains Sabat. "While these compounds aid in preventing bacterial growth, enhancing flavor, and giving the meat an appealing pink color, excessive consumption or specific conditions can lead to chemical reactions in the body, forming harmful compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic and have the potential to cause cancer."
The issue with fast-food hot dogs extends beyond preservatives, as they tend to be high in total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and occasionally trans fat.
"To prioritize your health, it's crucial to consume fast-food hot dogs in moderation and as part of a balanced diet," advises Sabat. "Opting for healthier alternatives and preparing hot dogs at home using leaner meats and whole grain buns can be a wiser choice for those concerned about their well-being."
Below, you'll find a list of the top 10 fast-food hot dogs that contain the highest levels of the aforementioned components. It's advisable to limit or completely avoid these options if you're looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
1) Sonic Chili Cheese Coney Dog: A Nutritional Red Flag
Per serving: 470 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat, 1.5g trans fat), 1,260mg sodium, 34g carbs (2g fiber, 5g sugar), 18g protein
The Sonic Chili Cheese Coney Dog may seem harmless, but it packs a nutritional punch you should be aware of. Each serving of this hot dog contains high calories, unhealthy fats, and a significant amount of sodium. The saturated fat content poses a risk to heart health, while excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure.
2) Sonic Footlong Quarter Pounder Coney Dog: A Nutritional Nightmare
Per serving: 790 calories, 49g fat (19g saturated fat, 1g trans fat), 2,300mg sodium, 55g carbs (3g fiber, 9g sugar), 31g protein
If you thought the Sonic Chili Cheese Coney Dog was bad, brace yourself for the Sonic Footlong Quarter Pounder Coney Dog. Each serving of this hot dog contains nearly the recommended daily intake of saturated fat for most adults. It also surpasses the daily maximum sodium limit recommended by the CDC. On top of that, it contains one gram of trans fat, which can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. It's best to limit your consumption of trans fats to no more than 2.2 grams per day or avoid them altogether.
3) Dairy Queen Chili Cheese Dog: A Nutritional Setback
Per serving: 420 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat, 1g trans fat), 1,070mg sodium, 28g carbs (1g fiber, 4g sugar), 18g protein
If you're planning to enjoy a Blizzard at Dairy Queen, it's advisable to skip adding a hot dog to your order. The Dairy Queen Chili Cheese Dog is considered an unhealthy choice due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. Additionally, it lacks sufficient fiber, with only 1 gram per serving. Adequate fiber intake is important for digestion, healthy cholesterol levels, stable blood sugar, and weight management. The high levels of saturated fat and sodium can also contribute to poor heart health and high blood pressure.
4) Checkers/Rally's Chili Cheese Dog: Unhealthy Combination
Per serving: 410 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 1,290mg sodium, 28g carbs (1g fiber, 6g sugar), 13g protein
Similar to other fast-food hot dogs on this list, the Checkers/Rally's Chili Cheese Dog is high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. The excessive amounts of saturated fat and sodium can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and hypertension, while the low fiber content raises the risk of high cholesterol and intestinal problems. It's important to note that adding fries and a soda to this order will further increase the intake of calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. If you're truly craving a hot dog, consider opting for their plain Grilled Hot Dog with some ketchup and mustard.
5) Wienerschnitzel Junkyard Dog: Unhealthy Toppings
Per serving: 430 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 1,370mg sodium, 42g carbs (2g fiber, 5g sugar), 12g protein
Just looking at the photo of the Wienerschnitzel Junkyard Dog is enough to understand why it made our list of the unhealthiest hot dogs. This hot dog is topped with fries, cheese, onions, and chili sauce, and is served on a white bun. Unfortunately, it does no favors for your health. Each serving contains excessive net carbs, calories, fat, and sodium, while providing minimal fiber. Although the saturated fat content is relatively lower compared to other hot dogs on the list, individuals concerned about heart health should still approach this option with caution.
6) Portillo's Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog: Caloric Overload
Per serving: 610 calories, 40g fat (18g saturated fat), 2,159mg sodium, 37g carbs (1g fiber, 6g sugar), 27g protein
Portillo's Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog is a true indulgence when it comes to calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Each serving contains nearly a day's worth of sodium and saturated fat, with only one gram of fiber. If you're prioritizing your health, it's best to skip this option.
7) Portillo's Maxwell Street Polish Sausage: Nutritional Concerns
Per serving: 570 calories, 39g fat (13g saturated fat), 1,886mg sodium, 32g carbs (1g fiber, 7g sugar), 25g protein
Another concerning item from Portillo's is the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage. Each serving is high in fat, saturated fat, and sodium, providing minimal fiber. With nearly 40 grams of fat, 13 grams of saturated fat, and a whopping 1,886 milligrams of sodium, the only benefit this hot dog offers is a burst of delicious, savory flavors. However, if you're craving the salty comfort of a hot dog, consider choosing Portillo's regular Hot Dog instead and top it with ketchup, relish, tomato, onion, and mustard to keep your calories, fat, and sodium intake in check.
8) A&W Coney Cheese Dog: Sodium and Trans Fat Alert
Per serving: 360 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat), 1,160mg sodium, 29g carbs (0g fiber, 4g sugar), 15g protein
A&W may be known for its famous root beer, but when it comes to hot dogs, the A&W Coney Cheese Dog demands caution. Each serving is high in sodium, with 1,160 milligrams, and it contains 0.5 grams of trans fat. As previously mentioned, trans fats are detrimental to health, leading to complications such as clogged arteries, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.
9) Five Guys Bacon Cheese Dog: Nutritional Woes
Per serving: 670 calories, 48g fat, 1,700mg sodium, 40.5g carbs
Five Guys is renowned for its greasy burgers and overflowing bags of French fries, but their hot dogs also contribute to nutritional concerns. Among their hot dog offerings, the Bacon Cheese Dog is the least healthy in terms of nutritional value—or lack thereof. While their website does not provide a full list of nutrition facts for the Bacon Cheese Dog, the available information indicates high calories, total fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. If you're truly craving a hot dog, consider opting for their original Hot Dog, which contains 500 calories and 35 grams of fat.
10) Shake Shack Flat-Top Dog: A Relatively Better Option
Per serving: 350 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 800mg sodium, 25g carbs (0g fiber, 6g sugar)
Compared to most other hot dogs on this list, the Shake Shack Flat-Top Dog offers a slightly more manageable nutritional profile. It is lower in calories, fat, and sodium. However, it still contains a significant amount of saturated fat, approaching the recommended daily limit. With 10 grams of saturated fat, it's essential to exercise moderation. One advantage of choosing the Flat-Top Dog over Shake Shack's burgers is that the hot dog doesn't contain any trans fat, which is present in some of their burger options.
While enjoying a hot dog occasionally is fine, it's important to be mindful of their nutritional content and opt for healthier choices whenever possible.