The Best And Worst Hot Dogs At The Grocery Store, Ranked By Nutritionists
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Key Points:
- Health experts recommend avoiding traditional or ballpark-labeled hot dogs due to high sodium, additives, and preservatives, which increase health risks including certain cancers.
- Better options include hot dogs made from whole beef, turkey, or chicken, especially those labeled uncured and nitrate/nitrite-free, with less than 400 mg of sodium per serving.
- Vegetarian hot dogs with minimally processed ingredients like tofu are preferred over those with heavily processed soy protein, though occasional consumption of processed veggie dogs is unlikely to be harmful.
- Nutritionists highlight specific healthier brands such as Organic Valley, Applegate Naturals, and Upton Naturals, while advising to avoid brands like Ball Park, Kayem, Gwaltney, and Lightlife due to poorer nutritional profiles.
- Experts emphasize moderation, noting that enjoying less healthy hot dogs occasionally at barbecues is acceptable within an overall balanced diet.