Hot dogs are grilled sausages that are popular in the US. They are often served between golden buns with condiments on top. Plus, there’s nothing better than a hot dog right off the grill in the summer. I was interested in how fast food restaurants would prepare this classic dish.
As part of an ongoing Insider taste test series, I did a taste test of four popular fast food chains: Sonic Drive-In, Five Guys, Checkers, and Dairy Queen. The goal was to find the best hot dog.
To be fair, I got a beef hot dog on a bun from each place and had ketchup and mustard put on top of them. I judged the hot dogs based on tasted and value.
Dairy Queen is known for its delicious hot dogs but a common question is – are they really made with 100% beef? As a fast food chain, some people may assume DQ uses low-quality meat fillers to cut costs. However I decided to do some digging to find out if their hot dogs are actually all beef or not.
As a longtime DQ fan, I was really hoping their hot dogs would stand up to scrutiny Hot dogs just aren’t the same without high-quality beef! I headed over to my local Dairy Queen’s website to do some research According to their menu description, their hot dog contains “Beefy goodness nestled in a perfectly plump bun.” That’s a good start! It specifically says it contains beef.
Next, I took a look at the ingredients list and nutrition information The main ingredient listed is simply “Beef.” Further down, it mentions containing less than 2% of seasonings like salt, sodium phosphate, and paprika The nutrition info shows 12g of protein per hot dog, which aligns with an all-beef dog. I’m not seeing any signs of filler meats or extra additives. So far, so good!
To gather more intel, I ordered a hot dog meal during my next DQ run. When I unwrapped it, the hot dog certainly looked and tasted like real grilled beef. It had that classic hot dog texture and smoky char marks on the outside. As I ate it, I didn’t notice any odd textures or flavors that would suggest it wasn’t 100% beef. Just good old meaty flavors.
Next, I contacted DQ customer service directly to ask if their hot dogs contain any meats besides beef. The rep assured me that the hot dogs are made from only beef and contain no other meat fillers like pork or chicken. That confirmation directly from the source sealed the deal for me!
After all of my research, I am confident that Dairy Queen hot dogs are indeed made of pure beef, despite being a fast food menu item. DQ uses quality ingredients, at least when it comes to their hot dogs. They cook up their dogs by steaming them to juicy perfection before placing them in a soft, pillowy bun. No shortcuts here!
The bottom line is you can enjoy your Dairy Queen hot dog knowing it’s an all-beef product. On your next DQ run, feel free to grab a hot dog and know you’re getting the real deal. They use high-quality beef for that perfect char-grilled taste!
And if you want to spice up your DQ dog, they offer lots of great topping options too. Cheese, chili, and bacon add lots of extra flavors. You can also grab condiments like mustard, ketchup, and relish to craft your perfect dog.
So don’t hesitate to grab a hot dog or two on your next visit to Dairy Queen. Their beef hot dogs are a delicious, satisfying treat you can enjoy guilt-free. You really can’t beat a perfectly steamed and grilled all-beef hot dog nestled into a soft bun. It’s a classic meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again!
A Closer Look at Dairy Queen’s Hot Dog Offerings
Dairy Queen’s hot dogs are a menu staple, but they actually offer two delicious options. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
The Original DQ Hot Dog
This is their classic hot dog offering. It features a full-size beef frankfurter steamed and grilled to perfection. The steamed hot dog is incredibly juicy and plump, while the grilling gives it a smoky, savory flavor. It comes nestled in a soft, warm bun.
The original DQ hot dog packs a hearty 330 calories and 12g of protein. It’s a satisfying meal when you’re craving classic hot dog flavors. This option is available at every DQ location year-round.
The Chili Cheese Dog
This hot dog takes things up a notch by smothering the original dog in DQ’s famous chili and melted cheddar cheese. Their smooth, meaty chili contains chunks of ground beef in a tomato sauce. Paired with the melted cheese, it makes a deliciously messy and hearty hot dog.
The Chili Cheese Dog contains 500 calories and 18g of protein. So it packs an even bigger punch of flavor and satisfaction. It’s an excellent option when you’re extra hungry! This loaded dog is also available year-round.
Hot Dog Topping Options at Dairy Queen
One of the best things about hot dogs is customizing them with fun toppings and condiments. At Dairy Queen, you have lots of ways to spice up your dog:
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Chili: As mentioned, you can add their thick, meaty chili for an extra savory flavor boost.
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Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese takes your dog to the next level.
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Bacon: Crispy pieces of bacon add a smoky crunch.
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Onions: Grilled onions give a sweet, aromatic topping.
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Relish: Tangy diced pickles and peppers.
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Mustard: Classic yellow mustard packs a kick.
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Ketchup: Sweet tomato ketchup is always a popular choice.
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Mayo: Creamy mayo adds a rich flavor.
With all those options, you can really customize your DQ hot dog to match your preferences. I suggest loading up with multiple toppings to make each bite better than the last!
Why Dairy Queen Uses High-Quality Beef
You may be wondering why a fast food chain like Dairy Queen opts for all-beef hot dogs when other meats would be cheaper. There are a few likely reasons:
Flavor – Beef has the richest, most savory meaty taste that people expect in a hot dog. Other fillers just can’t match real beef.
Brand Reputation – DQ takes pride in using quality ingredients. All-beef builds trust with health-conscious customers.
Product Consistency – Pure beef allows them to achieve the same flavor and texture in every hot dog.
Customer Satisfaction – People expect 100% beef when they order a hot dog. DQ aims to satisfy.
Product Performance – All-beef maintains integrity when grilling to create that perfect char and snap.
Essentially, only pure beef can deliver the iconic hot dog eating experience people know and love. DQ understands this and uses quality ingredients so customers always have a delicious, satisfying meal.
Tips for Enjoying Dairy Queen Hot Dogs
Here are my top tips for making your DQ hot dog experience even more awesome:
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Try both the original dog and the loaded Chili Cheese Dog for variety.
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Take advantage of all the toppings to customize your perfect dog.
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Order two dogs instead of one to really satisfy your craving.
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Grab hot dog meals which come with fries and a drink for a complete meal.
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Use DQ coupons and deals in their app to save money on hot dogs.
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Check the seasonal Blizzard flavors and pair your hot dog with an iconic Blizzard.
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Order your food ahead on the app for quick grab-and-go convenience.
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Ask for extra napkins and relish packets since hot dogs can get messy.
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Enjoy your hot dogs right away while they’re hot and fresh.
With these handy tips, you can maximize your Dairy Queen hot dog experience. So next time you get a craving, you’ll know just how to satisfy it!
The History of Hot Dogs at Dairy Queen
Hot dogs have long been a menu staple at Dairy Queen. Let’s look back at the history of hot dogs at this classic fast food chain:
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1940s – The first DQ restaurant opens in Joliet, IL selling soft serve treats.
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1958 – The first hot dog offerings appear at DQ to complement their desserts.
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1960s – Chili dogs are added to the menu as a more filling hot dog meal.
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1980s – Improved grills allow each DQ to cook hot dogs fresh on-site.
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1990s – Hot dogs become available year-round due to popular demand.
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2000s – New toppings like bacon expand hot dog customization options.
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2010s – Creative hot dogs and limited time options draw interest.
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Today – DQ hot dogs remain a core part of the menu at over 6,000 locations.
As you can see, hot dogs and DQ have gone hand-in-hand for over half a century now. Each decade has seen new innovations that improved the offerings. The chain has stuck to its all-beef promise all these years later. Here’s hoping DQ hot dogs continue pleasing customers for decades more!
Why Dairy Queen Hot Dogs Beat Other Fast Food Hot Dogs
Dairy Queen serves up some of the best hot dogs you’ll find at any major fast food chain. Here are some reasons why DQ dogs beat the competition:
Better Beef – DQ uses 100% beef while some chains mix in pork or other fillers.
Plumper Size – DQ dogs are full-size and steamed to juicy perfection.
Softer Buns – The
The grilled hot dog at Checkers was a solid choice at a low cost
The grilled hot dog at Checkers was topped with an even blend of both ketchup and mustard. The 6-inch hot dog came wrapped in paper, which kept the toasted, slightly sweetened bun nice and warm.
For some reason, this hot dog looks and tastes like it was boiled, even though it says “grilled” on the menu. Even so, I thought this was a great-tasting hot dog with a nice meat-to-bun ratio.
I felt like the grilled hot dog from Checkers was a great deal, costing me just $1 ($1. 07 with sales tax).
The kosher-style hot dog at Five Guys was a bit pricey but very flavorful
A simple kosher-style hot dog from Five Guys was wrapped in aluminum foil to keep it warm. When it came out of the kitchen, it looked fresh and hot. Advertisement.
The bun was crisp and evenly toasted and the meat was slightly charred but juicy. Overall, I thought there were just the right amount of toppings on the hot dog—they didn’t take away from the taste of the meat or bun.
I liked this hot dog a lot, but I wasn’t sure if the slightly higher price of $4 was worth it. 49 ($4. 81 with sales tax).
Dairy Queen Chili Cheese Dog Review | Chili Cheese Hotdog
FAQ
Are there non beef hot dogs?
Are New York hot dogs beef?
Are red hot dogs beef?
Does Dairy Queen make chili dogs?
Does Dairy Queen have hot dogs?
Dairy Queen is known for its Blizzards but it also serves hot food, including great hot dogs. It does not get more basic or elegant than Dairy Queen’s all-beef hot dog. You can order a DQ hot dog plain or with cheese, and then add condiments as you see fit. Fun fact: The original Shake Shack location was actually a hot dog cart.
Does Dairy Queen have ketchup?
The Dairy Queen hot dog was loaded with ketchup and mustard. Meghan Cook Dairy Queen’s 6-inch hot dog was loaded with mustard and ketchup. The meat was slightly chewy and pink, a bit lighter than the meat of some of the other hot dogs I tried.
Does DQ® have hot dogs?
420 Cal No one does hot dogs better than your local DQ® restaurant! Order them plain or for the ultimate taste sensation, try our fabulous Chili Cheese dog. Menu items may vary by location and are subject to change. Find a DQ® near you to see local deals, get store info, and treat yourself. Pairs great with
What does Meghan cook hot dog taste like?
Meghan Cook Dairy Queen’s 6-inch hot dog was loaded with mustard and ketchup. The meat was slightly chewy and pink, a bit lighter than the meat of some of the other hot dogs I tried. I thought this hot dog tasted quite similar to the one from Checkers even though it cost slightly more at $2.39 ($2.56 with tax).