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Its official. The best hot dogs are made with beef. You may already know this, but I didn’t. It was especially hard for me to accept because I grew up in a world where pork hot dogs were the norm. In our recent taste test, we tried 17 different kinds of hot dogs, some made with beef, some with pork, and some with a mix of these and other meats. The pork dogs easily came in last, with only one exception. More on that later.
In the lead: kosher beef—namely that by Hebrew National. Concerned about nitrates? We also picked a best no-nitrate-added variety. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see how we did this and a full list of the hot dogs we tried. First up, the rankings!.
The great hot dog debate – beef versus pork – has divided backyard cooks and foodies alike for decades. Both varieties have legions of loyal fans who swear theirs is the superior choice. But when it comes down to taste, texture, nutrition and tradition, how do these two iconic hot dogs really compare?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore what sets beef and pork hot dogs apart. Whether you’re a diehard beef dog lover or a pork dog purist read on to gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of America’s beloved grilled fare.
A Look Inside Beef and Pork Hot Dogs
First, let’s peek behind the scenes to see what goes into making these two staple hot dogs.
Beef Hot Dogs
- Made from a mixture of beef trimmings and fat
- Often incorporate seasonings like garlic, paprika, onion and peppercorns
- Commonly smoked over hardwood like hickory which adds flavor
- Includes beef broth or water to moisten and bind mixture
- Uses pork or chicken as additional source of fat
- Typically low in fat and calories compared to pork dogs
Pork Hot Dogs
- Use trimmings from pork cuts like shoulder and loin
- May include fat, skin and organ meats like heart and tongue
- Tend to have more fat than beef hot dogs
- Often seasoned with coriander, nutmeg, celery seed and garlic
- Cured with nitrites/nitrates which stabilize color and add tangy flavor
- Sometimes smoked over fruitwood like apple or cherry wood
Now let’s see how these different ingredients impact the taste and nutrition of the final products.
Comparing the Flavor Profiles
The proteins and seasonings used create unique flavor experiences in beef versus pork franks
Beef Hot Dogs
- Hearty, beefy, meaty flavor
- Robust, savory taste
- Smoky notes from hardwood smoking
- Slightly salty from curing
- Umami richness from MSG sometimes added
Pork Hot Dogs
- Subtler, milder flavor than beef
- Sweet, tangy taste from sugars and spices
- Fruitwood smoke flavors if smoked
- Prominent tart, tangy snap from cured salts
- Less robust than all-beef dogs
So if you’re looking for a bolder, beefier bite, beef hot dogs deliver more concentrated meatiness. Pork hot dogs offer a more layered flavor experience with sweet, sour and smoky notes.
Nutritional Profile Differences
The ingredients and cuts of meat impact the nutritional values
Beef Hot Dogs
- Around 140-170 calories
- 5-9g fat
- 12-16g protein
- Higher protein than pork
- Less total fat and saturated fat
- No carbohydrates
- Source of iron, zinc, B vitamins
Pork Hot Dogs
- Usually 180-200 calories
- Up to 16g fat
- Around 10-12g protein
- More calories than beef franks
- Higher fat content, even some unsaturated fat
- Minimal carbs from sugars
- Source of thiamin, potassium, some iron
So beef hot dogs are lower in calories and fat, with more protein. Pork hot dogs offer a bit more of certain micronutrients. Those watching fat or calories may prefer beef dogs.
The History and Tradition Behind the Hot Dogs
Both types of hot dogs have unique origins and cultural significance:
All-Beef Hot Dogs
- Emerged as American favorite by early 1900s
- Became ballpark staple starting in the 1920s
- Signature of American cookouts and picnics
- Pink’s in LA famous for chili cheese dogs
- NYC street cart dogs drowned in sauerkraut
Pork and Chicken Franks
- Evolved from German frankfurters and wieners
- Added to buns first by German immigrants
- Coney Island hot dogs in Detroit traditionally pork/beef blend
- Chicago-style hot dogs use all-beef but offer neon relish
- More European and kosher flair
While both are American classics, beef hot dogs skew more nationwide, while pork and chicken franks reflect European roots.
Choosing Your Toppings
You can customize either hot dog with a world of savory toppings:
- Sauerkraut, relish, onions for tang
- Chili, cheese, avocado for richness
- Bacon, pulled pork, coleslaw for crunch
- Jalapeños, salsa, Cholula for heat
From downhome to gourmet, the possibilities are endless!
The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
At the end of the day, the great hot dog debate comes down to individual taste. Beef hot dogs offer that quintessential backyard flavor. But pork and chicken franks present a less expected experience.
The nutrition differences are fairly negligible in the context of an overall diet. And both types have unique backgrounds that have shaped American food traditions.
The best hot dog is simply the one you enjoy most! Backyard chefs can embrace the culinary adventure and decide for themselves whether beef or pork reigns supreme off the grill. With an array of tasty toppings, you truly can’t go wrong.
So grab your ketchup and mustard, fire up the barbecue, and get ready to bite into America’s beloved summer fare! How do you like your hot dogs?
The Best Uncured Hot Dogs: Niman Ranch
The word “uncured” on hot dog packaging is perhaps a little misleading. What it essentially means is that theres no sodium nitrite in the product. What manufacturers usually use instead is celery powder, a natural product that is high in nitrates (nitrates convert to nitrites in the presence of bacteria in the meat, extending the meats shelf life and helping the meat retain a pink color). If youre lucky, though, the hot dogs are still being smoked, which is a different kind of curing. While many brands use smoke extracts, Niman Ranchs dogs are smoked in wood pits; the flavor proves it and so does the exterior, which has a wonderful snap thats the result of that slow smoking. The standard Niman Ranch hot dog is approximately the same length as many other brands “bun-length” varieties, and thicker too—not as thick as a jumbo dog, but enough to notice.
The Best Hot Dogs for Pork Lovers: Niman Ranch
The pork hot dogs we tried didn’t have as much flavor as the beef hot dogs we tried. Don’t get mad at me when I say that these “pork” hot dogs are also made with beef. Truth is, we couldnt find any hot dogs in the supermarket that contained only pork. Many contain pork plus chicken or turkey. These beef and pork dogs aren’t as thick as the Niman Ranch all-beef franks, but they’re about the same size as most dogs that come in buns. The all-beef dogs are firmer, but these still have the signature smoky flavor that comes from being slow-smoked. If you prefer to go for pork dogs, go for these.
What is in HOT DOGS? Are Hot Dogs Good for You? – Dr.Berg
FAQ
Should hot dogs be beef or pork?
What is the best meat for hot dogs?
Why are beef hot dogs better?
What kind of hot dogs are better for you?
Is a beef hot dog healthier than a pork hot dog?
A beef hot dog is typically lower in calories and fat than a pork hot dog. While a beef hot dog may contain as few as 150 calories and 6 grams of fat, a pork hot dog can contain up to 200 calories and 8 grams of fat. This is a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Are hot dogs bad for elderly adults?
Eating processed meat such as hot dog are involved in the etiology of human cancer of the stomach, esophagus, nasal cavity and brain and of leukemia. This is because N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which comprise nitrosamines and nitrosamides are found in hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and ham.
Are pork hot dogs made with beef?
On the whole, the pork hot dogs we tasted lacked flavor compared to the beef hot dogs we tasted. So when I tell you that these “pork” hot dogs are also made with beef, don’t be mad at me. Truth is, we couldn’t find any hot dogs in the supermarket that contained only pork. Many contain pork plus chicken or turkey.
Are hot dogs better?
Hot dogs are made from better ingredients, with fewer additives. One thing hasn’t changed: Billions of hot dogs will be eaten at cookouts this summer, and serving them is one of the easiest ways we know to make people happy. Hot dogs on the gas grill, cooked until well browned. Karsten Moran for The New York Times