Take a look at the list of ingredients in most hot dogs sold in grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores across the country. You might choose a different snack at that point. One well-known brand’s list of hot dog ingredients starts with turkey, chicken, and pork that have been mechanically separated. It then goes on to list corn syrup and dextrose. It might surprise you to learn that fast food restaurants still serve great all-beef hot dogs if you know where to look.
Since many fast food items get a bad name, you might think that fast food hot dogs would be no different. You might expect to find a slurry of meats that have been mixed together and pressed into the shape of a tube. There are also places where you can get fast food hot dogs with a meat mix and other very unpleasant ingredients. Other places have surprisingly tasty dogs that are actually made with beef.
If you’re in the mood for an all-beef hot dog, these are the best fast food places to get one. Just remember to eat them in moderation, since most hot dogs are also pretty high in fat and salt.
Five Guys is about more than burgers, fries, and peanuts it turns out. On its website, Five Guys says that each of its four hot dog options is proudly “all-beef.” The popular chain also serves a number of sandwiches and some very good milkshakes. And said all-beef dogs are “split and grilled lengthwise for a caramelized exterior. “.
Even though most Nathan’s Famous locations are now only delivery restaurants (a few still have takeout and a few dine-in spots), the classic beef hot dogs that you will get delivered are still available. And in fact, youll get the same when you buy Nathans dogs in the grocery store, too.
There are a lot of hot dogs at Wienerschnitzel that aren’t 100% pure beef, but that’s the point. Poland’s Polish hot dogs are a mix of beef and pork. The chain also has the World Famous Original dog, which is also a mix of meats, and an all-beef hot dog. Customers can choose any of those three options for any of the chains many hot dog offerings.
Shake Shack’s famous Flat-Top Dogs are 100% beef. They are cooked on a flat-top grill that gives them a caramelized sear, a lot like Five Guys’ dogs. Once you add cheese sauce, chopped bacon, and your favorite condiments, they are 100% awesome.
Things get a little tricky now, so bear with us: Portillos has three types of hot dogs, and the Polish sausage is the only one that isn’t made from beef. Next, keep in mind that their regular-sized hot dogs are made from sheep, but their Jumbo hot dogs are 100% beef. If you want all-beef dogs from Portillos in the purest sense, go Jumbo. Any of them will taste good if you don’t care too much about the details.
Sonic makes a great hot dog. It comes with ketchup, relish, mustard, and diced onions. You can also add chili, jalapeños, pickles, shredded cheese, and tomatoes. Also, the base of it all is a premium beef all-American dog made with 100% pure beef. “.
Come for the root beer; stay for the all-beef hot dogs. The chain also has Coney Dogs and Coney Cheese Dogs, too. You shouldn’t assume the same for the Corn Dog Nuggets because we weren’t 100% sure about them, but they sound delicious.
Thought it might be a dark horse, but what else do you call the hot food sold at Costco stores besides fast food? It’s also amazingly cheap food, since each dog costs only a dollar. Cheap in terms of ingredients, though? Not at all. Costco serves 100% pure beef Kirkland Signature hot dogs. And hey, FYI, for $1. 50 you get a fountain soda, too. Steven John: Steven John is a freelance writer for Eat This, Not That! who lives not far from New York City.
Like millions of other fast food fans, I have a soft spot for Sonic Drive-In. When I’m craving a quick, tasty bite, their signature corn dogs really hit the spot. That crispy cornmeal coating and savory hot dog flavor is hard to resist!
But as a curious foodie I had to know – is Sonic telling the truth when they advertise these corn dogs are made with 100% beef? Or is there more to the story?
In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery of what exactly goes into Sonic corn dogs. Are they all beef, or is there a catch? I’ll also answer some common questions about ingredients, prep methods, and why Sonic corn dogs have such enduring popularity. Let’s dig in!
Sonic’s Bold Claim: 100% Beef Corn Dogs
Open any Sonic menu or commercial and you’ll see it proudly proclaimed “100% beef” corn dogs. This signals high quality and natural ingredients to customers.
Unlike some fast food chains that are vague about components like “meat product” or “poultry portion”, Sonic wants buyers to know their corn dogs contain nothing but real beef. No odd animal blends or mystery meat here.
But is this bold “all beef” claim legit? Or just savvy marketing? Let’s scrutinize further.
Questionable Ingredients? Examining the Evidence
To get the full story, I took a trip through the ingredients lists and nutrition info for Sonic corn dogs. Here’s what I found:
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The fine print states a beef frank, matching the 100% beef description. No qualifiers like “flavored” or “containing.”
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Cornmeal is listed first, as expected for the outer coating. No red flags there.
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The calorie count aligns with a typical beef and cornmeal recipe. No filler ingredients that would jack up calories.
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No weird additives or preservatives beyond expected items like salt, spices, and leavening agents. A relatively simple and natural formula.
Overall, nothing stood out as undermining Sonic’s “all beef” claims. It checks out that these corn dogs are made with actual beef franks and no thyroid-disrupting chemicals. Point for truth in advertising!
Why Choose Beef Over Chicken or Pork?
With the classic corn dog taste stemming from the beef filling, Sonic made the right call using:
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Rich, meaty flavor that stands out even when coated and deep fried. Chicken or pork would get lost.
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Hearty texture that holds up on a stick. Less firm meats would disintegrate.
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Universal appeal, since beef is widely enjoyed across age groups. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
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Nostalgic taste that takes eaters back. Beef hot dogs are what most of us grew up on.
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Versatility to add lots of toppings and condiments. Beef complements so many flavors.
When it comes to corn dogs, beef is the best choice to deliver a crave-worthy experience for customers. Way to go, Sonic!
Preparation: How Sonic Makes These Corn Dogs
Ever wonder how they transform those giant chilled beef franks into piping hot corn dogs at Sonic? Here’s the process:
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The beef frank is skewered on a sturdy wooden stick.
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A cornmeal batter with spices and leavening agents is prepared fresh daily.
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The franks are dipped into the thin tempura-like batter until fully coated.
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Into the deep fryer they go for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Drained briefly on a rack to allow excess oil to drip off.
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Served immediately while hot and crispy!
It’s a quick, simple preparation that allows the natural flavors of beef and cornmeal to shine. Deep frying locks in that signature crunch.
Why America Loves Sonic Corn Dogs
Within fast food, corn dogs hold a special place in Americans’ hearts and stomachs. Sonic does them better than most, which explains their ongoing popularity:
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Nostalgic taste of a classic state fair and carnival food. Takes you back!
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Portability – easy to eat on the go with no utensils needed. Grab and go.
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Affordability at just a couple bucks each. A budget-friendly meal.
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Tantalizing flavors with the sweet cornmeal coating and savory beef interior. A perfect combo.
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Speedy service as a Sonic drive-in specialty. Get your fix fast.
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Customization options like toppings and dipping sauces. Have it your way.
With crispy-outside, beefy-inside perfection, Sonic corn dogs satisfy all the cravings.
Questions People Ask About Sonic Corn Dogs
Over the years, I’ve heard every question in the book about Sonic corn dogs. Here are some common FAQs along with the real answers:
Q: Are they made with whole muscle beef or trimmings?
A: They use whole beef muscle, not trimmings or beef “paste.”
Q: Do they have that questionable “meat batter” like some brands?
A: Nope, it’s a simple cornmeal batter surrounding 100% beef.
Q: Are they made with weird meat mixtures?
A: No mystery meats here – just good old beef!
Q: Why not make pork or turkey corn dogs too?
A: Beef has the best flavor and texture for corn dogs.
Q: Are corn dogs unhealthy?
A: In moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Load up on toppings for extra nutrition!
The Verdict: Sonic’s Claims Check Out
After diving into ingredients lists, prep methods and FAQs, I’m convinced those Sonic corn dogs are the real deal. The 100% beef claim holds up. Hats off to Sonic for transparency and delivering the quality we expect. Next time a corn dog craving strikes, I know where I’ll head for a tasty, beefy fix!
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Sonic® | Corn Dog Review! | 1st Time Eating a Corn Dog! | .50 Cents
What are Sonic corn dogs made of?
Sonic Corn Dogs are made of hot dogs that are wrapped in cornbread batter and then fried. The cornbread batter is made from a mix of cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and milk. What Kind of Corn Dogs Does Sonic Use? Are Sonic Hot Dogs Beef Or Pork? What is Corn Dog Meat Made Of? Are Mini Corn Dogs Beef Or Pork?
How much does a corn dog cost at Sonic?
It’s always good practice to mention any Sonic offer when ordering to ensure participation. Corn Dogs typically sell for about $1 each at most locations. Sonic’s Corn Dog features of a hot dog on a stick dipped in sweet corn batter and deep-fried until it’s golden brown.
Does Sonic have 50 Cent corn dogs?
For one day, Sonic is offering 50-cent corn dogs all day long. That’s half off the usual price of $1 per corn dog. Does Sonic have $0.50 corn dogs?