15 Healthiest Hot Dogs to Eat in 2025
Hot dogs carry a reputation as one of the unhealthiest processed meats, so pinpointing the healthiest hot dogs can feel daunting. Is simply choosing lower-fat franks enough, or do other factors separate better-for-you links from the rest? Beyond the “natural” label (no synthetic nitrates or nitrites) and the stricter "organic" standard, shoppers should weigh ingredient lists, fat and sodium content and protein sources to find healthier hot dogs.
Selecting the healthiest hot dogs that score well lets you keep sausages on the menu without short-changing nutrition. If you're looking for the healthiest hot dogs to replace your usual options, you should know which products provide the most mindful version of this American favorite.
By wrapping up the 15 healthiest hot dogs on the market, the handy guide brings all the best choices together and explains why each product provides a more beneficial hot dog experience. From nutrition facts that make sense to ingredients and limited processing that keep quality front-of-mind, you'll find informative data that helps you make the right decision for you and your dietary standards.
Jump to Section
- Are Hot Dogs Healthy?
- How We Choose The Healthiest Hot Dogs
- The 15 Healthiest Hot Dogs To Try
- What Are the Healthiest Hot Dogs?
Are Hot Dogs Healthy?
Due to their highly-processed nature, hot dogs are not generally considered a healthy food. The rich nature of premium hot dogs includes high fat, saturated fat and sodium contents, as well as higher than ideal calorie counts.
These are all clear indicators of a less-than-healthy food and are easily detected by reading the nutrition facts on the back of the package or on each product’s online listing. But there are less obvious aspects involved in choosing the healthiest hot dogs possible, namely the inclusion of nitrates and nitrites as part of the curing process.
These chemicals are linked to intestinal distress, gut microbiome disruption and an elevated cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) — a finding that reinforces the value of choosing uncured or nitrate-free links. Making sure you buy the healthiest hot dogs around means checking the label and the ingredient list to confirm your franks are free of these troublesome elements.
As with most decadent foods, hot dogs can be enjoyed as part of a mindful diet when eaten in moderation. Working your favorite takes on the healthiest hot dogs available by choosing uncured hot dogs and surrounding them with mindful accompanying dishes lets you indulge with the reassurance that you’re getting the best version of this classic American dish.
How We Choose The Healthiest Hot Dogs
For selecting the 15 healthiest hot dogs included on this list, we zeroed in on nitrate-free products, some of which are organic and use grass-fed beef for a more ethical form of animal rearing. Some are poultry-based, which reduces the calorie and fat content.
Others are vegetarian or vegan, eliminating meat of any kind from the concept of the healthiest hot dogs and replacing animal ingredients with plant-based components or fully alternative meats, products like Impossible and Beyond. The resulting collection represents the most health-minded and informed array of hot dogs on the market.
Guide to the healthiest hot dogs:
- Focuses on nitrate- and nitrite-free products.
- Emphasizes organic and grass-fed meats, when available.
- Includes the healthiest hot dogs made from plant-based ingredients.
- Features products currently available for purchase in the U.S.
- Highlights items that are easily found at grocers, warehouse retailers and online outlets.
A note on trans fat: A few links on this list contain up to 1 gram of trans fat, a by-product of animal fat that’s difficult to remove entirely from cured meats. The amount is flagged in each nutrition panel so you can weigh it against the lower saturated-fat, nitrate-free profiles that still put these products among the healthiest hot dogs available.
The 15 Healthiest Hot Dogs To Try
1. Oscar Mayer Natural Uncured Beef Franks
The first name in hot dog happiness for generations, Oscar Mayer enters the fray of the healthiest hot dogs available with its natural and uncured Angus beef dogs, a more thoughtful and upscale option from a brand best known for family-friendly franks. The lack of curing means you won’t be getting nitrates or nitrites in your frank, while limited processing of beef used and inclusion of largely chemical-free ingredients gives you a hot dog with a favorable profile overall.
Despite the healthy facts about Oscar Mayer’s healthier wieners, you’re still consuming 160 calories, 14 total fat grams, 6 of which are saturated, along with 350 milligrams of sodium. Remember to enjoy these tasty hot dogs with mindfulness.
Oscar Mayer Natural Uncured Beef Franks (per 1 link, 50-gram serving)
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 350 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 1 gram
- Added Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
2. Nathan's Famous Uncured All Natural Beef Franks
The brand that sponsors an annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest takes a swing at incorporating the healthiest hot dogs possible with its Nathan's uncured option. Made with 100% beef and no artificial colors or flavors, Nathan’s uncured dogs has an ingredient list you can read without needing a degree in chemistry — a plus in the search for the healthiest hot dogs in the deli case.
Even with the natural personality, they still add 150 calories per link to your daily dietary intake, along with 5 grams of saturated fat and 500 milligrams of sodium, about 20% of the 2,300-mg recommended daily limit. Consider these aspects when planning the rest of your meal to keep your nutrition goals in check.
Nathan's Famous Uncured All Natural Beef Franks (per 1 frank, 47-gram serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 13 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 gram
- Added Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
3. Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks
It's no surprise that one of the biggest names in the world of hot dogs also offers some of the healthiest hot dogs as part of its expanded product line. Hebrew National uncured hot dogs give the usual recipe a nutritional twist by removing nitrates and nitrites. The company is famous for not including pork in its meat mix to keep the finished franks cleanly kosher, a feature that’s won the brand a die-hard following over decades of doing business in the hot dog world.
Since each dog represents 140 calories and 12 total fat grams, 4.5 of which are saturated, consider limiting your intake to one or two dogs. Eliminate the bun to keep your carb count as low as possible and pair your links with a fresh salad and this entry into the race for the healthiest hot dogs will be well worth relishing.
Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks (per 1 frank, 49-gram serving)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 430 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 grams
- Added Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
4. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Saus'ge Links
With Gardein on the scene, the possibilities for the healthiest hot dogs to add to your cookout gets a quality vegan entry featuring the company's proprietary mix of pea and wheat protein standing in for traditional meat. Beet juice is used for coloring here, while the spices and seasonings mimic bratwurst-style links for a zesty flavor that feels traditional.
The nutritional intake is on the premium side, with 190 calories and 10 grams of fat working its way onto your plate. With 660 milligrams of sodium, nearly 30% of the daily limit, it’s one of the higher salt-content dogs available, vegan or otherwise.
Dine with care and you should be able to enjoy a Gardein brat with your favorite vegetable-based sides. They still qualify as some of the healthiest hot dogs because they contain no cholesterol and less saturated fat than most beef franks.
Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Saus'ge Links (per 1 link, 99-gram serving)
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 660 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Total Sugars: 2 grams
- Added Sugars: 1 grams
- Protein: 16 grams
5. MorningStar Farms Veggie Dogs
This popular purveyor of meat free frozen foods gets in on the challenge to create the healthiest hot dogs on the market with its MorningStar farms veggie dogs. Aside from being made with plant-based ingredients that eliminate saturated fat from the equation, these tasty dogs also provide a trim 60 calories and zero grams of saturated fat each.
With numbers like that, you can easily enjoy a couple franks without upending your quest to consume the healthiest hot dogs you can. Just like other hot dogs, you can either microwave, boil or grill MorningStar Farms veggie franks. Incorporating them into your usual hot dog happenings should be an easy feat, a change your traditional hot dog eaters may not even notice!
MorningStar Farms Veggie Dogs (per 1 link, 40-gram serving)
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 0.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 370 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 2 grams
- Added Sugars: 2 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
6. Niman Ranch Uncured Pork & Beef Fearless Franks
With a blend of pork and Angus beef and a flavor that hits in the middle to make both younger and older hot dog fans happy, Niman Ranch comes up with its sausages by removing the nitrates and nitrites and avoiding preservatives in its recipe. The rest of the ingredients list is a modest array of seasonings, spices and non-fat milk to bulk up the recipe.
The meat-centered ingredients bring with them 130 calories and 9 total grams of fat, 3.5 of which are saturated. There are also 480 milligrams of sodium, which tempers the nitrate-free nature with a numbers-heavy dose of reality, so enjoy them cautiously.
Niman Ranch Uncured Pork & Beef Fearless Franks (per 1 frank, 57-gram serving)
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 gram
- Added Sugars: 0 gram
- Protein: 8 grams
7. Beyond Sausage Brat Original
Of course, if you were going to provide alternatives to meat-based burgers you're going to want to work hot dogs into the mix as well. Beyond Meat has conjured up an animal-free iteration of classic brats to spruce up the vegan and vegetarian cookout. Beyond’s brats contain 75% less saturated fat thanks to the use of avocado oil and use vegetable juice for coloring to keep synthetics out of the picture.
If you need more reasons to feel good about these non-animal links, they’re also kosher and halal, gluten- and soy-free and include zero GMO-based ingredients. But the 180 calories, 11 total fat grams and 600 milligrams of sodium — roughly 25% of a day’s recommended cap — make Beyond the most calorie-dense member of the healthy hot dog league. Luckily, you still get 16 grams of protein, almost twice as much as the other dogs offer.
Beyond Sausage Brat Original (per 1 cooked link serving)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 11 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Total Sugars: <1 gram
- Added Sugars: <1 gram
- Protein: 16 grams
8. LightLife Smart Dogs
LightLife smart dogs are not just among the healthiest hot dogs in the refrigerator case; they're also some of the most convincing hot dog stand-ins you can find. They’re soy-based and flavored with hardwood-smoked sugar for authentic frankfurter taste. Natural vegetable dyes add color, an extra perk when you’re hunting for the healthiest hot dogs for your family.
Obviously, anyone with soy sensitivities should steer clear of LightLife Smart Dogs. But if you’re good with consuming soy-based dogs and you’re in the market for a plant-based package that pulls off a passable impersonation of a full-fledged meat-based hot dog, these links are a great option. They’re also a very reasonable 60 calories and 2 grams of fat per dog, making them one of the most favorable franks on the circuit.
LightLife Smart Dogs (per 1 link, 43-gram serving)
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 350 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 1 gram
- Added Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 8 grams
9. Teton Waters Ranch Uncured Hot Dogs
Beef lovers in search of the mindful hot dogs that don't compromise on quality or enjoyment can take Teton Waters Ranch hot dogs for a test drive. Free from nitrates and nitrites and made only from grass-fed beef, water and spices, this is one of the healthiest beef hot dogs you can find, from one of the healthiest hot dog brands on the scene.
The label for Teton Waters Ranch hot dogs contains a host of certification badges, including for the humane raising and handling of its animals; for using no antibiotics or hormones; and for being gluten- and sugar-free. They’re also a sensible 110 calories each and contain less than 10 grams of fat to make your healthy hot dog eating an easier endeavor.
Teton Waters Ranch Uncured Hot Dogs (per 1 link, 45-gram serving)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 360 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 gram
- Added Sugars: 0 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
10. Applegate Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Applegate loads the list of the healthiest beef hot dogs in town with The Great Organic Uncured Hot Dog, showcasing 100% grass-fed beef produced without antibiotics under human conditions for the animals. All organic spices, seasonings and cherry powder for coloring round out a mix of beef, water and salt to produce a top-notch frank that easily answers the carnivore’s query, “What is the healthiest hot dog to eat?”
As for the nutritional facts, Applegate plays fair in this arena too, serving up a workable 100-calorie hot dog with 8 grams of fat. 480 milligrams of sodium is a tad high, though, so be cautious with what you use to top your link. Go with a fresh pico de gallo-style salsa with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and onions rather than a sodium-heavy relish or sugary ketchup.
Applegate Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dogs (per 1 hot dog, 47-gram serving)
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 gram
- Added Sugars: 0 gram
- Protein: 7 grams
11. Simply Nature Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
As a popular Aldi brand, Simply Nature provides the healthiest hot dogs on the grocery circuit without breaking your shopping budget. The removal of the nitrate/nitrite combination is called out in the “uncured” portion of the name, a signal that you’re in the right aisle for what are the healthiest hot dogs in the Aldi world. Organic beef and a slew of organic seasonings will also set your clean-eating heart at ease.
At 120 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 470 milligrams of sodium per dog, Simply Nature doesn’t do as much as it could to dial down the richness, but it still ranks among the healthiest hot dogs available. Enjoy a modest serving of these franks, rounded out by vegetables and fruit to work a little fiber onto your plate.
Simply Nature Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs (per 1 link, 48-gram serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 10 gram
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 470 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 gram
- Added Sugars: 0 gram
- Protein: 7 grams
12. 365 Everyday Value Organic Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs
Stocking some of the healthiest hot dogs available is a logical fit for Whole Foods and its reputation for providing premium products to mindful consumers. Using organic uncured grass-fed beef puts this package on the must-try list for connoisseurs of well-made franks, while reading the list of organic ingredients that season the situation is a contaminant-conscious eater’s dream come true.
Nutritionally, 365 Everyday Value is in the center of the healthy hot dog spectrum, offering 130 calories and 10 grams of fat to go with the 400 milligrams of sodium in each frank. With 9 grams of protein included, you get a well-rounded hot dog that fits nicely in a balanced diet when eaten in sensible quantities.
365 Everyday Value Organic Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs (per 1 hot dog serving)
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Total Carbs: <1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 0 grams
- Added Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
13. Impossible Bratwurst
In the world of the healthiest hot dogs, nothing is impossible… except when those hot dogs are Impossible meat-free dogs! The clever creator of beefless beef and chicken-less chicken conjures up a hot dog-less hot dog in the form of a plant-based brat. The recipe even includes soy leghemoglobin, a plant-derived substance that has an iron-forward taste of real meat for a more realistic hot dog moment.
But the lack of animal ingredients doesn’t do much for the nutritional numerology in an Impossible brat. The 220 calories and 620 milligrams of sodium — roughly 27% of the daily value — are a heavy lift, though you also get a solid 14 grams of protein.
Even with the higher calorie count, Impossible’s brats deliver about 40% less total fat than a standard pork brat plus no cholesterol, which keeps them in the healthiest hot dogs conversation. As long as you tread carefully, you should be able to work one of these links into your cookout collection, provided you fill the rest of your plate with roasted vegetables to balance things out
Impossible Bratwurst (per 1 cooked brat, 85-gram serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 620 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: n/a
- Total Sugars: 0 grams
- Added Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
14. Field Roast Signature Stadium Dogs
Field Roast makes exceptional plant-based sausages of all sorts, so it’s no surprise the company also offers some of the healthiest hot dogs in the vegan grocery sector. By layering aromatic spices over a base of wheat gluten and vegetable proteins, Field Roast creates a flavor profile so convincing you might forget you’re eating meat-free. That creativity helps the brand craft the healthiest hot dog experience without resorting to artificial additives.
At 150 calories per 56-gram link, these vegan dogs supply 10 grams of total fat yet only 1.5 grams is saturated, a lower saturated-fat load than many turkey franks. Sodium lands at 350 milligrams, so pair your link with fresh vegetables or a crisp salad to keep the plate balanced.
Because the recipe relies on whole-food seasonings, skips cholesterol entirely and delivers six grams of plant protein, Field Roast Signature Stadium Dogs firmly hold their place among the healthiest hot dogs for shoppers who value both flavor and plant-powered nutrition.
Field Roast Signature Stadium Dogs (per 1 link, 56-gram serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 350 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Total Sugars: 1 gram
- Added Sugars: <1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
15. Simple Truth Uncured Grass-Fed Hot Dogs
If you shop at Kroger or its affiliated stores, you can find Simple Truth’s signature label version of the healthiest hot dogs around as part of the company’s sometimes-organic product line. Featuring grass-fed beef formed into uncured franks, Simple Truth makes it easy to narrow the field of the healthiest hot dogs to buy. Limiting the remaining ingredients to a mix of salt, seasonings, flavorings and cane sugar, Simple Truth’s recipe actually is very simple.
You’ll only find 90 calories and 7 grams of fat in each link, a nutritional boon in the realm of healthier hot dogs overall. One drawback: The flavorings on the ingredient list aren’t designated as natural or artificial.
This can leave you scratching your head while considering what those flavorings might actually consist of. But the omission of nitrates and nitrites combined with a list of favorable nutrition facts puts Simple Truth in the running among the healthiest frankfurters for your money.
Simple Truth Uncured Grass-Fed Hot Dogs (per 1 hot dog serving)
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 7 gram
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 370 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugars: 1 gram
- Added Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
What Are the Healthiest Hot Dogs?
By far, the healthiest hot dogs are those made from lean meats or plant-based components and feature shorter — and cleaner — ingredient lists. If you can find organic options that limit fat and sodium, you’ll be in the ballpark no matter which brand you favor.
Choosing nitrate- and nitrite-free hot dogs is a must, as is topping your dog with condiments like mustard, avocado or sauerkraut rather than a sprinkle of processed cheese or a scoop of heavy chili. Opting for whole-grain buns or using lettuce leaves as wraps will also assist you in keeping your health goals in frame while allowing hot dogs into your dining habits.
What is the healthiest hot dog to eat when you’re trying to do the right thing nutritionally without sitting out on the barbecue sidelines? The concept of a healthy hot dog is bound to vary from person to person, based on overall health and well-being, as well as personalized nutrition and fitness goals.
Choosing a hot dog without nitrates and nitrites that minimizes its processing and uses a blend of more wholesome ingredients is your surest path to the healthy hot dog that’s right for you. And of course, as with other mindful meals and healthy snacks, enjoying your hot dogs in moderation will help make the ones you choose a healthier experience.
Choosing one of the healthiest hot dogs means you can grill smarter without giving up classic flavor. This delicious range of plant-based and meat-based sausages makes it easy to cut back on saturated fat, salt and sugar without missing out at summer barbecues.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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