While there are a lot of reasons to avoid hot dogs, there are thankfully some healthier and tasty alternatives available to satisfy your craving. One brand worth considering is Applegate Organics 100% Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs. “I like this product because it is organic and made with high-quality grass-fed beef,” Mascha Davis, registered dietitian and author of Eat Your Vitamins tells Mind Body Green. Women’s health dietitian Valerie Agyeman tells Mind Body Green she also recommends Teton Waters Ranch 100% Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs because they are “free of fillers, nitrates, nitrites, and added sugars,” adding that they are also “super juicy.”
If you’re a vegetarian, there are several plant-based hot dog options for you, such as Beyond Meat’s Original Plant-Based Sausage, Field Roast’s Plant-Based Bratwurst, and Yves Mediterranean Harissa Veggie Sausages. Some of these even provide some vitamins and minerals. For a lower sodium option, consider trying Yves Tofu Dog, which only contains 9% daily value of sodium, or other tofu-based hot dog options.
So, before going for the more traditional hot dog, consider trying a healthier version with a squirt of low-sodium mustard and some crunchy fresh toppings such as sliced jalapenos, onions, or even pineapple or mango for a nutritious hot dog that knocks it out of the park (via SF Gate).