Top 3 Picks for Better-For-You Hot Dogs

Let’s be real. Hot dogs aren’t exactly the first thing we reach for when we’re being mindful of nutrition; most are loaded with sodium, some with added nitrates, nitrites or MSG, and still others contain artificial food dye Red 40.

It’s slim pickings on shelves, but if you’re craving this summertime favorite, there are a few better-for-you hot dog options you can find at your local grocery store. Check out three of them below.

Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dog by Applegate Organics

Organic, non-GMO
Animal Welfare Certified
No added nitrates or nitrites; no nitrates in the form of celery juice or powder (products that are naturally high in nitrates)
80 calories, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 410 milligrams sodium, 0 carbs, 0 grams sugar, 6 grams protein
Ingredients include organic chicken, less than 2% sea salt, paprika, onions, spices, nutmeg oil

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All-Natural Uncured Beef Franks by Wellshire

Animal Welfare Certified
140 calories, 5 grams saturated fat, 390 milligrams sodium, 1 gram carbs, 1 gram sugar, 7 grams protein
Ingredients include beef, less than 2% sea salt, cane sugar, spices, organic vinegar, cherry powder, paprika, cultured celery powder

Natural Selects Uncured Turkey Franks by Oscar Mayer

110 calories, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 560 milligrams sodium, 2 grams carbs, 2 grams sugar, 7 grams protein
Ingredients include turkey, cultured dextrose, dextrose, less than 2% tapioca starch, white vinegar, cultured celery juice, cherry powder, dried garlic

Editor’s note: Registered dietitian Molly Kimball offers brand-name products as a consumer guide; she does not solicit product samples nor is she paid to recommend items. A version of this article originally appeared on WGNO's FUELED Wellness + Nutrition.