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When I was a child, I devoured hot dogs without a second thought, blissfully unaware of their ingredients. As an adult, I’ve come to realize the not-so-pleasant truths about them. Traditional hot dogs are notorious for being high in fat and packed with artificial flavors, colors, and fillers, not to mention some unsavory additives. Some health professionals argue that frequent consumption of hot dogs might significantly affect your health. Nowadays, I don’t completely cut them out of my diet but choose the most wholesome and clean options available at the store. Here are 7 hot dogs that steer clear of fillers.
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
One popular option is Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs, made with 100% grass-fed beef, free from fillers, nitrates, or artificial substances. According to one Target customer, “I have diabetes and strive to eat clean; these hot dogs are the best tasting I’ve ever tried.” They continued, “I was initially hesitant, but once I heated one, added some mustard, and took a bite… Wow! It had a delightful campfire-cooked flavor, even though I only microwaved it. Can’t wait to try pan-searing it next time. Fantastic hot dog…enough said.”
Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks
For a hot dog to be certified Kosher, it must adhere to several requirements, such as excluding pork, shellfish, non-kosher additives, and dairy. Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks, once a staple at Costco’s food court, are made without artificial flavors, fillers, or by-products and have a dedicated following. Many customers praise them, with one saying, “These are my preferred hot dogs. No other store-bought brand compares. So flavorful!” Another customer highlighted their ingredient list, noting it’s much shorter and simpler than other brands, which often resemble an industrial chemical catalog.
Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Beef Franks
I am a big fan of Niman Ranch products, especially Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Beef Franks, available at Whole Foods. These dogs are crafted from Certified Humane beef, seasoned simply, and free from fillers. They are also made in small batches with no added nitrates or nitrites with no fillers or by-products, and are gluten-free. They offer a beef version or another with beef and pork.
Teton Waters Ranch Bun Length Hot Dog
Another brand I gravitate toward? Teton Waters Ranch Bun Length Hot Dog. The brand’s bun-length hot dogs are made with 100% grass-fed, finished beef and are uncured without any fillers, added nitrates, nitrites, or sugar. I can confirm that they also taste delicious. The dogs regularly land on top in our best hot dogs roundups.
365 Whole Foods Market Organic Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs
When my daughter begs for hot dogs and I don’t feel like spending a small fortune, I often grab a pack of 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs. These dogs are made of organic, grass-fed beef franks with clean ingredients and no unnecessary fillers, and taste like a traditional hot dog.
Wellshire Premium All-Natural Beef Franks
Wellshire Premium All-Natural Beef Franks, also sold at Whole Foods, are gluten-free, antibiotic-free, and filler-free franks made with all-natural beef. “Our skinless, all beef frank offers an authentic texture and flavor profile! Crafted from animals raised humanely and fed a vegetarian grain diet, this fully cooked item is ready to heat and serve! Always free of preservatives, antibiotics, nitrates and nitrites,” the brand says.
Trader Joe’s Organic Grass-Fed Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Another reasonably-priced, clean-label hot dog made from grass-fed beef, uncured, and filler-free is courtesy of a favorite store of mine. Trader Joe’s Organic Grass-Fed Uncured Beef Hot Dogs contain zero questionable ingredients. The first on the list is USDA-certified Organic Beef from Grass Fed cows, “yielding delicious flavor,” the store says. “You’ll also find sea salt and celery powder in the ingredients. These serve not so much as flavoring, but to effectively ‘cure’ our Uncured Dogs, allowing us to leave out unwanted preservatives, such as nitrates & nitrites.” Other ingredients include all organic seasonings, like garlic puree, minced onion, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
