7 Best Hot Dogs That Aren’t Full of Fillers
As a kid, I would scarf down hot dogs without a doubt that the meat-in-a-bun meal was anything but delicious. As an adult, I know better. In addition to being high in fat, most conventional hot dogs are filled with artificial flavors, coloring, and fillers – in addition to other unmentionables. Some health experts maintain that hot dogs are so bad for you that frequently eating them can profoundly impact your health. These days, I don’t avoid hot dogs altogether. I opt for the healthiest and cleanest dogs at the market when I eat them. Here are the 7 best hot dogs that aren’t full of fillers.
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs are a good, mainstream option, made from 100% grass-fed beef with no fillers, nitrates, or artificial ingredients. “I’m diabetic and also try my best to eat clean and these dogs by far are the best tasting I’ve ever had,” writes one Target shopper. “I was actually a little hesitant to try these, but once I opened the package and heated one up, slapped some mustard on it and tasted it… Wow!!! It tastes like it was cooked over a campfire, and I mean that in the best way. Absolutely the best hot dog I’ve had in a very long time.. and I only heated it up in a microwave oven… Can’t wait until I have the time to cook it in a pan to get a little sear on it. Great hot dog…enough said.”
Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks
To be certified Kosher, meats have to meet a number of criteria. For example, they can’t contain pork or shellfish, any non-kosher ingredients or additives, or dairy. Hebrew National All Natural Uncured Beef Franks, the kind of dogs Costco used to serve in its food court, are beef franks made without artificial flavors, fillers, or by-products. Lots of shoppers swear by them. “My favorite hot dogs. There is no other store bought comparison. So much flavor!” writes one. Another adds that they “have the shortest list of ingredients that look like chemical factory product catalog, compared to other brands.”
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.
