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The Best All-Beef Hot Dogs

We ate hundreds of hot dogs to unlock the mystery of this classic summertime sausage.

Top Pick

WinnerNathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks

This product emerged as top dog for its “supersmoky” meatiness and “juicy,” “snappy” texture. Tasters thought these “plump” hot dogs were the “perfect size” and gave a “nice contrast to the bun.” “This is my ideal dog,” said one happy taster.
Fat: 15 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 550 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Hydrolized Corn Protein, Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 51 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.87 per hot dog)
This product emerged as top dog for its “supersmoky” meatiness and “juicy,” “snappy” texture. Tasters thought these “plump” hot dogs were the “perfect size” and gave a “nice contrast to the bun.” “This is my ideal dog,” said one happy taster.
Fat: 15 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 550 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Hydrolized Corn Protein, Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 51 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.87 per hot dog)

What You Need to Know

From the “hot water” sausages of Coney Island to the pineapple-topped “puka dogs” of Kauai, you can find a hot dog in nearly every corner of America. While how you dress your dog varies with regional custom (like your hot dogs with ketchup? Don’t show your face in Chicago), the sausages themselves remain relatively constant across all 50 states—a mixture of meat trimmings, water, salt, and seasonings is stuffed into casings (sometimes natural but usually made from cellulose) and then smoked and cooked. Cellulose casings are stripped off after cooking, so most supermarket hot dogs are skinless.

Traditional frankfurters—the kind originally brought over by European immigrants in the mid-1800s—are primarily pork-based and can still be found in supermarkets nationwide. But nearly every hot dog manufacturer we talked to told us that all-beef hot dogs now vastly outsell traditional frankfurters because of their punchier meatiness and more straightforward ingredient list. (Pork frankfurters today are often bulked up with added poultry or soy.) With the goal of finding the best supermarket all-beef hot dogs, we cooked up the seven top-selling national varieties of skinless dogs for 21 America’s Test Kitchen staffers. To keep everything consistent, we locked away the condiments and served the hot dogs two ways: first boiled and bunless and then grilled and stuffed into buns.

tester cutting open packaged hot dogs
Hot dogs from seven national brands were tested, first boiled and served plain and then grilled and served in buns, to judge the texture and flavor of each.

Tasters immediately took issue with thin or skimpy dogs that practically disappeared when we nestled them into standard buns. Almost half the samples were deemed too petite by tasters, so we broke out a scale and calipers to measure the dogs. Top dogs were up to 12 percent plumper than lower-ranked ones, allowing for a higher meat-to-bun ratio in each bite. Our favorite hot dogs were also almost 20 percent heavier than low-scoring products—51 grams per dog versus 41 grams.

But bigger wasn’t always better, as some larger dogs had texture issues. Two products were downgraded for their off-putting textures: one was too dry, the other too wet and squishy. The ideal hot dog has a bouncy, snappy texture and a moderate moisture level; from our prior investigating in other sausage stories, we know that this ideal texture is achieved, in part, by a proper balance of fat and protein. So we scrutinized the ingredient labels and compared fat and protein levels. Though they all contained similar amounts of protein, the dog that tasters deemed dry was far too lean, with less than half the fat of our winner—about 7 grams of fat compared with 15 grams of fat in our top-ranked product. We preferred dogs with more fat, which were tender and juicy with just the right amount of bounce and snap.

tester puts hot dogs in pots of boiling watertester puts hot dogs in pots on boiling water

But what about the wet, squishy dog? While it had fat and protein levels similar to the top-ranked products, it contained twice as many carbohydrates as any of the other samples. While most manufacturers bulk up their hot dogs with added corn or corn syrup for a smoother texture and a sweeter flavor, our science editor explained that this product likely used too much—as evidenced by the high carbohydrate levels—making for a mushy and wet dog.

testers at a long table sampling hot dogs
There was no shortage of volunteers willing to take part in this tasting. Each taster got to sample all seven hot dogs in the lineup, with nearly 200 hot dogs consumed in all.

As for flavor, too much corn or corn syrup also had a big impact. Hot dogs that listed corn products as primary ingredients tended to be too sweet, while our favorites either contained no corn products or reported adding “2% or less” on ingredient lists. Spice was also important: While manufacturers wouldn’t tell us exactly what spices they used, tasters docked lower-ranked products for flavors that seemed out of place. Strong notes of celery salt, paprika, cabbage, or warm spices were no-gos; we preferred dogs with prominent smoky, beefy flavor and strong saltiness. Our favorite hot dogs contained the most sodium of any product—550 milligrams versus as little as 292 milligrams per dog in other samples—and tasters thought these dogs had the punchiest flavor.

In the end, Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks earned the top spot for their robust, meaty flavor and juicy, tender texture. These large, beefy dogs had a substantial heft and a bold, meaty flavor that held its own in a bun. We’ll be keeping Nathan’s on hand for summer barbecues and easy weeknight dinners.

  • Taste boiled plain
  • Taste grilled in buns
  • Weigh dogs (and calculate average) from each brand
  • Measure width with calipers

  • Robust, meaty flavor
  • Plump, juicy texture
  • Plenty of sodium
  • Fit well in buns

Everything We Tested

Recommended

WinnerNathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks

This product emerged as top dog for its “supersmoky” meatiness and “juicy,” “snappy” texture. Tasters thought these “plump” hot dogs were the “perfect size” and gave a “nice contrast to the bun.” “This is my ideal dog,” said one happy taster.
Fat: 15 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 550 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Hydrolized Corn Protein, Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 51 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.87 per hot dog)
This product emerged as top dog for its “supersmoky” meatiness and “juicy,” “snappy” texture. Tasters thought these “plump” hot dogs were the “perfect size” and gave a “nice contrast to the bun.” “This is my ideal dog,” said one happy taster.
Fat: 15 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 550 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Hydrolized Corn Protein, Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 51 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.87 per hot dog)

Kayem Skinless Beef Hot Dogs

Another “big and substantial” dog, this “juicy” sausage was “meaty” and “tender,” with “just the right amount of smoke.” Tasters thought the “mild,” “subtle” spice blend used in this product was “classic” and “familiar.”
Fat: 13 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 440 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt, Dextrose, Potassium Lactate, Spices, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphate, Extractives Of Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium NitriteCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 50 gPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.75 per hot dog)
Another “big and substantial” dog, this “juicy” sausage was “meaty” and “tender,” with “just the right amount of smoke.” Tasters thought the “mild,” “subtle” spice blend used in this product was “classic” and “familiar.”
Fat: 13 gWidth: 0.87 inSodium: 440 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt, Dextrose, Potassium Lactate, Spices, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphate, Extractives Of Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium NitriteCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 50 gPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.75 per hot dog)

Recommended with reservations

Bar-S Premium Beef Franks

These dogs were plenty “meaty” and “juicy,” with a “firm” texture, though a few tasters noted a “sour” aftertaste. While these dogs were slightly too “small” for some tasters, most agreed that they had a “salty” kick and a “hint of smoke” that stood up against the bun.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.77 inSodium: 536 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Salt, Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Potassium Lactate, Potassium Acetate, Sodium Diacetate, Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 2 gWeight of One Dog: 41 gPrice at Time of Testing: $3.25 for 8 hot dogs ($0.41 per hot dog)
These dogs were plenty “meaty” and “juicy,” with a “firm” texture, though a few tasters noted a “sour” aftertaste. While these dogs were slightly too “small” for some tasters, most agreed that they had a “salty” kick and a “hint of smoke” that stood up against the bun.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.77 inSodium: 536 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Salt, Contains 2% Or Less Of The Following: Potassium Lactate, Potassium Acetate, Sodium Diacetate, Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 2 gWeight of One Dog: 41 gPrice at Time of Testing: $3.25 for 8 hot dogs ($0.41 per hot dog)

Hebrew National Beef Franks

Tasters liked the “intensely savory” beefiness and “springy” texture of these dogs, but most thought these “slim,” “skinny” sausages weren’t big enough for a standard bun. Still, many praised this product for its “juicy” tenderness and “slightly spicy” flavor.
Fat: 13 gWidth: 0.76 inSodium: 459 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Spice, Sodium Lactate, Paprika, Hydrolized Soy Protein, Garlic Powder, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Flavoring, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 2 gWeight of One Dog: 47 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.49 for 7 hot dogs ($0.93 per hot dog)
Tasters liked the “intensely savory” beefiness and “springy” texture of these dogs, but most thought these “slim,” “skinny” sausages weren’t big enough for a standard bun. Still, many praised this product for its “juicy” tenderness and “slightly spicy” flavor.
Fat: 13 gWidth: 0.76 inSodium: 459 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Spice, Sodium Lactate, Paprika, Hydrolized Soy Protein, Garlic Powder, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Flavoring, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 2 gWeight of One Dog: 47 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.49 for 7 hot dogs ($0.93 per hot dog)

Oscar Mayer Classic Beef Franks

These “very skinny” sausages were among the smallest in our lineup, and while tasters liked their “smoky” meatiness, most thought they got “lost in the bun.” Some also thought these dogs, which list corn syrup as their third ingredient, were a little too sweet.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.75 inSodium: 393 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Potassium Lactate, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Flavor, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Extractives Of Paprika, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 41 gPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 10 hot dogs ($0.60 per hot dog)
These “very skinny” sausages were among the smallest in our lineup, and while tasters liked their “smoky” meatiness, most thought they got “lost in the bun.” Some also thought these dogs, which list corn syrup as their third ingredient, were a little too sweet.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.75 inSodium: 393 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Potassium Lactate, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Flavor, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Extractives Of Paprika, Sodium NitrateCarbohydrates: 1 gWeight of One Dog: 41 gPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 10 hot dogs ($0.60 per hot dog)

Not Recommended

Ball Park Beef Franks

“Mush mush mush!” said one taster, complaining about these “spongy,” “flabby” sausages, which were likened to “school cafeteria hot dogs.” The few tasters that could get past the “creepy soft” texture found these dogs dominated by a “sweet,” “bologna-y” flavor.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.83 inSodium: 481 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains 2% Or Less: Salt, Potassium Lactate, Beef Stock, Sodium Phosphates, Flavorings, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrate, Extractives of PaprikaCarbohydrates: 4 gWeight of One Dog: 50 gPrice at Time of Testing: $4.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.62 per hot dog)
“Mush mush mush!” said one taster, complaining about these “spongy,” “flabby” sausages, which were likened to “school cafeteria hot dogs.” The few tasters that could get past the “creepy soft” texture found these dogs dominated by a “sweet,” “bologna-y” flavor.
Fat: 14 gWidth: 0.83 inSodium: 481 mgIngredients: Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains 2% Or Less: Salt, Potassium Lactate, Beef Stock, Sodium Phosphates, Flavorings, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrate, Extractives of PaprikaCarbohydrates: 4 gWeight of One Dog: 50 gPrice at Time of Testing: $4.99 for 8 hot dogs ($0.62 per hot dog)

Applegate The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog

Tasters came up with a hodgepodge of descriptions for the “odd,” “tart” flavors in this hot dog, from “cabbage” and “broccoli” to “sea water” and “low tide.” “I have never had a hot dog with this taste,” remarked one unhappy taster. Equally unimpressive was this dog’s “crumbly,” “mealy” texture, which left a “cottony” dryness in tasters’ mouths.
Fat: 7 gWidth: 0.8 inSodium: 292 mgIngredients: Organic Grass-Fed Beef, Water, Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Organic Spices, Organic Dehydrated Garlic and Onions, Organic Paprika, Celery PowderCarbohydrates: 0 gWeight of One Dog: 48 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.49 for 7 hot dogs ($0.93 per hot dog)
Tasters came up with a hodgepodge of descriptions for the “odd,” “tart” flavors in this hot dog, from “cabbage” and “broccoli” to “sea water” and “low tide.” “I have never had a hot dog with this taste,” remarked one unhappy taster. Equally unimpressive was this dog’s “crumbly,” “mealy” texture, which left a “cottony” dryness in tasters’ mouths.
Fat: 7 gWidth: 0.8 inSodium: 292 mgIngredients: Organic Grass-Fed Beef, Water, Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Organic Spices, Organic Dehydrated Garlic and Onions, Organic Paprika, Celery PowderCarbohydrates: 0 gWeight of One Dog: 48 gPrice at Time of Testing: $6.49 for 7 hot dogs ($0.93 per hot dog)

*All products reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen are independently chosen, researched, and reviewed by our editors. We buy products for testing at retail locations and do not accept unsolicited samples for testing. We list suggested sources for recommended products as a convenience to our readers but do not endorse specific retailers. When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices are subject to change.

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