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The annual July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Contest is a nutritionist’s worst nightmare: Last year’s winner scarfed down 69 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs — with buns — which packed in 20,010 calories, 414 grams of saturated fat, 1,656 grams of carbs, and 48,987 mg of sodium. That’s the equivalent of 248 spoonfuls of lard, 110 slices of white bread, and 181 packets of salt.

 

And for some people, even just a single hot dog can be one too many, thanks to the high sodium and saturated fat content. Fortunately there are some better-for-you options, so we’re Getting the Skinny with Molly on 5 franks that you can actually feel good about.

 

 

What to steer clear of:

  • Sodium & Saturated Fat: A single dog can pack in 1/3 of the upper limit for sodium & saturated fat, so look for hot dogs with no more than 2-3 grams saturated fat, and ideally less than 350 mg sodium.

 

  • Nitrites: Many are made with added nitrites, compounds linked to increase risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer – look for hot dogs labeled with “no added nitrates or nitrites”.

 

 

Applegate Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dog – GF

  • 70 cals – 6 grams fat – 2 grams saturated fat – 330 mg sodium – 0 carbs – 6 grams protein
  • Ingredients: Beef, water, seasonings

 

Applegate Natural Uncured Turkey Hot Dog – GF

  • 50 cals – 3.5 grams fat – 1 gram saturated fat – 260 mg sodium – 0 carbs – 5 grams protein
  • Ingredients: Turkey, water, seasonings.

 

LightLife Smart Dogs Veggie Protein Links – Vegan

  • 50 cals – 2 grams fat – 0 saturated fat – 330 mg sodium – 2 grams carbs – 7 grams protein
  • Ingredients: Soy protein, soybean oil, cane syrup, pea protein isolate, tapioca starch, salt…

 

Whole Foods 365 Veggie Dogs – Vegan

  • 60 calories – 1 gram fat – 0 saturated fat – 270 mg sodium – 4 grams carbs – 8 grams protein
  • Ingredients: Wheat gluten, pea protein, tofu, pea starch, cane sugar, salt blend, canola oil…

 

 

Oscar Mayer Selects Uncured Turkey Franks

  • 120 cals – 9 grams fat – 2.5 grams saturated fat – 480 mg sodium – 3 grams carbs – 6 grams protein
  • Ingredients: Turkey, water, dextrose, corn syrup, seasonings