Who invented the hot dog?

It’s hard to say definitively who invented the hot dog, but credit has gone to Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany (the co-founders of Vienna Beef) and Johann Georghehner, a German butcher. No one is entirely sure.

Why are they called franks or wieners?

Hot dogs are called franks, short for frankfurters, because they may have begun in Frankfurt, Germany. Hot dogs are called wieners because they may have begun in Vienna, Austria, which is wien in German.

When was the hot dog invented?

Sausages date all the way back to ancient times, but the hot dog is first found mentioned in print in the late 1800s.

Where was the hot dog invented?

There is no definitive answer, but Frankfurt, Germany and Vienna, Austria both take credit for the invention of the hot dog.

How did the hot dog get its name?

There are several myths about how the hot dog got its name, but the most likely origin is 19th century college humor, when students would make crude jokes pertaining to the questionable origin of the meat in hot dogs.

Why are hot dogs red?

Hot dogs are red because sodium nitrite is added to cure the meat, add flavor, and prevent the growth of bacteria. Sodium nitrite is also added to bacon, cold cuts, and Spam.

Best Hot Dog Brands [A Comprehensive Guide]

The quest to find America’s best hot dog is exhaustive, but we’re confident you’re up to the challenge! Read on to learn more about some of the country’s best and tastiest hot dog brands.

Hot dogs will always be among the most delicious and delightful meat snacks Americans can enjoy.

And, due to their growing prominence, there are multiple different brand varieties of hot dog that meat aficionados and “dog-hounds” can sample in their ever-growing quest for the perfect hot dog.

Now, of course, much of the time, the flavor palate and taste of a hot dog comes down the window dressing, i.e., the delicious hot dog toppings you use. But, the base flavor still needs to be exquisite, which is why sampling different brands is so important.

This is a selection of some of the tastiest and best-quality brand names of hot dogs on the market. We have little doubt you’ll be familiar with some of these, whilst others might be brand new to you.

Either way, this list should keep you informed and give you some exciting hot dog brands to go out and discover or rediscover.

Best Meat Hot Dog Brands

1. Applegate Farms

With its note-perfect texture, sweet and smoky beef flavor, and affordable price tag, Applegate Farms remains a popular choice for cookouts across the country.

These hot dogs make you remember why you love hot dogs, and you can pick up a pack at Target for $7.

2. Sabrett Frankfurters

Residents of the Big Apple will know the name Sabrett, fondly remembering their trips to the hallowed dog carts beneath those iconic yellow and blue umbrellas spread across the five boroughs.

With perfectly seasoned meat and a lovely snap, these are far more than simply a nostalgia trip.

3. Hebrew National

Tasting how a hot dog should taste, Hebrew National has one of the best taste profiles of any brand on this list.

A shining testament to the Jewish-German immigrants who brought the sausage to America, this is a brand that endures today and is the ultimate introductory dog of choice.

4. Niman Ranch Fearless

The first mixed dogs on our list, we love this beef and pork offering from Niman Ranch and their Fearless range.

Mixing pork with Angus beef, this brand offers the best of both worlds, and you can pick up a pack from Butcher Shop Direct for ten bucks.

5. Ball Park Hot Dogs

Ball Park wow meat lovers again with their iconic Angus beeef franks, bun size (naturally).

The great thing about this beef is its buttery flavor, which gives it that extra edge over other brands, perfectly complemented by a smoky profile.

Grab a pack for $5 at Target.

6. Bell & Evans Organic (Chicken)

If beef is not your jam, but you’d still like to enjoy meaty dogs, then the Bell & Evans Organic Chicken is the option.

It’s been dubbed the “chicken breast of chicken hot dogs,” which suggests it will perfectly accompany any flavor or occasion, which makes it the ideal choice for adding some variety to your dog experience.

7. Oscar Mayer Original Wieners

Oscar Mayer is one of the best-known classic brands in the US, and their classic wieners, which blend chicken, turkey, and pork, are pretty much an American institution.

The company now sells hot dog-flavored ice pops, but first things first, these are the dogs you need in your life.

8. Oscar Mayer (Turkey)

In addition to its classic range of Original Wieners, Oscar Mayer also boasts a range of delicious turkey franks. The color looks smart, deep, and rich, minus that gray hue sometimes found with turkey dogs.

And the best thing about them is that they taste like a beef hot dog, which makes them a game-changer! Pick up a pack at Walmart for just $4.

9. Hillshire Farm Spicy

These spicy stunners put the ‘hot’ into HOT dog in more ways than one.

With an unmistakable beef taste, followed by a spicy kick, these Hillshire Farms Beef Hot Links dogs are just about the perfect choice for those who love a bit of heat but don’t want to go full-on chili dog.

If you’re hosting a BBQ or a cookout, these could be the perfect outlier to help wow and impress your dog lovers.

10. Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel is one of America’s best-known dog brands, the self-proclaimed ‘world’s biggest hot dog chain.’

The company offers USDA-approved cuts of quality meat, and hot dog lovers can choose from Original, All-Beef, or Polish dogs, among others.

The company has recently promoted its president J.R. Galardi to president and CEO, ensuring a forward-thinking future for these giants of the hot dog world.

11. Feltman’s Natural

Perhaps the oldest and most glorified brand on our list, Feltman’s of Coney Island is named after Charles Feltman, who started out selling dogs from a cart in 1876, and it is claimed he made the first ever hot dog sale Stateside.

Whilst the storied history and mystery of the beginnings of the hot dog are ot absolute, what is absolute is the exquisite flavor on offer here and a dog that offers arguably America’s best snap!

With its smoky, delicious flavor leaving you returning for more, a pack of these for $8 from Instacart is an absolute must-have.

12. Ball Park – Park’s Finest

Ball Park makes the list again with their uncurled beef frankfurters, made with signature seasoning.

There is quality in abundance here and a taste that lingers on the tongue long after you have polished off the dog.

This is one of the most delicious options on the market and a brand that you need to discover or revisit time and again.

13. Fork in the Road Honest Dogs

Simple ingredients and the combination of mouth-watering flavors make these Honest Dogs by Fork in the Road so flavorful.

With a sweet and well-balanced flavor and some of the most brilliant seasoning options on the market, these are an amazing choice for hot dog lovers everywhere.

A packet of these stunners will set you back just $8 at Whole Foods Market, and they’re worth every cent!

14. Wellshire Premium

These plump and juicy uncured beef franks are fluffy and delightful and have one of the best textures of any brand on this list.

This is one of the best and most surprising hot dogs on the market, and one that may look like any other dog but packs a surprising treat.

The meat inside the casing is delightfully soft, flavorful, firm, and juicy. This is one of the best and most popular brands, and it’s not hard to see why.

15. Boar’s Head Uncured Frankfurters

If you want to go a little gourmet, a little high-end, or a little artisanal… this is the dog of choice! Sometimes a splurge is to treat yourself to a life-changing dog.

Boar’s Head is definitely a brand in that bracket, and its gorgeous flavor is one you will remember for a long while.

These are expensive at nine bucks for eight from Instacart, but they are also a delightful and very tasty choice that can revolutionize your grilling experience.

16. 365 Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs

There is a definite floral flavor to these amazing beef hot dogs, and this definitely gives them an edge over other hot dogs.

If you are looking for a great option that will allow you to improve your grilling experience, the smoky profile will mix well with the floral notes, and this, mixed with the grass-fed quality, is one of the most nuanced and memorable hot dogs on the market.

17. Nathan’s Famous Skinless Franks

If you’re all about nostalgia and balanced flavors, this Coney Island-based brand is the official hot dog of Major League Baseball.

Something about hot dogs and baseball goes together like the Fourth of July and apple pie.

Nathan’s are the dog of choice at stadiums across the US, including:

St. Louis Cardinals
New York Mets
New York Yankees

Best Vegan-Friendly Hot Dog Brands

1. Field Roast

Plant-based dogs are all the rage these days, and Field Roast offers some of the most amazing vegan-friendly hot dogs on the market.

These dogs blow the stigma of plant-based hot dogs right out of the window with their unique and delicious flavor and amazing spices, such as black pepper, garlic, and nutmeg.

This is definitely the choice for those looking to enjoy a meat-free time but still want to indulge in hot dogs.

2. LightLife

LightLife is a leading brand for those seeking meat-free alternatives, and they offer two hot dog options, Smart Dogs and Smart Dogs Jumbo – for those who need that bit extra.

These original recipe dogs are delicious, delightful, and the perfect way for those who are not meat eaters to still be able to take part in the hot dog experience.

An absolute must for vegan-friendly hot dog lovers seeking a solid meat-free option for their grills.

3. Meatless Farm

Meatless Farm is another amazing meat-free brand that allows you to enjoy an immersive meat-free dog experience.

They can be microwaved, simmered, or fried quickly and effectively and then popped into a bun with whichever toppings you choose.

Available as a 4-pack, these vegan-friendly dogs are mouth-wateringly good, and these are an excellent choice for helping you to improve your experience of meat-free hot dog options.

4. Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains has a delicious gluten-free plant-based hot dog option that offers a unique flavor. Made using sunflower seeds, this is bound to taste unlike anything you’ve ever had.

Its firm texture and delicious smoked flavor make you think you’re eating a proper hot dog, not a meat-free version.

Vegans will adore these succulent and tasty dogs, whilst even the meat eaters among us might find them much tastier than they imagine.

5. Tofurky

Tofu is a staple for vegan lovers everywhere, so it makes sense that these amazing and delicious meat-free marvels come in many different options.

Whether it’s Italian Sausage, Original, or Jumbo Dogs, there is something for vegans of all persuasions to enjoy here.

You should try to discover this as much as possible, and there are a lot of choices to think about here.

Closing Thoughts

There are so many excellent brands that you can sample to help you improve your hot dog experience.

This is a selection of some of the best meat and meat-free options on the market. Hot dogs are a varied and versatile meat, and new flavors and experiences can be had each time.

Choosing the ideal hot dog is something of an art form, but to get this right, you need to experience multiple flavors and brands. This is a comprehensive guide to some of the best and tastiest hot dog brands in the US market.

Happy trails, and remember, every dog has its day!

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