Additional Coverage:
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs Are Iconic, But My Kids Prefer These 8 Brands (momswhothink.com)
Nothing beats a hot dog on a summer day, whether at a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park. And while Nathan’s Famous might be the iconic hot dog brand, a whole world of wieners awaits those willing to explore the supermarket aisle. From old favorites to new contenders, here’s a rundown of some top dog brands to try:
Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks: Often cited as a favorite among hot dog aficionados, Hebrew National offers a smoky, meaty flavor. These franks plump up nicely on the grill or in a pot of boiling water, and the packaging is conveniently easy to open. For a quick and tasty appetizer, try their franks in a blanket.
Hillshire Farm: While not strictly a hot dog brand, Hillshire Farm’s sausages deserve a spot on any frankfurter fan’s list. Their hot links pack a pleasant punch of spice, and the cheddarwurst sausages, bursting with Wisconsin cheese, offer a unique twist. For a taste of tradition, try their Polish Kielbasa.
Oscar Mayer: A classic for a reason, Oscar Mayer delivers consistently plump and juicy hot dogs with a nostalgic flavor that takes you right back to childhood. From classic uncured franks to cheese dogs and even turkey dogs, there’s an Oscar Mayer for everyone. For a bolder flavor, try their chili cheese dogs.
Ball Park Angus Beef Franks: These hefty franks deliver a satisfyingly meaty experience. Grilling brings out delicious char marks and a crisp outer skin, complementing the naturally sweet flavor of the Angus beef. For a lighter option, Ball Park also offers turkey and wild turkey franks, as well as chicken and pork nacho cheese franks.
Trader Joe’s Beef Hot Dogs: For the health-conscious consumer, Trader Joe’s offers hot dogs free of hormones, fillers, nitrites, and nitrates. Their franks are well-seasoned with a balanced blend of pepper and onion. Beyond traditional beef franks, Trader Joe’s also carries a variety of sausages, including roasted garlic chicken sausage and uncured Bavarian brats.
Boar’s Head Hot Dogs: Known for high-quality meats, Boar’s Head also delivers on the hot dog front. Their franks are minimally processed with a smoky flavor that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
While the price point may be higher than some other brands, the quality speaks for itself. For a classic experience, try their original uncured beef frankfurters.
Vienna Beef Hot Dogs: A Chicago staple, Vienna Beef is the hot dog of choice for many Windy City residents and restaurants. These all-beef franks are thick, flavorful, and perfect on a bun. For those who like a little heat, try their FireDogs.
Stahl-Meyer Hot Dogs: Made from a blend of pork, chicken, and beef, Stahl-Meyer hot dogs offer a unique flavor profile and a surprisingly low calorie count. These firm and flavorful franks are free of artificial flavors, colors, and by-products, as well as gluten and MSG.
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- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs Are Iconic, But My Kids Prefer These 8 Brands (momswhothink.com)