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Consumer Reports Looks at Hot Dogs
August 7, 2007
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The folks at Consumer Reports evaluated some 620 full-fat and lower-fat hot dogs from 23 well-known brands and major retailers to determine if there were any we could eat without guilt.
While no hot dog tested was deemed excellent, a number were considered very good. It was no surprise that the best-tasting dogs were the full-fat beef varieties, but several of the "light" dogs were nearly as good and were significantly lower in fat and sodium.
Bottom line: According to nutritionists consulted during the evaluation, those who indulge only occasionally can enjoy the dogs that taste best. Those who eat hot dogs often would be wise to choose a lower-fat variety.
A word about safety: While hot dogs are cooked during production, they do need to be heated to an internal temperature of 165 F before eating to destroy any harmful bacteria that may have developed. Keep them refrigerated.
Here's an overview of the best-rated franks. The entire article can be found in the July 2007 issue of Consumer Reports.
Very Good Overall
- Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks
- Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks
- Boar's Head Skinless Beef Franks
- Hebrew National Kosher Reduced Fat Beef Franks
- Boar's Head Lite Skinless Beef Franks
- Ball Park Beef Franks
- Sabrett Skinless Beef Frankfurters
If You're Going for Taste
- Hebrew National Kosher Franks
- Nathan's Famous Skinless Franks
- Boar's Head Skinless Franks
If You Want to Cut the Fat
- Hebrew National Kosher Reduced Fat Beef Franks
- Boar's Head Lite Skinless Beef Franks
- Oscar Mayer Light Beef Franks
- Ball Park Lite Franks
If Kosher is a Must
- Hebrew National Reduced Fat Franks
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