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