Are hot dogs really that bad for you? These are the worst ones for your health — and the best for your summer BBQ
From dinner on the deck to campfire feasts, hot dogs are a staple food of summer. And while there are some great debates we'll abstain from (mustard versus ketchup, toasted buns versus untoasted), one unequivocal fact about this warm-weather winner is that it can be a hidden source of sodium.
A small amount of sodium is a necessary part of a balanced diet, as the mineral regulates blood pressure, keeps fluids in balance and helps both muscle and nerve functioning. However, too much is a serious health concern: In a 2017 report, Health Canada states the "average daily sodium intake of Canadians is currently estimated at 2,760 mg, which is higher than the established goal of 2,300 mg per day," going a long way to explaining the prevalence of high blood pressure in the country.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
"Most Canadians, particularly children, adolescents and males continue to consume too much sodium," the study warns, explaining high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The same study also shares 72 per cent of children aged four to 13, and an eye-popping 90 per cent of men over age 14, consume sodium to potentially health-affecting excess.
The study states approximately 25 per cent of Canadians over age 20 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but adds the actual number is likely much higher given the condition presents no symptoms and develops slowly. If that's not enough to have you put down the salt shaker, how about this: Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the second and third leading causes of death in Canada after cancer.
Much of the excess sodium in Canadian diets comes from bakery goods and prepared meats, making that hot dog you were thinking about having for dinner a potentially high source of the mineral. So, when it comes to sodium levels, who's the top dog? We checked the nutritional values found on several common grocery store varieties to find out.
A mix of pork with chicken or beef, these are the originals that your mind's eye summons when you think "hot dog."
Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs
Calories: 100
Sodium: 330 mg, 14% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3 g saturated), 11% DV
No Name Original Hot Dogs
Calories: 90
Sodium: 390 mg, 17% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 2 g saturated), 8% DV
Schneiders Red Hots Original Weiners
Calories: 100
Sodium: 360 mg, 16% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3 g saturated, 0.1 g trans), 11% DV
Larsen Classic Wieners
Calories: 110
Sodium: 340 mg, 14%
Fat: 9 g (includes 3 g saturated), 14% DV
All-beef dogs are a winner at many a barbecue — and when it comes to sodium, they clock in slightly better than one might expect.
Schneiders All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 90
Sodium: 340 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 7 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.3 g trans), 9% DV
No Name All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 110
Sodium: 410 mg, 18% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.4 g trans), 11% DV
Great Value All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 100
Sodium: 300 mg, 13% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.3 g trans), 11% DV
A change of pace that'll keep al fresco fun feeling fresh all season long, poultry-based dogs are some other barbecue favourites.
Butterball Turkey Franks
Calories: 110
Sodium: 260 mg, 20% DV
Fat: 7 g (includes 2 g saturated, 0.1 g trans), 9% DV
Zabiha Halal Original Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium 270 mg, 12% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 8% DV
Maple Lodge Farms Original Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium: 300 mg, 13% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 2 g saturated), 9% DV
Mina Halal Chicken Wieners
Calories: 60
Sodium: 350 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 4 g (includes 1 g saturated), 6% DV
No Name Chicken Hot Dogs
Calories: 70
Sodium: 310 mg, 13%
Fat: 5 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 7% DV
Great Value Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium: 310 mg, 13%
Fat: 6 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 8% DV
No longer the afterthought at the cookout, vegetarians have more options than ever when hitting the grill.
Lightlife Plant-Based Hot Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 350 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 2 g, 3% DV
Yves Tofu Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 250 mg, 10% DV
Fat: 1.5 g (includes 0.2 g saturated), 2% DV
Yves Veggie Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 290 mg, 12%
Fat: 1 g, 2% DV
As stated in the Health Canada study, bakery goods are a surprising minefield when it comes to watching sodium intake. A single hot dog bun from Wonder Bread delivers between seven and nine per cent of your daily sodium allowance, depending on if you reach for the taller "topslice" style or a more classic option.
President's Choice has all-butter brioche buns that deliver 230 mg, or 10 per cent, of your daily sodium needs, while D'Italiano brand's brioche-style offering hits 13 per cent of your daily sodium allowance. Classic hot dog buns from Dempster's and Compliments both clock in at seven per cent, while sausage buns from Villaggio have 13 per cent of your recommended daily sodium intake each.
Even though it tastes sweet, ketchup can pack a sodium punch with roughly 50 grams (or about four tablespoons' worth), delivering 18.5 per cent of your daily sodium needs. Mustard and relish aren't off the hook, either: According to the USDA, the average yellow mustard has 23.5 per cent of your daily sodium in a comparable amount, while your average sweet relish hovers around 16.5 per cent of your sodium needs for about four tablespoons.
It seems hot dogs can be a lower-sodium option than burgers. Still, it's worth keeping an eye out while building your dream 'dog if sodium is a concern for you, as a hot dog on a bun with toppings could easily clear a quarter of your daily sodium allowance (and that's without chips on the side). Tofu dogs will be the lowest-sodium option, but an all-butter brioche bun won't make it feel too austere. Skimping on condiments can keep things in check as well. Now, if only deciding if a hot dog is a sandwich were as straightforward an endeavour!
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