Are hot dogs gluten-free? That depends on the brand, I suppose. It’s important to carefully read the labels on hot dogs (and sausages) because some of them contain wheat gluten.
Find out what hot dogs are, what they are made of, and whether they are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. Moreover, find out if your preferred brands are gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
The proteins present in wheat, rye, and barley are referred to as gluten. Gluten functions as a glue that holds food particles together, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, helping foods maintain their shape. It can be discovered in a wide variety of foods, even those that are unexpected.
What Are Hot Dogs?
A sausage called a hot dog is also referred to as a wiener, frankfurter, or frank. They can be made with any type of meat, but most commonly beef, pork, chicken, or turkey trimmings.
Hot dogs are typically served in a long, skinny bun that is made specifically for hot dogs. Sandwiches are referred to as hot dogs by some, while hot dogs themselves are described by others.
As they can be grilled outside on warm days without ever needing to heat up the kitchen, hot dogs are a classic summer grilling and barbecue food. Hot dogs are also considered a “kid food” as so many kids enjoy them.
Hot dogs are frequently chopped up and added to macaroni and cheese or other types of pasta. Some people also use hot dogs in casseroles or as a topping for chili. Since this food has so many applications, however you choose to consume it, you’re doing it right!
Are Hot Dogs Gluten-free?
Some hot dogs may contain gluten while others may not. It’s difficult to say that all hot dogs are suitable for a gluten-free diet because some brands contain binders and fillers made with gluten-containing ingredients.
Reviewing a list of gluten-free hot dog brands (like the one in this post!) is your best bet if you adhere to a gluten-free diet.) and always look for a gluten-free label on the packaging before buying.
While some hot dogs are marked “gluten-free,” others may not even contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Avoid anything without a gluten-free label if you have an allergy or are extremely sensitive to gluten.
If you can handle trace amounts of gluten, you may be okay with these brands, but you’ll want to do so “at your own risk.”
Read about How Many Calories in a Hot Dog?
Are Hot Dog Buns Gluten-free?
Wheat flour, wheat gluten, and wheat starch are commonly found in hot dog buns’ ingredient lists. However, some companies do provide hot dog buns without gluten.
I hope this post has provided you with enough information about hot dogs to help you decide whether you want to continue eating them this summer or keep some on hand for quick and simple lunches and dinners for your family.
While some hot dog brands are gluten-free, others are not, so look for a gluten-free label to help you choose which brands and varieties to buy the next time you’re shopping for this ingredient.
Learn more about Can You Microwave Hot Dogs?
Gluten-Free Hot Dog Brands
The following brands of hot dogs are gluten-free:
Applegate Farms
All Applegate Farms organic hot dogs, including beef, chicken, turkey, and pork, plus four more “natural” hot dog varieties, are considered gluten-free to at least 20 parts per million, and are made in a gluten-free facility.
Bar-S
All Bar-S hot dogs are labeled gluten-free, including:
- Beef Bun Length Franks
- Beef Franks
- Cheese Jumbo Franks
- Chicken Franks
- Classic bun Length Franks
- Classic Franks
- Classic Jumbo Franks
- Classic Red Franks
- Jumbo Beef Franks
- Premium Hickory Bacon and Cheddar Franks
- Turkey Franks
Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head hot dogs are gluten-free, including:
- Beef Frankfurters
- Beef Frankfurters Skinless
- Lite Beef Frankfurters Skinless
- Lite Beef Frankfurters
- Pork and Beef Frankfurters
Hoffy
All Hoffy’s hot dog varieties are labeled gluten-free, including:
- Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
- Big Dog XXL Premium Beef Franks
- Bun Length Premium Beef Franks
- Chicken Franks
- Chicken, Pork & Beef Franks
- Hollywood’s Original Natural Casing Premium Beef Frankfurters
- Jumbo Premium Beef Franks
- Turkey Franks
Hebrew National
Hebrew National hot dogs are kosher and are gluten-free, including:
- Kosher Beef Franks
Jennie-O
All Jennie-O hot dog varieties are gluten-free, including:
- Jumbo Turkey Franks
- Turkey Franks
Kirkland
Hot dogs sold under the Kirkland brand at Costco are gluten-free. Given the potential for cross contamination, purchasing them in packages may be preferable to doing so on-site.
Kunzler
According to the company, Kunzler hot dogs contain only naturally gluten-free ingredients and are made in gluten-free area. Read labels carefully and double-check the ingredients before purchasing any Kunzler products, such as Scrapple, as they do contain gluten.
Nathan’s Famous
Below 20 parts per million, all Nathan’s hot dogs are thought to be gluten-free. All of Nathan’s hot dogs contain only gluten-free ingredients and are made in a gluten-free facility.
- 50% Reduced Fat Free Beef Franks
- Angus Beef Franks
- Bun Length Skinless Beef Franks
- Cheddar Cheese Beef Franks
- Jumbo Restaurant Style Beef Franks
- Natural Casing Beef Franks
- Skinless Beef Franks
Organic Prairie
Parent company Organic Valley states that all Organic Prairie hot dogs are gluten-free.
Sahlen’s
For many important sporting events, Sahlen’s provides the hot dogs. Sahlen’s hot dogs are labeled gluten-free.
What Are Hot Dogs Made From?
Even though there are many different ingredients used to make hot dogs, especially between brands, they are typically made from beef, pork, chicken, or turkey trimmings.
In order to help us better understand what many hot dogs are made of, let’s take a look at the ingredients in three different popular brands of hot dogs that you can purchase from the grocery store.
Ingredients in Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks
“Beef, Water, Natural Flavorings, Sodium Phosphates, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Paprika, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt, Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate,”
Ingredients in Ballpark Original Hot Dogs
“Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Potassium Lactate, Hydrolyzed Beef Stock, Natural Flavor (Including Celery Juice Powder), Sodium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Sodium Diacetate, Extractives Of Paprika.”
Ingredients in Oscar Mayer Original Hot Dogs
“Beef, Water, Cultured Dextrose (Used to Preserve Quality), Contains Less Than 2% of the Following: Dextrose, Salt, Cultured Celery Juice (Used to Preserve Quality), Distilled White Vinegar (Used to Preserve Quality), Sodium Phosphate, Cherry Powder, Flavor, and Extractives of Paprika.”
As you can see, the majority of hot dogs are highly processed foods that primarily contain beef or other meat along with flavorings, salt or sodium, and other preservatives.
Gluten Free Meats
- Classic franks
We use chicken and pork to make our traditional franks, but no gluten-containing ingredients. Classic, jumbo, bun length, and red are all gluten-free variations. The highest certification available, Level 3 Safe Quality Food Certification, is held by the facility where these products are made. To ensure that these traditional franks are gluten-free, look for the gluten-free label.
- Beef franks
Without soy or wheat fillers, Bar-S beef franks are made with premium beef. Compared to traditional franks, beef franks typically have a heartier texture and addictive flavor. Every beef variety we offer, including the classic, jumbo, and bun-length options, is gluten-free. When served in your preferred gluten-free bun, beef franks taste great with cheese, chili, and chili.
- Turkey or chicken franks
People who are attempting to lighten their diet will appreciate our chicken and turkey franks. Any of the varieties of these franks are marked as gluten-free.
- Signature Smokehouse franks
To enhance the flavor of these franks, smoke has been added. These gluten-free franks are a great alternative to grilling when you don’t have the time.
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