Hot Dogs

Or in the case of low sodium hot dogs, “Get ’em while they're available!

Lower sodium franks are out there, but they can be hard to come by. And, as with everything else low sodium, they come and go. A good example is Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs. Not that long ago, they were only 280 mg sodium per link and were available at Trader Joe’s and other stores. Then they changed their formulation and the hot dogs are now 500 mg sodium per link. A disappointment for many.

Something similar happened with Trader Joe’s Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs. They were 250 mg sodium per link but their current status is questionable. I haven’t seen them at any of my local TJ stores, and an online Fearless Flyer article dating back to 2012 states, “Fearlessly Archived—Still a fun read; price & availability may have changed.” Not very encouraging.

Low Sodium Hot Dogs with NSA Mustard

That said, there really are low sodium hot dogs available. Some are offered at nationwide grocery store chains. Some are sold regionally, and some are only available online. Sometimes they’re labelled specifically as a lower sodium product. Sometimes, the company just happens to produce a regular hot dog that isn’t loaded in sodium. Don’t be fooled by brands, though. Just because a specific brand produces one lower sodium hot dog, doesn’t means all its offerings will be lower in sodium. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.

Below is a list of what I’ve found so far. It’s not exhaustive, by any means. Some  franks are a little higher in sodium content than others. Check out the accompanying links to get more information: nutritional labels, where they’re sold, how to order, etc. And always remember – availability and sodium content may change.

Boar's Head Lite Beef Frankfurters (Natural Casing) ‒ 270 mg sodium/link

Coleman Beef Uncured Hot Dogs ‒ 260 mg sodium/link

Coleman Natural Pork & Beef Uncured Hot Dogs ‒ 250 mg sodium/link

Grillman’s Black Angus Uncured Beef Franks ‒ 220 mg sodium/link

Homestead Uncured Skinless Gourmet Pork Hot Dogs ‒ 330 mg sodium/link

Maple Leaf Top Dogs-Less Salt Wieners ‒ 240 mg sodium/link

Oscar Mayer Selects Smoked Uncured Angus Beef Franks – 370 mg sodium/link

Oscar Mayer Classic Premium Uncured Beef Franks – 360 mg sodium/link

Sam's Choice Organic Grassfed Uncured Beef Hot Dogs - 250 mg sodium/link (available exclusively at Walmart)

Simple Truth Uncured Beef Hot Dogs ‒ 250 mg sodium/link (available exclusively at Kroger's)

The Buffalo Guys All Natural Buffalo Hot Dogs ‒ 160 mg sodium/link

Thin n’ Trim All Natural Gourmet Chicken Hot Dogs ‒ 230 mg sodium/link

Applegate Uncured Natural Beef & Pork Stadium Hot Dogs ‒ 360 mg sodium/link

If you’ve found a resource I haven’t listed, please share it. Your additional information could greatly benefit someone else. And, finally, if you have already tried one of the hot dogs listed, feel free to express your opinion and give us a review of the product.

One last note: Please, no lectures about how hot dogs are devoid of nutritional benefits. I’m not advocating them as an important part of a low sodium diet. They’re an occasional treat – no more and no less. Everyone is free to do want they want with hot dogs. Eat one every couple of months or never let one touch your lips.

As I’ve said before, everyone approaches going low sodium differently. It definitely is not a "one size fits all" proposition. You’re the only one who understands your likes and dislikes, your schedule, your cooking abilities, your finances, what’s available in grocery stores nearby, and what you’re willing to do in order to eat lower sodium. Everyone has different skills, tastes, and levels of motivation. What works for you may not work for others. You are the only one who can develop a lower sodium routine  and regimen that fits your unique personality. You can glean ideas and inspiration from a lot of sources, but everything you do needs to satisfy you and you alone. If hot dogs are out for you — Great! If you enjoy an occasional lower sodium hot dog — Great! After all, it's YOUR low sodium program.