Source: USDA FoodData Central · Beef, Cooked · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 690mg | 30% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.7µg | 29% | |
| Zinc | 2.0mg | 18% | |
| Niacin | 2.9mg | 18% | |
| Phosphorus | 114mg | 9% | |
| Selenium | 8.5µg | 15% | |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 159mg | 3% | |
| Magnesium | 13mg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Weight | Calories | Protein | Net Carbs | Fat |
|---|
Frankfurter (57g) in bun (43g). Frank alone: 165 kcal, 14.5g fat, 690mg Na. Bun adds: ~120 kcal, 22g carbs. Toppings add: ketchup +15 kcal, mustard +3 kcal, relish +20 kcal, chili +50 kcal. Processed meat = IARC Group 1 carcinogen.
The IARC (WHO's cancer research agency) classifies processed meat — including hot dogs, bacon, sausages, and deli meats — as Group 1 carcinogens (definite human carcinogens). Each 50g daily serving of processed meat increases colorectal cancer risk by approximately 18%. Hot dogs contain nitrates and nitrites used as preservatives, which form N-nitroso compounds in the gut that damage DNA. This doesn't mean occasional consumption is acutely dangerous, but regular daily consumption carries meaningful cancer risk.
Hot dogs are one of the most sodium-dense foods available — 690mg per 100g (30% DV). A complete hot dog in bun with ketchup and mustard can reach 600-700mg of sodium — 26-30% of the daily recommended maximum. Regular hot dog consumption is strongly associated with hypertension. Reducing sodium in the diet is the single most effective dietary modification for lowering blood pressure.
Hot dogs are typically made from pork, beef, chicken, or turkey mechanically separated meat (MSM) — a paste created by forcing bone and tissue through a sieve. This is combined with fat, water, corn syrup, salt, and preservatives (sodium nitrite, sodium phosphate). The resulting emulsion is stuffed into casings and cooked. The processing methods that create hot dogs are why they are classified as processed meat with associated health risks.
The cancer and cardiovascular risk from processed meat is dose-dependent — eating a hot dog at a ballgame once a month carries dramatically lower risk than eating one daily for breakfast. Major health guidelines recommend treating processed meats as an occasional food: WHO, American Heart Association, and World Cancer Research Fund all recommend limiting or avoiding processed meat. For frequent meat eating, unprocessed lean meats (chicken, fish, lean beef) are significantly preferable.
Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.