Of the variety of ingredients in the food supply, few spark more rumor and speculation than the ingredients in a hot dog. But contrary to common beliefs that hot dogs include “everything but the oink,” today’s wieners are made from exactly what is listed in the ingredients statement on the package. Ingredients combined with meat and poultry in a hot dog recipe can add flavor, keep hot dogs moist and juicy, delay spoilage, and perhaps most importantly, enhance food safety.
In an effort to provide more information and transparency, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) developed a new Hot Dog Ingredients Guide which details the role each ingredient may play in a hot dog. The guide is searchable to allow users to easily find ingredients they see listed on their favorite package of hot dogs.