A Definitive Ranking Of The Most Popular Hot Dog Brands
We tasted hot dog after hot dog after hot dog to determine the best one.
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Being served a straight-from-the-grill hot dog is the harbinger of summer. With that first bite, we're promised tank tops, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hot days and cool nights. Barbecues and pool parties. In short, hot dogs are glorious. But for something so sacred, chances are that when browsing your grocery store's frankfurter section, you're not thinking too hard. You might go with a familiar brand, or a variety that's a few cents cheaper. A hot dog is a hot dog, right? Wrong!
Turns out, when you eat a bunch of hot dogs (24 to be exact!), you learn a thing or two. Not all hot dogs are created equal, it turns out.
Our Top Picks
The Hot-Dog-Eating Experts
It's a tough day in the office when you ask your fellow Delish editors to taste two dozen different hot dog brands. But six steadfast editors muscled through, sampling a wide range of different hot dogs and giving their thoughts and opinions.
How We Chose These Picks
To level the playing field, all hot dogs were boiled (except the plant-based ones, which were pan-fried per their directions). There was no grilling allowed, as we felt smokiness could mask any funky or subtle flavors. Buns, ketchup, mustard, relish, and other condiments were also off the table. This tasting was all about the dogs! (That said, if you need some ideas on how to top your dogs, here are some brilliant ones.)
Delish editors looked at flavor, texture, snap, and density when considering which hot dogs were best. So! As you make your most important summer plans, please keep this meticulous ranking in mind. If you need something to eat along side all these hot dogs, check out these side dishes for hot dogs.