Are hot dogs really that bad for you? These are the worst ones for your health — and the best for your summer BBQ
From dinner on the deck to campfire feasts, hot dogs are a staple food of summer. And while there are some great debates we'll abstain from (mustard versus ketchup, toasted buns versus untoasted), one unequivocal fact about this warm-weather winner is that it can be a hidden source of sodium.
A small amount of sodium is a necessary part of a balanced diet, as the mineral regulates blood pressure, keeps fluids in balance and helps both muscle and nerve functioning. However, too much is a serious health concern: In a 2017 report, Health Canada states the "average daily sodium intake of Canadians is currently estimated at 2,760 mg, which is higher than the established goal of 2,300 mg per day," going a long way to explaining the prevalence of high blood pressure in the country.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
"Most Canadians, particularly children, adolescents and males continue to consume too much sodium," the study warns, explaining high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The same study also shares 72 per cent of children aged four to 13, and an eye-popping 90 per cent of men over age 14, consume sodium to potentially health-affecting excess.
The study states approximately 25 per cent of Canadians over age 20 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but adds the actual number is likely much higher given the condition presents no symptoms and develops slowly. If that's not enough to have you put down the salt shaker, how about this: Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the second and third leading causes of death in Canada after cancer.
Much of the excess sodium in Canadian diets comes from bakery goods and prepared meats, making that hot dog you were thinking about having for dinner a potentially high source of the mineral. So, when it comes to sodium levels, who's the top dog? We checked the nutritional values found on several common grocery store varieties to find out.
A mix of pork with chicken or beef, these are the originals that your mind's eye summons when you think "hot dog."
Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs
Calories: 100
Sodium: 330 mg, 14% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3 g saturated), 11% DV
No Name Original Hot Dogs
Calories: 90
Sodium: 390 mg, 17% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 2 g saturated), 8% DV
Schneiders Red Hots Original Weiners
Calories: 100
Sodium: 360 mg, 16% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3 g saturated, 0.1 g trans), 11% DV
Larsen Classic Wieners
Calories: 110
Sodium: 340 mg, 14%
Fat: 9 g (includes 3 g saturated), 14% DV
All-beef dogs are a winner at many a barbecue — and when it comes to sodium, they clock in slightly better than one might expect.
Schneiders All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 90
Sodium: 340 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 7 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.3 g trans), 9% DV
No Name All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 110
Sodium: 410 mg, 18% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.4 g trans), 11% DV
Great Value All-Beef Wieners
Calories: 100
Sodium: 300 mg, 13% DV
Fat: 8 g (includes 3.5 g saturated and 0.3 g trans), 11% DV
A change of pace that'll keep al fresco fun feeling fresh all season long, poultry-based dogs are some other barbecue favourites.
Butterball Turkey Franks
Calories: 110
Sodium: 260 mg, 20% DV
Fat: 7 g (includes 2 g saturated, 0.1 g trans), 9% DV
Zabiha Halal Original Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium 270 mg, 12% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 8% DV
Maple Lodge Farms Original Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium: 300 mg, 13% DV
Fat: 6 g (includes 2 g saturated), 9% DV
Mina Halal Chicken Wieners
Calories: 60
Sodium: 350 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 4 g (includes 1 g saturated), 6% DV
No Name Chicken Hot Dogs
Calories: 70
Sodium: 310 mg, 13%
Fat: 5 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 7% DV
Great Value Chicken Wieners
Calories: 80
Sodium: 310 mg, 13%
Fat: 6 g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 8% DV
No longer the afterthought at the cookout, vegetarians have more options than ever when hitting the grill.
Lightlife Plant-Based Hot Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 350 mg, 15% DV
Fat: 2 g, 3% DV
Yves Tofu Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 250 mg, 10% DV
Fat: 1.5 g (includes 0.2 g saturated), 2% DV
Yves Veggie Dogs
Calories: 60
Sodium: 290 mg, 12%
Fat: 1 g, 2% DV
As stated in the Health Canada study, bakery goods are a surprising minefield when it comes to watching sodium intake. A single hot dog bun from Wonder Bread delivers between seven and nine per cent of your daily sodium allowance, depending on if you reach for the taller "topslice" style or a more classic option.
President's Choice has all-butter brioche buns that deliver 230 mg, or 10 per cent, of your daily sodium needs, while D'Italiano brand's brioche-style offering hits 13 per cent of your daily sodium allowance. Classic hot dog buns from Dempster's and Compliments both clock in at seven per cent, while sausage buns from Villaggio have 13 per cent of your recommended daily sodium intake each.
Even though it tastes sweet, ketchup can pack a sodium punch with roughly 50 grams (or about four tablespoons' worth), delivering 18.5 per cent of your daily sodium needs. Mustard and relish aren't off the hook, either: According to the USDA, the average yellow mustard has 23.5 per cent of your daily sodium in a comparable amount, while your average sweet relish hovers around 16.5 per cent of your sodium needs for about four tablespoons.
It seems hot dogs can be a lower-sodium option than burgers. Still, it's worth keeping an eye out while building your dream 'dog if sodium is a concern for you, as a hot dog on a bun with toppings could easily clear a quarter of your daily sodium allowance (and that's without chips on the side). Tofu dogs will be the lowest-sodium option, but an all-butter brioche bun won't make it feel too austere. Skimping on condiments can keep things in check as well. Now, if only deciding if a hot dog is a sandwich were as straightforward an endeavour!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
2 hours ago
- Medscape
Coin Ingestion in Kids: 1 in 4 Pass Without Intervention
Esophageal obstruction due to foreign body ingestion is a common clinical emergency and a frequent reason for emergency room visits in both adults and children, with more than 150,000 cases reported annually in the United States alone. Obstruction typically occurs at one of three physiological narrowing points in the esophagus: the cricopharyngeal muscle, the level of the aortic arch or left main bronchus, and the diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus. Although 80%-90% of foreign body ingestions are asymptomatic and do not require endoscopic removal, certain objects — such as button batteries or sharp items — and specific anatomical locations present a higher risk for complications. Among children, coins are the most commonly ingested foreign objects. They generally cause little or no damage to the mucosa and are often passed spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract without intervention. However, if a coin becomes lodged in the esophagus, endoscopic removal is typically required to alleviate symptoms and prevent the risk for airway obstruction due to aspiration. When a coin is retained in the distal esophagus, there is no clear consensus on the timing of intervention, as 25%-30% of such cases may resolve spontaneously as the coin passes into the stomach. Still, data on the rate of spontaneous gastric migration remain limited. Ingestion in Children A prospective study examined a large cohort of children treated for coin ingestion at a pediatric hospital in southern Italy, a regional referral center for emergency endoscopy. The objective was to assess the need for endoscopic removal, the likelihood of spontaneous gastric passage, and any associated complications. Between 2017 and 2022, 3168 children were hospitalized for foreign body ingestion. Of these, 807 (25.5%) had ingested a coin. In 52 of the 807 children (6.4%), the coin was retained in the esophagus. In the remaining 755 children (93.6%), the coin had progressed to the stomach or beyond. Of the 52 esophageal cases: 32 (61.5%) involved the proximal esophagus 10 (19.2%) the mid esophagus 10 (19.2%) the distal esophagus Spontaneous passage into the stomach occurred in 13 of 20 children (65%) with mid or distal esophageal retention. In the remaining 7 of 12 children (35%), the coin remained lodged and required endoscopic removal. All endoscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia, and all coins were successfully retrieved. No esophageal mucosal injuries or anesthesia-related adverse events were reported. Clinical Takeaways The study confirms that coin ingestion accounts for a high proportion (25.5%) of all pediatric foreign body ingestion cases. In most cases (93.6%), ingested coins passed through the gastrointestinal tract without becoming lodged in the esophagus or requiring intervention. About one quarter of esophageal coin cases resolved spontaneously within hours, particularly those located in the mid or distal esophagus. Specifically, 65% of these cases saw the coin pass into the stomach without requiring removal. When a coin is lodged in the mid or distal esophagus, the study supports a watchful waiting approach for at least 6-12 hours — especially in older children — as two thirds of these cases may resolve without endoscopic intervention. This story was translated from Univadis Italy.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Best Fruit for Your Gut Health, According to a Gastroenterologist
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDMost adults don't consume enough fiber, but incorporating fiber-rich foods like raspberries can be an easy and delicious solution. Raspberries are not only packed with fiber, but are also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Low in FODMAPs, raspberries are gentle on sensitive stomachs, making them a perfect option for those with IBS or digestive we're supposed to shoot for 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day, more than 90% of women and 97% of men are not meeting this recommendation. And while it might seem more pressing to keep an eye on how much protein you're eating—or whatever appears to be the "hot" macronutrient of the moment—making an effort to eat enough fiber is never going out of style. This is because evidence suggests eating enough fiber can benefit several areas of our health—including gut health, digestion, bone strength, weight, risk for several chronic diseases and even longevity. We're not talking about suffering through glasses of water mixed with a chalky fiber supplement, though. You can score your daily dose from a wide variety of high-fiber foods. One of the most potent sources of fiber is a sweet, versatile, tasty fruit that's an EatingWell editor favorite. It turns out that the same fruit is also a gut-health doctor-recommended option and might be the all-around best fruit for gut health, according to a February 8, 2023, Instagram reel from Will Bulsiewicz, M.D. So what is the best fruit for gut health? Raspberries. "I'm a huge fan of raspberries … First off, they're friggin' delicious," Bulsiewicz shares in the caption. "I mean, seriously. They are like candy, how are they so healthy? But they are!" In the reel, Bulsiewicz continues, "They're super high in fiber. A cup of raspberries has about 7 g of fiber—that's like half of what the average American is getting per day." Bulsiewicz goes on to share more about the many health benefits of raspberries, including them being rich in nutrients like "vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants … that are incredibly good for us," he adds. "Believe it or not, even though there's sugar in berries, berries have been shown to reduce our likelihood of developing [type 2] diabetes. And if you have [type 2] diabetes, they can help you to ultimately reverse it." Lastly, Bulsiewicz loves that raspberries are high in fiber and low in FODMAPs—fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. While many of these specific types of carbs are beneficial for people with healthy guts, they have been shown to exacerbate symptoms among those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). "In other words, if you have digestive issues and are rebuilding your gut, you should be enjoying raspberries," concludes Bulsiewicz. Thankfully, there are many ways you can do just that. The doctor adores raspberry toasts, raspberry salads, raspberry spritzers and raspberry smoothies. Eating raspberries has several benefits, including adding to your fiber quota, promoting healthy digestion (even if you struggle with IBS), consuming more vitamins, minerals and polyphenols, and more. But keep in mind that raspberries shouldn't be your only source of fiber. One of the top five things you should do every day to improve your gut and overall health, says Bulsiewicz, is to eat a wide variety of plants, whole grains, healthy fats and protein. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
The Shoulder Check's Mental Health Movement Promotes Hockey Players And Beyond To ‘Make Contact'
Mental health is often overlooked in not just hockey and sports but society as a whole. One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in a given year, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In the United States, it's one in five adults and one in six youth aged 6 to 17, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. One hockey-centered initiative promotes support and important dialogue in the fight to raise mental health awareness. Shoulder Check, an initiative introduced by the #HT40 foundation in August 2023, is a non-profit that encourages individuals to support, check in and be there for one another. After his son's passing, Thorsen received stories and letters from people who knew Hayden, with the common thread being how supportive and caring of an individual he was. With that, Thorsen began a mission to continue what his son started. The #HT40 Foundation and Shoulder Check were created by Rob Thorsen, who lost his son Hayden Thorsen to suicide in 2022 when Hayden was just 16. Hayden was an avid hockey player, and those who came across him always expressed how he was always there for support and to talk when needed. 'He was empathetic, which I think isn't the most common descriptor for guys like that, right?' Thorsen said. 'And so when we thought about that, like, 'Who's going to do what (Hayden) did now that he's gone?' This idea answers that question.' The main message Shoulder Check promotes is to 'make kindness a contact sport.' Their team has spread this message through initiatives with various schools, hockey clubs and leagues. Even some NHL clubs are involved, including the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders. Through their messaging, there are three main pillars that Shoulder Check focuses on: reach out, check in and make contact. This message has been very well received and has, in part, allowed Thorsen and Shoulder Check to bring the program to huge heights. That includes the Shoulder Check Showcase, an annual charity hockey game that started in 2023. The game, which has featured NHL and PWHL players, takes place at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Conn., a rink where Thorsen's son used to train during his time as a hockey goalie. Thorsen said the participating players, including Trevor Zegras and Chris Kreider, hugely support Shoulder Check's message and have spoken very openly about it during the showcase. 'It's amazing to hear them speak so honestly about it, so much so that I've had people write and reach out to me afterwards, and be like, 'Man, you know, I saw one of the guys speaking about this last night,' and it really just struck me, you know, like the power of a role model sharing something so honest and true.' ' The Shoulder Check Showcase returns on July 24, and the list of NHL players is the biggest yet: Zegras, Kreider, Jake Oettinger, Jonathan Quick, Matty Beniers, Shane Pinto, Jacob Trouba, Matt Rempe, Mason McTavish, Shayne Gostisbehere and more. 'There's an autograph line that these guys will spend like an hour in just interacting with all the kids who come out. It's a really special thing,' Thorsen said. Beyond the 2025 showcase, Thorsen and the Shoulder Check program have big plans in the works. Shoulder Check looks to continue its work with schools of all age groups and even expand its reach to other sports and avenues beyond just hockey. It's also expected to reveal a new campaign in the fall, Thorsen said. 'We hope to have a campaign that launches at the start of next year's hockey season that brings this message forward in a totally different way that we're really excited about,' Thorsen said. Apart from future plans, and with June being Pride month, Thorsen expressed the importance of being there for people in specific communities during these months but also the greater importance of 'maintaining that awareness throughout the whole year.' 'We've got to be aware of folks who we know are more vulnerable or might be struggling more all year round, all the time,' he said. 'Whether that be Pride month, or we talk about inclusion and 'hockey is for everybody' and all those great things that are trying to build the biggest tent possible, like, that's a truth. We're all capable of looking after one another.' The work that Thorsen, the #HT40 Foundation and the Shoulder Check program are doing is truly special, and the message of making 'kindness a contact sport' reaches and helps those far beyond the scope of hockey. As Thorsen says, it is continuing the legacy of his son Hayden, who was always there for his peers. 'We didn't set out to turn a horrible thing into a positive thing,' he said. 'We set out to make sure something someone was doing in the world continues to be done, but now can be done at scale, because we know it mattered.' For more information and to donate to the #HT40 Foundation and the Shoulder Check program, check out their website. There, you can also purchase merchandise, as well as tickets for the upcoming 2025 Shoulder Check Showcase charity game. Get thelatest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and bysubscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting belowthe article on Copyright 2025 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
