Hot Dogs: An Overview of the Humble Hot Dog
There are several myths surrounding how hot dogs are made. We searched for the truth, so keep reading to learn more about the humble hot dog.
Americans eat more than 6.5 billion hot dogs every year! Hot dogs are just as synonymous with Americana as apple pie and Ford automobiles. From young children to elders, the humble hot dog is a favorite commodity.
The smell of a fresh hot dog at a ballpark or carnival is an unforgettable sensation. This smell alone can be nostalgic and bring back memories of youth.
While hot dogs have become a prevalent meal, they often get criticized for their lack of nutrition. The truth is some hot dogs are healthier than others.
You may have wondered what hot dogs are made of. Continue to read to learn more.
A Brief History
The hot dog is older than one may think. History suggests that the predecessor of the hot dog emerged in the Roman Empire.
Yes, you read that correctly. This is when the first sausage products were developed.
Eventually, the Roman sausage was spread around Europe. The German community took a particular liking to it. In turn, they decided to further develop and perfect the sausage.
The German town of Frankfurt boasts that the first “hot dog” was created within its premises in the late 1480s. Hot dogs and sausages became a popular meal among Germans and other Europeans.
As Europeans began to migrate to America, they brought along their culture and traditions. German immigrants believed that the hot dog could be equally successful in America.
They saw it as an excellent business opportunity as hot dog stands were affordable to maintain. Due to the persistent efforts of European immigrants, the hot dog became wildly successful. Of course, the taste of the humble hot dog had a lot to do with its popularity as well!
What Are Hot Dogs Made of?
Hot dogs are a notorious processed meat product. As historic as they are, many people who prioritize fitness and nutrition limit their hot dog consumption and encourage others to do the same.
A typical hot dog is often a combination of different meats including pork, chicken, and beef. These pieces of meat are fairly small and are mixed with other ingredients such as spices and preservatives.
The meat used to create hot dogs are most commonly “meat trimmings.” These trimmings are usually extras from steaks, cooked chickens, or beef roasts. Hot dog manufacturers receive a majority of meat from factory farms.
There are some very unattractive hot dog ingredients besides meat trimmings. Such ingredients include organs, an excess of sodium, and antibiotics.
Healthier Options
There are more nutritious hot dogs available. They are organic and include higher quality meat. These may still have a high sodium count, but they are far healthier than the traditional hot dog.
As expected, these products carry a larger price tag. You will not have to spend a fortune though.
Top Hot-dog companies
There are many companies that produce hot dogs in the US, these are the most popular in the US:
- Ball Park Hot dogs owned by Tyson Foods
- Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs owned by Kraft Heinz
- Hebrew National Hot Dogs owned by ConAgra
- Bar S hot dogs owned by Sigma Alimentos
- Nathan Famous hot dogs owned by Equicor Group Ltd
Recruiting in the Food and Beverage Industry
As controversial as they are, hot dogs will be a part of American culture for decades to come. They are a favorite meal of many. With healthier hot dog options emerging on the market, the industry will continue to thrive and grow.
Recruiting talented employees in the food and beverage industry has never been easier with JSK Recruiting. We will help you find candidates and conduct the interview process. There are a lot of rewards to earn in this business and we understand you want the best of the best.
To learn more about JSK Recruiting and how we can be of service to you, please contact us today.
