How healthy is hot dog?
Is hot dog healthy? It can fit a healthy diet as an occasional food. Hot dog scores 7/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 315 kcal, 12 g protein and 364 mg potassium. A beef frank is mostly fat and protein with a lot of salt; it is a processed meat. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Hot dog ranks higher than 7% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein7%
- Potassium2%
- Iron2%
- Vitamin E1%
- Magnesium1%
- Calcium0%
- Vitamin A0%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat18%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium12%
Raw NRF9.3: 14 minus 30 = -16. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in hot dog?
Calories164kcal
Protein6.1g
Carbohydrates1.5g
Fat15g
Fiber0g
Sugars0.6g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 315 kcal | 164 kcal | |
| Protein | 12 g | 6.1 g | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g | 1.5 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 1.2 g | 0.6 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 28 g | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated fat | 11 g | 6 g | 30% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 3 µg | 1.6 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 mg | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 14 mg | 7.3 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 0.6 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 364 mg | 189 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 5.7 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 865 mg | 450 mg | 20% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Frankfurter, beef, unheated" (FDC 173862). Values rounded.
Why is hot dog good for you?
- 6.1 g protein in 1 frank, 12% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Good ways to use it
- Occasional barbecues
- Serving with a salad or beans
What should you watch out for?
- Processed meat and high in sodium. A choking hazard for small children unless cut lengthwise.
What can you eat instead of hot dog?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.
How does hot dog compare?
Common questions about hot dog
How many calories are in hot dog?
100 g of hot dog has 315 kcal. A typical portion, 1 frank (52 g), has about 164 kcal.
How much protein is in hot dog?
Hot dog has 12 g of protein per 100 g, or about 6.1 g in 1 frank.
Is hot dog good for weight loss?
Hot dog is fairly calorie-dense (315 kcal per 100 g), so portion size matters more than the food itself. 1 frank is about 164 kcal.