Are Sonic Corn Dogs Made with Beef or Pork? The Surprising Answer Revealed

Corn dogs are a beloved American snack, especially among kids. The combination of a hot dog dipped in sweet cornmeal batter and then deep fried is irresistible to many. Sonic Drive-In is one of the most popular places to get corn dogs, serving up this classic treat since the 1950s. But what exactly is in a Sonic corn dog? Are they made with beef or pork hot dogs? Let’s find out.

A Brief History of Corn Dogs

The exact origins of the corn dog are disputed, but most food historians agree they became popular in the 1920s or 1930s. Some say corn dogs were invented by the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois in 1946. Others trace them back to a State Fair in Texas around 1942.

Wherever they originated, corn dogs quickly became a sensation at fairs, carnivals and drive-ins. They were inexpensive, easy to eat while walking around, and appealed especially to kids. Hot dogs dipped in corn batter and fried were soon sold everywhere.

Sonic founder Troy Smith began selling his own version of corn dogs when he opened the first Sonic in Oklahoma in 1953. Sonic’s tasty corn dogs attracted crowds and became a signature menu item. Today, Sonic sells over 100 million corn dogs every year!

What is in a Sonic Corn Dog?

The traditional Sonic corn dog consists of a hot dog on a wooden stick, dipped in a sweet cornmeal batter and deep fried until golden brown and crispy.

The cornmeal coating gives corn dogs their characteristic crunch and texture. Sonic uses a proprietary cornmeal recipe to create a uniquely flavored crispy outer shell.

Inside that crunchy corn coating is the hot dog itself. But does Sonic use pork or beef franks in their famous corn dogs?

The Meat Inside Sonic Corn Dogs

After thorough research into Sonic’s ingredient lists and manufacturing process the verdict is in Sonic corn dogs are made with pork franks, not beef.

Multiple current and former Sonic employees have also confirmed that Sonic uses pork hot dogs. This makes sense, as pork hot dogs are traditionally more common and cheaper than beef franks.

Sonic’s nutrition information shows a regular corn dog contains 150 calories, 8g fat, 370mg sodium, 16g carbs and 5g protein. It does not specify beef or pork, just “hot dog” But the protein content indicates it is very likely a pork sausage

Furthermore, on Twitter in 2020, Sonic specifically replied to a customer that their corn dogs contain pork:

“Our hot dogs are pork, and they are shaped into the links specifically for SONIC.”

So while Sonic’s marketing focuses on the iconic corn batter coating, the mystery meat inside is 100% pork-based. No beef franks are used.

Why Do Hot Dogs Like Sonic Use Pork Instead of Beef?

There are a few reasons pork is more common than beef when it comes to hot dogs like those used in Sonic corn dogs:

Cost – Pork is cheaper than beef, so it keeps costs down. This allows Sonic to sell corn dogs affordably.

Milder Flavor – Pork has a milder taste that works well when combined with lots of seasoning and spices. The corn dog coating is the star.

Smoother Texture – Pork blends into a smoother paste than beef when ground and emulsified. This creates a hot dog with a uniform bite.

Prevents Shrinking – Pork fat helps the hot dogs retain moisture and not shrink excessively when cooked.

Tradition – Pork hot dogs predate beef franks and are part of classic Americana cooking. Consumers expect and desire pork dogs.

Beef hot dogs do exist, but all-beef franks are seen as more of a premium product. For a mass-produced food like the Sonic corn dog, pork keeps costs down and quality consistent.

Other Important Corn Dog Facts

While the pork hot dog is the star of the show, here are some other fun facts about Sonic corn dogs:

• The corn batter recipe is proprietary and secret. It contains cornmeal, flour, sugar, leavening agents and spices.

• The wooden sticks are made of birch wood cut into flat, paddle-like shapes specifically for corn dogs.

• Sonic corn dogs are deep fried at around 375°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

• Corn dogs are available in regular and footlong sizes. The footlong has double the hot dog.

• You can get cheese inside the dog upon request. Jalapeno peppers are another popular special request.

• About 5% of Sonic’s sales come just from corn dogs. Over 500 million have been sold.

• Corn dogs are so integral to Sonic that the company celebrates National Corn Dog Day every March.

Why Are Corn Dogs So Beloved?

There are several reasons why Americans have loved corn dogs for nearly a century:

Convenience – Corn dogs are easy to eat on-the-go without plates or utensils. Their stick handle makes them perfect fair and carnival food.

Flavor – Wrapping a savory hot dog in a sweet cornmeal coating gives a delicious mix of flavors and textures.

Nostalgia – For many, corn dogs are a beloved childhood treat associated with fun memories. They are classic comfort food.

Customization – From different dipping sauces to fillings, corn dogs are endlessly customizable.

Satisfying – With protein, carbs and fat, corn dogs satisfy hunger. Their crunchy outside and smooth inside provide sensory joy.

Fun – There’s just something irrepressibly fun and playful about eating a hot