Are Turkey Hot Dogs Actually Healthy? The Surprising Truth

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“Can there really be that much of a difference between the best turkey hot dogs and the best chicken hot dogs?” we asked ourselves as we fired up the grill and gathered around a picnic table for another Epicurious blind taste test—the first one we’ve conducted together since March 2020. The answer: Yes, absolutely. The two dogs are alike in animal kingdom only; otherwise, they have distinct characteristics that I’ll get into below. Our top-rated poultry dog turned out to be turkey, but it does come with a caveat: Ferndale Market Uncured Turkey Wieners are made with a natural lamb casing. If you’re opting for turkey or chicken hot dogs because you avoid red meat, the Ferndale option might not be what you’re looking for. We picked a few other top dogs, though, too, so keep scrolling to find out our methodology and the full list of contenders, including your new favorite grilling-weekend staple.

Turkey hot dogs have become increasingly popular as Americans look for healthier options at barbecues and cookouts. But are these poultry franks really better for you than traditional beef hot dogs? I decided to dig into the nutrition facts and ingredients to find out.

Why Turkey Hot Dogs May Seem Healthier

There are a few reasons turkey hot dogs are often marketed as a smarter choice

Lower in fat and calories – Turkey hot dogs can be up to 50% lower in total fat and calories compared to beef hot dogs. This makes them less likely to lead to weight gain and obesity.
Less saturated fat – Saturated fat raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood, increasing heart disease risk. Turkey hot dogs tend to be lower in saturated fat.
No nitrates – Many turkey hot dog brands tout themselves as “nitrate-free.” Nitrates are preservatives used in some processed meats that may be linked to cancer.
Higher in protein – Ounce for ounce, turkey often packs more protein compared to beef. Protein helps keep you full and aids muscle growth.

At first glance, these factors make turkey franks seem like a slam dunk health win But there’s more to the story

The Potential Pitfalls of Turkey Hot Dogs

Turkey hot dogs aren’t always as healthy as they seem. Here are some things to watch out for:

Sodium content – Many turkey dogs are still sky-high in sodium, with some brands containing over 450mg per hot dog. High sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure.
Nitrites – Just because a turkey dog is nitrate-free doesn’t mean it’s nitrite-free. Many brands use sodium nitrite instead, which converts to nitrates in the body
Mechanically separated poultry – Some turkey hot dogs contain this highly processed meat paste. It’s lower quality and lacks nutrition.
Fillers and preservatives – Artificial flavors, colors, cornstarch, and other additives are common in turkey dogs. These provide no nutritional value.
Overeating – People may eat more turkey dogs thinking they’re healthy, negating any advantage over beef hot dogs. Moderation is key.

As you can see, not every turkey hot dog is created equal when it comes to nutrition. You have to read labels and ingredients carefully.

Choosing the Healthiest Turkey Hot Dogs

When shopping for turkey hot dogs, keep these tips in mind:

Seek uncured varieties without sodium nitrite. Nitrite-free is ideal.
Look for no mechanically separated meat in the ingredients list.
Choose brands with 350mg or less sodium per hot dog.
Check for short ingredient lists with whole turkey as first ingredient. Avoid fillers.
Consider organic turkey dogs from humanely raised birds without antibiotics.
Compare fat, calories and protein to pick lower fat, lower calorie options.

My favorite turkey hot dog brands that meet these criteria are Applegate Organics and Organic Prairie. They check all the boxes for healthier turkey franks.

The Healthiest Ways to Enjoy Turkey Hot Dogs

Once you’ve chosen some of the healthiest turkey dogs, keep these serving tips in mind:

Opt for whole wheat buns over white. Look for at least 2g fiber per bun.
Load up your dog with veggie toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, relish, and peppers.
Use avocado instead of mayo for a healthy, creamy condiment.
Mustard and sauerkraut are very low calorie condiment choices.
Have your turkey dog as an open-faced sandwich and skip the top bun.
Swap starchy sides like chips for a salad, fruit, or slaw instead.
Stick to one regular size turkey dog instead of multiple.
Enjoy turkey dogs only occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet.

The Bottom Line

Turkey hot dogs can be a smart choice but shouldn’t be thought of as diet food. Read labels closely, opt for premium uncured turkey dogs, and use healthy toppings and sides. When enjoyed in moderation, quality turkey franks can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. Just don’t go overboard!

are turkey hot dogs healthy

The best chicken hot dogs: Applegate Organics

Another Applegate on the loose: Of all the chicken hot dogs we tried, these were our favorite, hands down. While we generally preferred the texture and flavor of the turkey hot dogs over chicken, this brand’s chicken dogs could go head-to-head with many of our top contenders.

Unlike its turkey counterparts, the Applegate chicken franks do not contain cherry powder. This means they’re pale in color, which, frankly, isn’t as appealing to the eye. But they still taste quite good: juicy, salty, spiced with garlic, black pepper, and some warm spices (which later research revealed to be nutmeg and mace). Tasting them on their own made us question if these franks really had true hot dog vibes—there’s distinct chickeny flavor here. But given their balanced seasoning and pleasing texture, we’re confident that you’ll enjoy them as much as any deli-style (or scallion pancake–wrapped) frank, especially once they are loaded with your favorite hot dog toppings.

Applegate Organics The Great Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dog (10 oz.)

The Other Best Turkey Hot Dog: Applegate Naturals

Amid a sea of pale and, honestly, quite flaccid franks, the Applegate Naturals turkey hot dogs earned praise from our tasters for “looking like a ‘real’ dog” due to their appealing pink color. That rosy glow comes from cherry powder, which also seems to round out the flavor with a touch of tang and sweetness. These dogs get good spice from garlic and paprika, and we also detected a hint of bright-but-earthy coriander. They are nice and juicy—more so than even our winner—and well-seasoned with sea salt.

These are skinless franks, but they still grill well, developing a nice contrast between snappy surface texture and softer interior. Associate food editor Kendra Vaculin singled them out as the ideal candidate for butterflying and serving “well-charred with plenty of mustard.”

Applegate sources humanely raised birds raised in the Mid-Atlantic region for all of its poultry products. It should be noted, however, that this is the Applegate Naturals line and not the Applegate Organics line—although the brand’s The Great Organic Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs scored just a few points behind their nonorganic sisters in our taste test. We found the organic version to have a slightly softer texture (meaning it had less satisfying bite), but we certainly wouldn’t be mad if it showed up to the party instead.

Applegate Naturals Uncured Turkey Hot Dog (10 oz.)

Not all hot dogs are created equal. Here are your healthiest choices

FAQ

Are turkey hot dogs healthier?

“If you’re going to have a hot dog, consider cutting back on other types of processed meat you may eat, such as bacon or sandwiches made with lunch meat,” Klosz says. Because eating too much red meat has also been linked to heart disease and cancer, chicken or turkey dogs might be a slightly healthier option.

What is the healthiest hot dog to eat?

But if you are looking for a healthier option, Mohr suggests 100% beef hot dogs because they contain fewer additives than traditional hot dogs. “I want a hot dog that tastes like a hot dog,” Mohr says. Applegate, one of the common 100% beef brands, only contains beef, water and spices.

Are turkey hot dogs considered processed meat?

Processed meats can include ham, sausage, bacon, deli meats (such as bologna, smoked turkey and salami), hot dogs, jerky, pepperoni and even sauces made with those products.

What is a healthy alternative to hot dogs?

Turkey and Apple Sausages Turkey sausages are lower in saturated fat while still offering a satisfying savory taste. Look for options with minimal additives and preservatives.

Are Turkey dogs better than hot dogs?

Turkey dogs have a milder and leaner flavor compared to hot dogs. They lack the smoky, savory taste characteristic of beef hot dogs, but many brands offer turkey dogs with added seasonings to enhance their flavor. 3. Can turkey dogs be used in the same way as hot dogs? Yes, turkey dogs can be used in the same way as hot dogs.

What are the health benefits of ground turkey?

Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.

Can Turkey dogs be used as hot dogs?

Yes, turkey dogs can be used in the same way as hot dogs. They can be grilled, boiled, or fried and enjoyed on a bun with your favorite toppings. They can also be incorporated into various dishes, such as chili dogs and hot dog casserole. 4. Are turkey dogs suitable for individuals with beef allergies?

Are hot dogs healthy?

Hot dogs are typically a once-in-a-while meal, so they won’t greatly impact your overall health. Because of that, it’s okay to choose what tastes best to you, says registered dietitian Chris Mohr . But if you are looking for a healthier option, Mohr suggests 100% beef hot dogs because they contain fewer additives than traditional hot dogs.