Americans love hot dogs. Whether it’s at ball games, backyard BBQs, or street carts, they’re one of the most eaten foods in the country. And it’s one of those foods you love, but you’d rather not think too hard about what’s inside.
While oftentimes you’re right to be wary of the ingredients in hot dogs, there are brands dedicated to using only real meat — no nitrates, no fillers, no artificial extras.
Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable brands serving all-meat franks — from budget-friendly classics to premium grass-fed and kosher choices.
Applegate Naturals Beef Hot Dog
Applegate Farms’ Naturals hot dogs are about as clean as hot dogs get. At around $8, they’re probably the priciest franks on the shelf, but you’re paying for 100% grass-fed beef from Australian and Californian farms, natural casing, and a short, no-nonsense ingredient list: water, vinegar, dried vegetables, and spices.
Niman Ranch
Niman Ranch was founded by Bill Niman, a farmer known for prioritizing humane animal treatment and high-quality meat. While he’s no longer with the company — and there’s even a claim he refuses to eat the products that still bear his name — Niman Ranch hot dogs continue to use 100% real meat with no antibiotics, fillers, or by-products. They’re also nitrate-free and smoked for flavor, not preserved with chemicals.
That said, their ingredient list isn’t as additive-free as some other contenders on this list. All three versions — Uncured Pork & Beef Franks, Grass-Fed Angus Beef Franks, and Uncured Beef Franks — contain dextrose and sodium phosphate. They’re not the worst additives out there, but food purists might care.
Hebrew National
Hebrew National holds a special place in the heart of every hot dog aficionado and is often praised as one of the best franks in the country — both for flavor and ingredient quality. They come with a steep price tag, but for good reason: 100% kosher beef, a special blend of spices, and no fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or by-products.
That said, their standard line does contain added nitrates and preservatives, which some may want to avoid. However, the All-Natural version skips synthetic preservatives and is one of the cleaner options available.
Nathan’s Famous
Being a real celebrity among the franks, you wouldn’t expect a brand as big as Nathan’s Famous to do things right. And you’re probably right. But Nathan’s Famous introduced its All-Natural Uncured Beef Franks line, which is pretty clean. The hot dogs are made of 100% beef, no fillers, by-products, or artificial ingredients. They’re minimally processed, free from added nitrates or nitrites, and skip the corn syrup.
Organic Valley/Organic Prairie
A solid choice for those who want organic and humanely raised meat, Organic Prairie hot dogs are made with 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised organic beef and organic turkey — both antibiotic- and hormone-free. These franks are uncured, nitrate-free, and free of fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives. They’re skinless but still pack a clean, meaty bite without the extra junk.
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Snake River Farms American Wagyu Hot Dogs
At $12 a pack, Snake River Farms hot dogs might seem like a luxury item, but these aren’t your average franks. Each pack comes with five massive hot dogs, made with American Wagyu beef — no fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives, and they’re nitrate- and nitrite-free. They come skinless, so the bite is softer than a classic snap-casing dog, but if you want a meaty, oversized hot dog, these deliver.
Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters
This deli-counter staple uses only USDA Choice beef and a family recipe that’s more than a century old. Available in natural casing or skinless varieties, Boar’s Head franks are hearty, flavorful, and made without artificial preservatives.
Teton Waters Ranch Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs
If you’re looking for premium flavor, Teton Waters Ranch uses only grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. Taste tests (including our own hot dog taste test) consistently rank them high for their rich, slightly earthy flavor profile.
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More Hot Dog Stories From Cheapism
- Best Hot Dog Styles From Every State — From chili-smothered franks to bacon-wrapped dogs, see how Americans serve up this classic.
- Best Hot Dog Recipes for Summer Cookouts — Creative and budget-friendly ways to upgrade your next backyard BBQ.
- 13 Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Hot Dogs — Skip the rookie errors and grill the perfect dog every time.
