Ditch the Mystery Meat: 9 Hot Dog Brands That Use 100-Percent Meat

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 of the all-meat hot dog brands 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.

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.

Ball Park Bun Size Hot Dogs

Ball Park’s “Bun Size” hot dogs are designed to fit standard hot dog buns perfectly, avoiding awkward overhang while delivering a classic, familiar bite. Typically sold in 15-ounce packages containing eight franks, they’re known for their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor, making them a dependable, everyday choice for everything from backyard cookouts to quick weeknight meals.

Kayem Beef Hot Dog

Kayem Beef Hot Dogs are fully cooked, all-beef franks celebrated for their bold, savory flavor and signature snap, often achieved through the use of natural casings that enhance their juiciness. A staple in the Northeast, they’re a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice and are easy to prepare by grilling, pan-frying, simmering on the stovetop, or even microwaving, then served on a classic bun for a quick, satisfying meal.

More Hot Dog Stories From Cheapism

• Best Under-the-Radar Hot Dog Stands Across America — Skip the tourist traps and hunt down these sleeper hot-dog spots around the country for seriously memorable dogs, wild toppings, and regional specialties worth the detour.
• We Tried 10 Hot Dog Brands and These Were the Best — If you’ve ever stood frozen in the aisle wondering which pack to grab, this taste test ranks 10 supermarket hot dogs from best to worst so you can buy with confidence.
• 15 Costco Hot Dog Facts That Define a Food-Court Classic — From its legendary $1.50 price to how Costco makes the dogs today, these bite-size facts explain why the combo became an American food-court icon.