Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs receive a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor). The primary factor influencing this score is the **high sodium content** and **saturated fat** per serving.
This product scores 38/100 (Poor) on the FoodScore scale.
It provides 14.89g of protein per 100g, contributing positively to its nutritional profile.
A significant concern is the 936.17mg of sodium per 100g, which is high.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it is less optimal than a home-cooked alternative.
Consider serving with whole grain buns and plenty of vegetables to balance the meal.
Scores -9 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
14.89g
30% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
936.17mg
41% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (14.9g)+10
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (9.6g)-13
Sodium (936.2mg)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 38
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs achieve a FoodScore of 38 out of 100, placing them in the 'Poor' category. This score reflects a combination of nutritional attributes, with some positive aspects balanced by significant drawbacks. On the positive side, the product offers a notable 14.89g of protein per 100g, which earns a bonus of 10 points. However, several factors lead to penalties. The saturated fat content is 9.57g per 100g, resulting in a deduction of 13 points. Furthermore, the sodium level is quite high at 936.17mg per 100g, incurring a 4-point penalty. The product's classification as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food, also contributes a 5-point penalty. While the ingredient list includes grass-fed beef and natural seasonings like paprika and dehydrated onion, the overall nutritional density is lower compared to a home-cooked version using whole ingredients, which would typically have less sodium and saturated fat.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in applegate naturals uncured beef hot dogs actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs provide 14.89g of protein per 100g. Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for muscle repair and growth, hormone production, and enzyme function. Including adequate protein in meals can contribute to satiety, helping to manage appetite. This product can be a convenient way to add protein to a meal, especially when time is limited.
Convenient Meal Component
This APPLEGATE product offers a quick and easy protein source for meals. Its prepared nature means minimal cooking time, making it suitable for busy individuals or families. While not a whole food, it can serve as a base for a meal when paired with nutrient-dense sides like vegetables and whole grains, helping to create a more balanced plate without extensive preparation.
Minimal Added Sugars
The product contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, which is a positive attribute. Limiting added sugar intake is a key recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This formulation avoids unnecessary sweeteners, allowing consumers to control the sugar content of their overall meal by choosing unsweetened accompaniments.
Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs receive a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor). The primary factor influencing this score is the high sodium content and saturated fat per serving.
How to eat it
Hot dogs are commonly consumed as a quick meal or snack, often grilled or pan-fried and served in a bun. While convenient, it's important to consider the overall nutritional balance of the meal, as hot dogs alone do not provide a wide range of micronutrients.
Pair with a whole-grain bun and a generous serving of fresh vegetables like sauerkraut, chopped onions, or a side salad to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider cutting the hot dog into smaller pieces and adding it to a vegetable-rich pasta dish or a bean chili to extend the serving and reduce the per-portion intake.
To manage sodium intake, limit other high-sodium condiments and choose low-sodium sides. One hot dog contains a significant amount of the daily recommended sodium.
Use as an occasional protein source rather than a daily staple, focusing on leaner, less processed protein options for most meals.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be mindful of the high sodium content in Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs, which is 936.17mg per 100g. Individuals with hypertension or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet should consume this product in moderation and balance it with very low-sodium foods throughout the day. The product also contains celery powder, which is a natural source of nitrates and nitrites. While the product is 'uncured,' these naturally occurring compounds act similarly to synthetic curing agents. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but individuals with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list.
Is APPLEGATE Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs healthy?
With a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor), Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs are not considered a highly nutritious food. While they offer protein and no added sugar, the high levels of saturated fat and sodium are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does APPLEGATE compare to other hot dog brands?
Compared to many conventional hot dog brands like Oscar Mayer Classic Beef Franks, Applegate Naturals Uncured Beef Hot Dogs may offer a slightly cleaner ingredient list by avoiding synthetic nitrates/nitrites and some artificial ingredients. However, nutritionally, they still share common concerns such as high sodium and saturated fat content, which are typical for the category. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons.
What does 'uncured' mean in this product?
The term 'uncured' on the label means that no synthetic nitrates or nitrites were added. Instead, the product uses natural sources of nitrates, such as celery powder, which are converted to nitrites during processing. These naturally occurring nitrites serve the same purpose as synthetic ones in preserving the meat and contributing to its color and flavor.
What is a reasonable portion size for these hot dogs?
The serving size is one hot dog. Given the high sodium (936.17mg per 100g) and saturated fat content, sticking to a single serving is advisable. For children or those with lower caloric needs, half a hot dog might be a more appropriate portion, especially if other high-sodium foods are consumed in the same meal.
Can I eat these hot dogs if I'm trying to reduce processed foods?
These hot dogs are classified as NOVA class 3, meaning they are processed foods. While they may contain fewer artificial ingredients than some alternatives, they are not a whole food. If your goal is to significantly reduce processed foods, opting for fresh, minimally processed meats and plant-based protein sources would be more aligned with that objective.