Ever wondered what exactly goes into a hot dog? Here's the scoop.

Hot dogs are a must-have at summer events, from grilling in the backyard to cheering at baseball games.

Hot dogs are so beloved that, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, it’s real!), Americans consume a staggering 20 billion hot dogs annually. That's roughly 70 hot dogs per person!

But how many people actually know what's inside a hot dog? We spoke with a food industry expert to find out.

So, what exactly are hot dogs made of?

When we talk about a 'hot dog,' we're specifically referring to the sausage itself—not the sausage and bun combo. According to the USDA, hot dogs are classified as cooked or smoked sausages.

Hot dogs are considered cured meat, which means they are preserved with salt and curing agents like sodium or potassium nitrite. These nitrites are also responsible for giving hot dogs their distinct pink hue.

Some producers prefer to use natural nitrite sources, such as celery powder or extracts, which, when combined with specific bacteria, generate nitrites to cure the meat.

Historically, hot dogs were made using animal intestines, but today the primary ingredient is usually a blend of muscle meats from beef, pork, chicken, or turkey—or sometimes a mix of both meat and poultry.

Other typical ingredients include:

• Sugar: To promote browning and a hint of sweetness.
• Spices: Garlic, paprika, nutmeg, coriander, white pepper, and mustard powder give the wiener the flavor. 
• Water: Water helps blend the spices with the meat.

Ingredients can differ depending on the brand. For a full list of potential ingredients, refer to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council’s Hot Dog Ingredient Guide.

Although hot dogs are made primarily from animal muscle meat, other parts like liver and heart may also be included. Manufacturers are required to list these ingredients as 'variety meats' or 'meat by-products,' specifying the type of meat used.

So, what are hot dog casings made of?

Ever wondered why some sausages have that satisfying 'snap' when you bite into them, while others don’t? The secret lies in the casing.

Hot dogs are known for their distinct cylindrical shape, which comes from stuffing and cooking the meat blend inside a casing to keep everything in place. These casings can be either natural or synthetic.

Mark Haas, CEO of Helmsman Group, a food and beverage consulting company based in Oregon, explains that natural and edible casings are typically made from the cleaned intestines of sheep or pigs.

Collagen casings, made from beef proteins, offer an alternative to traditional sheep or pig intestines for hot dog casings.

Some synthetic casings, like those made from cellulose, are used for skinless sausages. These casings are inedible and are removed after the sausages cool down during production.

Skinless hot dogs won't give you that signature 'snap' you get with sausages that have an edible casing. However, sausages made with synthetic casings tend to be more uniform in size and weight, unlike those packed into natural animal intestine casings, which can vary.

How are hot dogs made?

To achieve their signature cylindrical shape, Haas explains that the sausage-making process starts with emulsification, where the meat is finely ground into a smooth or semi-solid texture. The mixture is then combined with curing agents and spices, creating an even consistency before being piped into casings, shaped, and cooked—often through smoking or steaming.

Beef Hot Dogs vs. Pork Hot Dogs

You might assume that all sausages are alike, but beef and pork hot dogs offer distinct flavors and textures. According to Haas, beef hot dogs have a bolder, richer taste and a firmer texture due to the nature of beef. On the other hand, pork hot dogs are milder and softer, thanks to the way pork fat renders.

Are Hot Dogs Bad For You?

Whether you turn your hot dog into a corn dog or pile it with condiments in a bun, hot dogs are processed meats rich in salt and saturated fats. If you're watching your sodium or fat intake, opt for sausages with less salt or choose poultry-based varieties like chicken or turkey, which typically have lower fat content.

While hot dogs might not be the healthiest choice, they can still be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.