Top Dogs: The Best Hot Dog Brands You Need to Try

Hot dogs have been a staple of American cuisine for decades, with each brand offering a unique twist on flavor and texture. From the classic family barbeques to the bustling city street vendors, the right hot dog can elevate any gathering or meal. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect choice that suits everyone's taste buds. For those curious about which brands stand out in quality and taste, take a look below to discover some of the best hot dog brands available today.

Illustration of hot dog

Best brands of hot dog in 2025

Nathan's Famous

Nathan's Famous is a renowned brand in the hot dog industry, celebrated for its premium, 100% beef hot dogs that have maintained the same original recipe since 1916. The company saw a 2% increase in hot dog sales volume and a 7% increase in average selling price during fiscal 2024, contributing to a 9.6% year-over-year revenue growth in its Branded Product Program, which generated $86.5 million in sales. Nathan's Famous is recognized for its taste superiority, as endorsed by Consumer Reports and Bon Appetit, and its iconic hot dog eating contest enhances brand awareness. The brand's strong cash flow and robust margins, particularly in the Licensing segment with nearly 100% margins, make it an attractive investment opportunity. Despite facing challenges like fluctuating beef prices, Nathan's Famous remains a top-tier hot dog brand with immense growth potential. For more details on their hot dog offerings, visit their website.

Hebrew National

Hebrew National is a renowned brand in the hot dog industry, known for its high-quality, all-beef kosher hot dogs that have been a staple since 1905. The brand, acquired by Conagra in 1993, generated $170 million in sales in the year preceding 2019, highlighting its significant market presence. Despite a 47% revenue drop in Q1 2024 due to a manufacturing disruption, Hebrew National remains a popular choice, especially during peak summer consumption periods when over 7 billion hot dogs are consumed in the U.S. For more detailed insights, you can read about how Hebrew National may be sold by Conagra.

Oscar Mayer

Oscar Mayer, a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz, is a leading producer of hot dogs, holding a significant share in the global market. In 2017, Oscar Mayer had a 17.5% share of the cold cuts and other processed meats market. The brand is known for its wide range of hot dog products, including classic wieners, beef franks, and recently introduced plant-based options like NotHotDogs and NotSausages. The global hot dog market, where Oscar Mayer is a key player, was valued at USD 20.94 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% until 2030. Oscar Mayer's products are popular not only in the United States but also globally, contributing to the brand's strong market presence.

Ball Park

Ball Park brand, owned by Tyson Foods, is a leading producer in the hot dog market, known for its high-quality and diverse range of hot dog products. The brand is a significant player in the North American hot dog and sausages market, which was valued at USD 39.85 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 51.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7%. Ball Park brand's products, such as the Bun Size Franks, are popular choices among consumers, contributing to the brand's strong market presence. The brand's success is also reflected in the overall hot dog market, where over 20 billion hot dogs are consumed annually in the United States. With a rich history and continuous innovation, Ball Park brand remains a favorite among hot dog enthusiasts.

Vienna Beef

Vienna Beef is a renowned brand in the hot dog and sausages market, known for its high-quality products made from fresh domestic meat, free from antibiotics, hormones, fillers, artificial colors, and flavorings. The brand is particularly famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs, which are a staple in American cuisine. Vienna Beef products are widely available, with distribution channels including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail, contributing to the global hot dogs and sausages market projected to reach USD 112.41 billion by 2032. The brand's commitment to quality and its iconic "snap" when biting into a Vienna Beef frank have made it a favorite among consumers. Vienna Beef is also recognized for its Hot Dog University, a program designed to help aspiring hot dog vendors start their businesses. For more details about their hot dogs, visit the Vienna Beef Hot Dogs page.

Applegate

Applegate, a leading brand in the hot dog market, is committed to advancing sustainable and ethical agricultural practices. By 2025, Applegate aims to ensure that all its beef hot dogs are made from cattle raised on verified regenerative US grasslands, a move that will increase regenerative acreage by over 2,200% and involve more than 250 beef farmers. Applegate's products, such as the Do Good Dog hot dog, have been well-received by consumers who appreciate the brand's focus on regenerative agriculture and animal welfare. The brand has also made significant environmental impacts, including reducing pesticide use by 220,000 pounds and saving 480,000 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer in 2023. Applegate's commitment to simple, organic, and non-GMO ingredients further enhances its reputation as a trusted producer of high-quality hot dogs.

Sabrett

Sabrett, founded in 1926 by Samuel Ogus and Fritz Frankel, is a renowned brand in the hot dog industry, particularly iconic in New York City. It ranks as America's sixth-largest hot dog distributor, producing 800,000 to 1.2 million hot dogs daily from its New Jersey factory. Sabrett's hot dogs are known for their all-beef content and natural casing, giving them a distinctive snap. The brand supplies many landmark restaurants and food carts, with its products being a staple in New York's culinary landscape. Over 20 billion hot dogs are consumed annually in the United States, with Sabrett being a significant contributor to this market. For more information, visit their official website.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head is renowned as one of the top producers of hot dogs, with a rich history dating back to 1905 when founder Frank Brunckhorst crafted the first Boar's Head Frankfurters in Brooklyn using an original family recipe and the finest ingredients, including USDA Choice Beef and a proprietary spice blend. These frankfurters are known for their exceptional flavor and superior bite, making them a favorite at picnics, barbecues, and dinner tables. Boar's Head hot dogs are often praised for their natural casing and traditional pushcart-style preparation, aligning with consumer preferences for high-quality, nutritious products. The brand's commitment to quality has earned it a top spot in consumer rankings, such as the 2007 Consumer Reports hot dog roundup. Boar's Head continues to be a significant player in the global hot dogs market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2031. For more information, check out their Boar's Head Frankfurters.

Johnsonville

Johnsonville is a leading brand in the hot dog market, known for its high-quality, fully cooked skinless hot dogs that offer a traditional flavor experience. Their hot dogs are made from meat ingredients such as pork, beef, and mechanically separated turkey, and are ready to heat and serve. Johnsonville's products are popular due to their convenience and flavor, contributing to the growth of the hot dog market, which is expected to reach USD 27.93 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. The company's commitment to teamwork and employee involvement has also driven its success, as seen in its significant sales growth from $15 million in 1982 to $130 million today. Johnsonville's hot dogs are widely available in various distribution channels, including supermarkets and foodservice establishments. For more information, you can explore their variety of hot dogs on their official website.

Pederson's Natural Farms

Pederson's Natural Farms stands out as a premier producer of high-quality hot dogs, known for their all-natural and uncured products. Celebrating 25 years in the industry, the company has grown from a small operation with two employees to a robust business with 100 employees and a 40,000 square foot facility. In 2016, Pederson's achieved $29 million in gross sales, and by the next year, they reached record sales of $70 million. The company is renowned for its commitment to safety, quality, and humane practices, using G.A.P. (Global Animal Partnership)-certified producers. Pederson's innovative products, such as their sugar-free bacon, have garnered significant consumer attention and loyalty. For more information on their offerings, you can explore their Pederson's Natural Farms hot dogs.