Sausage & deli meats

Frankfurter, beef, low fat

FDC 167696frankfurter (57 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 28 · +6 vs Sausage & deli meats median

This low-fat beef frankfurter scores 28 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band placing it 22nd of 60 in Sausage & deli meats. Protein comes in at an excellent 24% DV, and trimming the fat brings calories down to 140 per 100 g, lighter than most franks in this category.

Grilled, boiled or microwaved and served in a bun or sliced into beans, a single frankfurter here runs 57 g. The honest caveat: even the low-fat version is high in sodium at 744 mg per 100 g, so it's worth balancing with low-sodium sides rather than treating it as a daily lunch.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around frankfurter, beef, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 12 g · 34%Carb 1.6 g · 5%Fat 9.5 g · 61%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories140 kcal7%
Total fat9.5 g12%
Saturated fat1.5 g8%
Cholesterol40 mg13%
Sodium744 mg32%
Carbohydrate1.6 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0.85 g
Protein12 g24%
Potassium129 mg3%
Calcium8 mg1%
Iron1.2 mg6%
Magnesium11 mg3%
Vitamin C1 mg1%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.18 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 167696

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein24% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the sausage & deli meats median

Nutrient density28 vs 22 median
Protein / 100 g12 vs 14 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g744 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Salami, cooked, turkeyDensity 28 vs 28Pickle and pimiento loaf, porkDensity 28 vs 28Lebanon bologna, beefDensity 28 vs 28

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Low-fat beef frankfurters are made the same way as a standard hot dog, cured, smoked and stuffed into a casing, but formulated with less fat than a regular beef frank while keeping the familiar snap and smoky flavor. They are cooked the usual ways: grilled, boiled, pan-fried or steamed, then tucked into a bun with mustard, relish, onions or chili, or sliced into beans, mac and cheese, or a skillet hash.

Keep them refrigerated in their original packaging and use within a few days of opening, or freeze unopened packs for longer storage. One frankfurter (57 g) has 140 calories and 12 g of protein, 24% DV, which is a reasonably lean profile for a hot dog thanks to the lower fat formulation at 9.5 g fat, making it a lighter-calorie way to build a quick lunch than a standard full-fat frank, though sodium remains high at 744 mg per link.

Frequently asked questions about frankfurter, beef

How many calories are in a low-fat beef frankfurter?

One frankfurter, 57 g, has 140 calories.

Is a low-fat beef frankfurter a good source of protein?

Yes, it provides 12 g of protein per frankfurter, which is 24% of the Daily Value.

How do you cook a beef frankfurter?

They can be grilled, boiled, pan-fried or steamed, then served in a bun or sliced into dishes like beans or mac and cheese.

View the USDA source record