Frankfurter, beef, unheated
FDC 173862hot dog (49 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 15 · -7 vs Sausage & deli meats medianThis beef frankfurter lands at 15 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that puts it at rank 54 of 60 among sausage and deli meats. The one bright spot is protein, reaching 23% DV, an excellent showing for a processed sausage, even though fat is the dominant macro by weight.
Typically boiled or grilled and tucked into a bun with mustard or relish, one hot dog uses about 49 grams of the meat itself. It runs high in sodium at 865 mg per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 11.5 g per 100 g, and beef mortadella scores higher in this same category for anyone wanting a swap.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around frankfurter, beef, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 315 kcal | 16% |
| Total fat | 28 g | 36% |
| Saturated fat | 12 g | 57% |
| Cholesterol | 58 mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 865 mg | 38% |
| Carbohydrate | 3 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 1.2 g | |
| Protein | 12 g | 23% |
| Potassium | 364 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 14 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 3 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 154 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 14 g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 5.6 g | 28% |
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 424 mg | 18% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.57 g | |
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% |
| Potassium | 178 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 6.9 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.55 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 5.4 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 1.5 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.25 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 173862Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sausage & deli meats median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Mortadella, beef, porkDensity 15 vs 15Bologna, meat and poultryDensity 15 vs 15Bologna, pork, turkey and beefDensity 16 vs 15Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
An unheated beef frankfurter is the raw, pre-cooked sausage straight from its casing, meant to be heated before eating rather than eaten cold. Most cooks grill, boil, pan-fry, steam, or microwave it, then tuck it into a split bun with mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, or chili for a classic hot dog. It also gets sliced into beans, diced into hash or fried rice, wrapped in dough for pigs in a blanket, or skewered and dipped in cornmeal batter for a corn dog. The casing gives a light snap, and the interior is soft, smooth, and mildly smoky, which is why it takes seasonings and toppings well without getting lost.
Pick franks that are firmly packed and well within their use-by date, and once the package is opened, keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge and use them within a few days, or freeze for longer storage. A single hot dog serving (49 grams) delivers 11.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is the standout here, contributing 23 percent of the daily value the food is ranked for. Sodium runs high at 865 milligrams per 100 grams, so it works best paired with low-sodium sides like plain vegetables or a simple salad rather than salty chips or pickles.
Frequently asked questions about frankfurter, beef
How many calories are in a beef frankfurter?
An unheated beef frankfurter has 315 calories per 100 grams; a typical hot dog serving of 49 grams comes in lower than that.
Is a beef frankfurter a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides 11.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, which covers 23 percent of the daily value, making protein its standout nutrient.
How do you cook a beef frankfurter?
It is typically grilled, boiled, pan-fried, steamed, or microwaved until heated through, then served in a bun or sliced into dishes like beans or hash.