Hot Dogs are a type of sausage like deli meat, typically made from ground beef, in a casing traditionally made out of either the animal’s intestines or stomach. Hot Dog Sausages can be eaten in several ways: cooked by grilling or pan-frying, boiled, broiled (known as Red Snapper), or smoked. They are often served with condiments such as mustard, ketchup, relish, and/or sauerkraut. But do you know how long hot dogs last? well, read on then.
How Long Does Hot Dogs Last?
About 1 billion hot dogs are consumed every year in the United States alone. That’s approximately 20 million feet of sausage! Hot Dogs have a pretty long shelf life – up to a month in the pantry and two weeks if kept in the fridge.
If you’re willing to shell out a bit more cash for an expensive yet great-tasting hot dog, try the all-beef franks from Niman Ranch. They are nitrate and nitrite-free and come in natural casings. These dogs have no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and no added hormones. Let’s not forget they taste so good!
What is a Hot Dog?
A hot dog, or frankfurter, is a cooked sausage, traditionally grilled or steamed and served in a partially sliced bun as a sandwich. Typical hot dog garnishes include mustard, ketchup, onions, mayonnaise, chili, coleslaw, tomatoes, sauerkraut, pickle relish, or cucumber pickles.
How Long Are Hot Dogs Good For?
- At Room Temperature: It can last for up to 3 weeks.
- In the Fridge: It can last for up to 2 weeks.
- In the Freezer: It can last up to 6 months.
If Hot Dogs are not stored properly, they can be dangerous. However, most people eat them when they are still good without getting sick since they are cooked before eating anyway. The Hot Dogs are just not as tasty when they have gone bad.
How to tell if Hot Dogs are Bad, Rotten, or Spoiled?
Even when a hot dog has gone bad, it is still edible, but the quality of the meat has deteriorated, so its taste and texture are affected. Some common traits of a bad hot dog are listed below:
- Has a bad odor
- Has darkened in color
- It is sticky to touch
If you notice any of these traits, it’s best to throw away the hot dog and also take note of the expiration date so that you don’t eat it after that point. Spoiled food can make you very sick and is even fatal for some individuals.
How should you store Hot Dogs?
Hot dogs are best kept at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 6 months. When storing hot dogs, remember that food safety is key – keep it cold! Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs, and helping the environment by avoiding waste.
Health Benefits of Hot Dog
Regular consumption of hot dogs might increase the risk of colon cancer in humans. Hot dogs are not healthy for children because they contain high fat and sodium content. Children who regularly consume fast food are more likely to be obese than other kids. When eaten too often, hot dogs can also affect your heart health, so don’t make them a staple in your diet!
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 72 Fat: 3.5g
- Carbs: 0.0g
- Fiber: 0.0g
- Protein13.5g
- Vitamin A: 1% RDA
- Calcium: 0% RDA
- Iron: 5% RDA
- Potassium: 5% RDA
- Vitamin C: 1.5% RDA
- Magnesium: 2% RDA
Warning: Some of these hot dogs may contain Listeria or Staphylococcus aureus. Please purchase your hot dogs with caution.
Summary
Hot dogs are sausages usually made of chicken, turkey, or beef. They typically contain salt, nitrates, and seasoning. You can tell if a hot dog is bad by its smell, color, and consistency. If you’re not sure if it’s bad, you can lower your risk of illness by boiling it, microwaving it, or throwing it away. Hot dogs are not that healthy for you if consumed too often and contain high fat and sodium content.
References
- https://agrilifefoodsafety.tamu.edu/files/2011/03/USDA-Hot_Dogs_and_Food_Safety.pdf
- https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-hot-dogs