HAMBURGER OR HOT DOG: WHICH IS HEALTHIER?

With summer in full swing, your head may be swirling with thoughts of all the delicious condiments you’re going to pile high on your hot dog or hamburger.

 Before you dig in, you might want to educate yourself on the not-so-enticing health stats of these BBQ staples if you see healthier eating in your future.

“Both hamburgers and hot dogs are hyper-caloric foods with a higher saturated fat content relative to other foods or sources of meat,” says Ben Schuff, a licensed dietitian nutritionist and director of naturopathy and nutrition at BIÂN Chicago.

“Summer is a time when people fire up the grill and indulge in delicious hot dogs and hamburgers, but it’s important to remember that these foods may not always be the healthiest options,” adds Melissa Wasserman Baker, a New York-based registered dietitian and founder of Food Queries.

Hamburgers vs. hot dogs: Which is healthier?

Wasserman Baker says that in the face-off between hamburgers vs. hot dogs, both can be enjoyed in moderation.

When it comes to the overall nutritional profile, though, she says that “hamburgers made with lean meat and loaded with veggies tend to offer a better balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.”

Schuff agrees.“Hamburgers, typically made with ground beef, can provide a significant amount of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients,” he says.

Meanwhile, says Schuff, hot dogs are generally lower in calories and fat, but they may contain more sodium and processed ingredients.”

Ultra-processed foods containing high sodium like hot dogs, cold cuts and bacon are linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, according to Harvard University’s School of Public Health.

As Schuff puts it, in a head-to-head comparison, “you can much more easily choose a healthier option in hamburgers relative to hot dogs simply because hot dogs are, by nature, a significantly processed product without quality meats being sourced for the vast majority of products.”

With hamburgers, he says, you can choose quality meat, season to your liking and prepare appropriately more so than hot dogs.