Taste Test: The Best Hot Dogs

    We taste-tested dozens of hot dogs from the grocery store and online to find our favorites -- these franks cut the mustard.
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    hot dog
    salsa dogs

    BEST OVERALL

    Bar-S Beef Franks

    Tasters flipped for this all-beef hot dog. They raved about its "incredible juiciness" and "nice snap." The judges were also grabbed by its "perfect smoky-and-sweet combination," along with a "great saltiness." No wonder Bar-S was the best-selling bargain brand in America last year -- as one taster said, "It's everything a hot dog should be." ($2.99 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores)

    Try it in: Salsa Dogs

    coney island hot dogs

    CLOSE SECOND

    Kunzler Beef Franks

    Based in Pennsylvania's Amish Country, Kunzler still uses its German founder's recipe from 1901. Our judges loved the "pure beef flavor" and the way the dogs "glistened with juices." ($4.99 for 16 ounces, kunzler.com)

    Try it in: Classic Coney Island Hot Dogs

    hot dog

    BEST ODDBALL

    Nathan's Famous Cheddar Cheese Beef Franks

    This spin on Nathan's Famous original recipe balances "savory beef and sharp cheese," said judges. It's stuffed with the real deal (from Wisconsin, actually). ($4.49 for 16 ounces, at select stores)

    Try it in: Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs with Spicy Onions

    panini

    BEST TURKEY

    Oscar Mayer Turkey Franks

    Oscar Mayer hasn't changed its jingle to "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener with half the fat and calories," but it has created a lighter, "well-seasoned" dog. Tasters loved the "savory" kick. ($1.99 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores)

    Try it in: Pizza Pockets

    tacos

    BEST CLASSIC

    Ball Park Franks

    This beef, pork and turkey combo scored a home run with our tasters, who loved its blend of "sweet and salty." The "plump, meaty" dogs also earned points for their "light texture." ($2.39 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores)

    Try it in: Out-of-the-Park L.A. Burritos

    pasta

    BEST VEGGIE

    Morningstar Farms America's Original Veggie Dogs

    Carnivores groaned at the idea of a meatfree hot dog -- until this one. Morningstar Farms' dogs were "smoky," with a "nice brown color" and "pleasing aftertaste." ($3.99 for 16 ounces, at grocery stores)

    Try it in: Chili 'n' Dawgs Nachos with Smoky con Queso Sauce

    sandwich

    BEST CHICKEN

    Applegate Farms Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs

    This all-thigh-meat frank might be lighter than other dogs, but it's heavy on taste. Judges likened it to "a delicious chicken sausage" with "clean" flavor -- thanks to organic, grain-fed chicken. ($5.99 for 12 ounces, at select stores)

    Try it in: Chicken Sausages with Warm Red Slaw-Kraut

    Prices and other details were accurate when we published this article in June 2008.