Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a hearty, handheld comfort food: a savory chili dog nestled inside soft, toasted wheat bread, combining the smoky snap of a hot dog with the rich, meaty depth of chili. The texture is a satisfying mix of tender bread, juicy sausage, and thick, slightly gritty chili, often with a hint of melted cheese or diced onion. Nutritionally, it packs a solid protein punch from the meat components, balanced by the carbs from the bread and chili beans.
Calorie split: 19% protein · 27% carbs · 54% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople adore this dish for its bold, savory flavor combination and satisfying, filling nature—it's the ultimate comfort food that merges the classic American hot dog with the hearty, stew-like quality of chili. Its versatility is key, as it can be dressed up with cheese, onions, mustard, or jalapeños to suit any taste.
The dish can be high in sodium and saturated fat, which may concern those monitoring blood pressure or heart health. The refined carbs in the bun can cause blood sugar spikes, and common allergens like wheat, soy, and dairy (in toppings) are often present. To counteract this, choose a whole-grain bun for more fiber, load up on fresh veggie toppings like onions or tomatoes, and consider a side salad to balance the meal.
The 'Coney Island' hot dog, a direct ancestor of this dish, wasn't actually popularized in Coney Island, NY, but in Michigan by Greek and Macedonian immigrants in the early 1900s.
| Water | 60.0 g |
| Energy | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 10.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 46.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 121 mg |
| Potassium, K | 277 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 551 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.7 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.12 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 11.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.6 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.12 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Niacin | 2.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.14 mg |
| Folate, total | 37.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 3.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 34.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 39.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 29.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.52 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 6.0 ug |
| Retinol | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 46.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 5.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 7.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 863 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 20.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.44 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.8 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.36 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.46 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.78 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.70 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 29.0 mg |
Estimated from Peppers, hot chili, red, raw — USDA does not publish this profile for Chili hot dog sandwich.
| Tryptophan | 0.03 g |
| Threonine | 0.07 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.07 g |
| Leucine | 0.10 g |
| Lysine | 0.09 g |
| Methionine | 0.02 g |
| Cystine | 0.04 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.06 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.04 g |
| Valine | 0.08 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.04 g |
| Alanine | 0.08 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.29 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.26 g |
| Glycine | 0.07 g |
| Proline | 0.09 g |
| Serine | 0.08 g |
Is this the same as a chili dog?
Yes, essentially. A 'chili dog sandwich on wheat bread' is simply a chili dog served on a wheat bread roll or bun instead of a traditional white hot dog bun.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Absolutely. Use a lean turkey or plant-based dog, homemade low-sodium chili with extra beans and vegetables, and a 100% whole wheat bun. Top with fresh onions and a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheese.
What's the best drink to pair with it?
A classic pairing is a cold, crisp beer (like a lager) or a glass of cold milk. For a non-alcoholic option, a tangy lemonade or iced tea cuts through the richness nicely.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.99 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.