Frankfurter, meat and poultry, cooked, grilled
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
The grilled frankfurter is a classic, pre-cooked sausage, typically a blend of pork, beef, or poultry, that develops a satisfyingly snappy casing and a smoky, savory flavor when charred on a grill or pan. Its interior is juicy and finely textured, delivering a concentrated hit of salt and umami. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of energy and protein, but its high fat content is the defining macronutrient feature.
Calorie split: 14% protein · 7% carbs · 79% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the frankfurter for its iconic, smoky-salty flavor and the nostalgic joy of a cookout or ballpark snack. Its versatility allows it to be the star of a simple hot dog or a hearty addition to pastas, stews, and casseroles.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high saturated fat and sodium content can be a concern for heart health and blood pressure management. Processed meats like frankfurters are also best enjoyed in moderation. To counteract this, pair a single frankfurter with a large, fiber-rich side like a bean salad or coleslaw, and choose low-sodium varieties when possible.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick and convenient source of complete protein.
- High in energy-dense calories, useful for active individuals.
- The grilling process adds flavor without requiring added fats.
- A staple of casual, social eating and comfort food culture.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'frankfurter' originates from Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar sausage was first documented, though the city of Vienna (Wien) also claims a historical predecessor, leading to the alternate name 'wiener'.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 53.9 g |
| Energy | 302 kcal |
| Energy | 1262 kj |
| Protein | 10.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 26.4 g |
| Ash | 3.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 2.5 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.30 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 118 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 192 mg |
| Potassium, K | 387 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1079 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 13.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 19.2 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin | 3.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.58 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 9.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 56.2 mg |
| Betaine | 4.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.67 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 32.0 ug |
| Retinol | 32.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 107 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.45 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.21 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.05 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.07 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 27.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (Menaquinone-4) | 35.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 8.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.28 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 5.5 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 10.7 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.79 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.78 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 9.6 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 9.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.18 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 5.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.26 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.26 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.24 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.19 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.17 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.05 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.05 g |
| Cholesterol | 85.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.12 g |
| Threonine | 0.38 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.44 g |
| Leucine | 0.81 g |
| Lysine | 0.79 g |
| Methionine | 0.26 g |
| Cystine | 0.14 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.39 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.31 g |
| Valine | 0.50 g |
| Arginine | 0.69 g |
| Histidine | 0.31 g |
| Alanine | 0.67 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.94 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.72 g |
| Proline | 0.76 g |
| Serine | 0.44 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.25 g |
FAQ
What's the difference between a frankfurter and a wiener?
Traditionally, a frankfurter is made from pork only, while a wiener is a blend of pork and beef. In modern practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, and both can include poultry or other meats.
Is a grilled frankfurter already cooked?
Yes, traditional frankfurters are pre-cooked (smoked or boiled) during manufacturing. Grilling or pan-frying is primarily for heating, developing flavor, and achieving a desirable texture.
How can I make a grilled frankfurter healthier?
Choose low-sodium, nitrate-free, or poultry-based versions. Serve it in a whole-grain bun loaded with vegetable toppings like onions, tomatoes, and pickles, and pair it with a side salad instead of chips.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.02 kcal/g · 14% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 2.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.79 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.