Frankfurter, meatless
Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products
Photo: Wikipedia
A meatless Frankfurter is a plant-based sausage designed to mimic the classic hot dog, typically made from soy, wheat gluten, or pea protein. It offers a familiar, snappy texture and a savory, smoky flavor profile similar to its meat counterpart. Nutritionally, it's a notable source of protein with a moderate fat content and no sugar.
Calorie split: 34% protein · 13% carbs · 53% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its convenience and ability to deliver the classic, satisfying hot dog experience without animal products. Its versatility makes it a staple for grilling, quick weeknight dinners, and nostalgic comfort food.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some varieties can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. The protein base (soy, wheat) makes it unsuitable for individuals with common allergies to these ingredients. To counteract high sodium, pair it with potassium-rich sides like a fresh salad or grilled vegetables and be mindful of portion size.
Key benefits
- Provides a complete protein source (19.61g per 100g).
- Offers a cholesterol-free alternative to meat sausages.
- Contains dietary fiber (3.9g per 100g), unlike meat versions.
- Often lower in saturated fat than traditional pork or beef frankfurters.
- Serves as a convenient, quick-cooking protein for meals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original frankfurter sausage from Frankfurt, Germany, was likely made from pork, but the modern meatless version often uses a blend of soy protein isolate and wheat gluten to achieve its characteristic 'snap' when bitten.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 58.0 g |
| Energy | 233 kcal |
| Energy | 974 kj |
| Protein | 19.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.7 g |
| Ash | 0.97 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 33.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 344 mg |
| Potassium, K | 98.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 471 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.71 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 7.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.44 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.83 mg |
| Niacin | 3.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.78 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.08 mg |
| Folate, total | 78.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 78.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 78.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 84.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.9 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.43 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.60 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Frankfurter, meat, heated — USDA does not publish this profile for Frankfurter.
| Tryptophan | 0.10 g |
| Threonine | 0.45 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.51 g |
| Leucine | 0.86 g |
| Lysine | 0.92 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.42 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.36 g |
| Valine | 0.53 g |
| Arginine | 0.66 g |
| Histidine | 0.32 g |
| Alanine | 0.59 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.97 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.47 g |
| Proline | 0.41 g |
| Serine | 0.39 g |
FAQ
How does the nutrition compare to a regular meat frankfurter?
A meatless version typically has similar calories but often less saturated fat and no cholesterol. It can be a good source of plant-based protein and may contain added fiber, unlike meat.
Can I cook it the same way as a meat hot dog?
Yes, it's very versatile. You can grill, pan-fry, boil, steam, or air-fry it using the same methods as a traditional frankfurter.
Is it suitable for a low-carb diet?
With about 7.7g of carbohydrates per 100g, it can fit into a moderate low-carb diet, but you should check the label as some brands may have higher carb counts from added fillers or flavorings.
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 2.33 kcal/g · 34% calories from protein · 3.9 g fiber · 0.0 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: 4.81 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.