Hot dog sandwich, NFS, on white bun
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A hot dog sandwich, NFS (not further specified), on a white bun is the quintessential American quick meal: a juicy, savory, often smoky sausage nestled in a soft, slightly sweet, steamed or toasted white bread roll. The texture is a satisfying contrast between the snappy or tender bite of the hot dog and the pillowy, yielding bun. Nutritionally, it's a calorie-dense package, delivering significant fat and protein alongside refined carbohydrates, with minimal fiber.
💚 Why it's loved
People love the hot dog sandwich for its iconic, savory-salty flavor profile and the comforting, nostalgic ritual of eating it—whether at a ballpark, a backyard barbecue, or a quick lunch counter. Its ultimate versatility lies in the endless array of regional and personal toppings, from classic yellow mustard and relish to chili, cheese, and sauerkraut.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downsides are its high sodium, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrate content, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and are less ideal for those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. To counteract this, pair it with a fiber-rich side like a salad or coleslaw, choose a whole-grain bun if possible, and practice portion control by enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, convenient source of protein and calories.
- The white bun offers easily digestible carbohydrates for fast energy.
- A familiar, comforting food that is widely available and affordable.
- Can be a source of B vitamins (like B12) and minerals (like iron) from the processed meat.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'hot dog' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with a popular (though debated) story linking it to a cartoonist who couldn't spell 'dachshund' and simply drew a dog in a bun instead.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 45.7 g |
| Energy | 296 kcal |
| Protein | 10.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 17.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 23.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.80 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 72.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 17.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 113 mg |
| Potassium, K | 236 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 681 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 17.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.60 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.26 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.21 mg |
| Niacin | 3.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.09 mg |
| Folate, total | 41.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 23.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 58.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 24.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.55 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.1 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.7 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 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.61 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 6.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.04 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 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 | 32.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What does NFS mean on a food label?
NFS stands for 'Not Further Specified.' It indicates that the nutritional data is for the general food category (a hot dog sandwich on a white bun) without specifying a particular brand, recipe, or preparation method.
Is a hot dog sandwich considered processed meat?
Yes, hot dogs are a classic example of processed meat, meaning they have been preserved through salting, smoking, or curing, and often contain added preservatives like nitrates.
How can I make a hot dog sandwich slightly healthier?
You can opt for a lower-fat or uncured hot dog, use a whole-wheat bun for more fiber, and load it up with vegetable toppings like sauerkraut, onions, tomatoes, and peppers to add nutrients and volume.