Hot dog, vegetarian
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A plant-based sausage engineered to mimic the juicy, savory bite of a classic frank, often made from soy, pea protein, or vital wheat gluten. It delivers a satisfying, smoky flavor and firm texture that holds up on the grill or in a bun. Nutritionally, it is a protein powerhouse with a notable fat content, providing a substantial meat-free alternative.
Calorie split: 34% protein · 13% carbs · 53% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the nostalgic, smoky flavor and satisfying texture that closely replicates a traditional hot dog without the meat. Its versatility makes it a staple for grilling, quick lunches, and family-friendly meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some varieties can be high in sodium, which may concern those monitoring blood pressure. To counteract, choose low-sodium brands and pair with potassium-rich foods like a side salad or grilled vegetables. It may also contain common allergens like soy or wheat; check labels and opt for allergen-free versions if sensitive.
Key benefits
- High in plant-based protein for muscle maintenance
- Contains dietary fiber to support digestion
- Cholesterol-free, heart-healthy alternative to meat
- Versatile for quick, convenient meals
- Often fortified with B-vitamins like B12
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercial vegetarian hot dog was created in the 1960s by a company called Loma Linda Foods, which was part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's focus on plant-based eating.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 58.0 g |
| Energy | 233 kcal |
| Protein | 19.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.7 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Pickle relish, hot dog — USDA does not publish this profile for Hot dog.
| Tryptophan | 0.02 g |
| Threonine | 0.05 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.05 g |
| Leucine | 0.07 g |
| Lysine | 0.07 g |
| Methionine | 0.02 g |
| Cystine | 0.02 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.05 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.03 g |
| Valine | 0.06 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.03 g |
| Alanine | 0.06 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.09 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.33 g |
| Glycine | 0.06 g |
| Proline | 0.07 g |
| Serine | 0.05 g |
FAQ
Is a vegetarian hot dog healthier than a regular hot dog?
It can be, as it is typically cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat, but it may still be high in sodium and processed ingredients. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.
Can I grill a vegetarian hot dog?
Yes, most are designed to be grilled, pan-fried, or boiled, and they hold up well to grilling, developing a nice char and smoky flavor.
What are common allergens in vegetarian hot dogs?
Common allergens include soy, wheat (gluten), and sometimes nuts or seeds. Always read the ingredient list if you have allergies.
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.