two hot dogs with mustard and ketchup
What's The Difference Between Cured And Uncured Hot Dogs

NEWS

By ELIAS NASH
three hot dogs with condiments and onions
While hot dogs are a type of cured meat — which is treated with salt and nitrites to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial contamination — there are also uncured hot dogs.
hot dogs cooking on the grill
Cured hot dogs are the most common variety, which are made with nitrite salt to prevent bacteria. Uncured hot dogs use organically derived nitrites from veggies.
hot dog brands in the grocery store
There is a growing amount of scientific evidence linking cured meats to cancer in animal studies, but the potential consequences are the same in cured and uncured hot dogs.
hot dogs on the grill
Uncured hot dogs are cured but in a different way. Federal regulations allow manufacturers to label foods made with vegetable-derived nitrite as "uncured" or "No Nitrite Added."
a hot dog with condiments and relish
These labels can be misleading, and it doesn't matter what grocery store hot dog brand you buy, as cured and uncured hot dogs contain similar levels of nitrite.
franks hot dogs
However, hot dog manufacturers argue that nitrite shouldn’t be of health concern, as other foods and your saliva contain nitrite.