Do Nathan's hot dogs have nitrates in them? A deep dive into nutritional facts

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume an estimated 20 billion hot dogs a year. For many of these consumers, one of the biggest questions is: Do Nathan's hot dogs have nitrates in them? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific product line, and requires a closer look at food labeling and ingredients.

Quick Summary

The presence of nitrates or nitrites in Nathan's hot dogs is product-specific. Regular versions contain sodium nitrite, while the "All Natural Uncured" variety has no added nitrates or nitrites, instead relying on naturally occurring ones from celery juice. Understanding the labels is crucial for managing dietary intake and making informed food choices.

Key Points

Check the Label: The presence of nitrates in Nathan's hot dogs depends on the specific product line, so always read the ingredients list.
'Uncured' does not mean Nitrate-Free: Nathan's "All Natural Uncured" hot dogs use naturally occurring nitrates from celery juice, not synthetic ones.
Synthetic vs. Natural Nitrates: The nitrates from celery juice are chemically identical to synthetic nitrates and are processed similarly by the body.
The Nitrosamine Risk: When hot dogs are cooked at high heat, nitrites can form nitrosamines, which can be carcinogenic; antioxidants like Vitamin C are often added to inhibit this.
Consider the Overall Nutritional Profile: In addition to nitrates, it is important to consider factors like sodium and saturated fat content when choosing a hot dog.
Healthy Toppings: Adding vegetable-based toppings like sauerkraut or onions can add nutrients and help balance the meal.

For anyone looking to make informed dietary choices, understanding the ingredients in processed foods like hot dogs is essential. The question of whether Do Nathan's hot dogs have nitrates in them? has a complex answer. It’s not about the brand as a whole, but rather the specific product you choose from their lineup.

The Difference Between 'Cured' and 'Uncured'

At its core, the distinction lies in the curing process. Curing is a method of preserving meat and adding flavor, traditionally done with salt and either sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, and gives hot dogs their characteristic pink color.

Nathan's Products with Added Nitrites

Some of Nathan's most popular products, such as the Skinless Beef Franks and Angus Beef Franks, are cured using a synthetic source of sodium nitrite. A quick look at the ingredients list on these packages will confirm the presence of "sodium nitrite". For consumers aiming to reduce or avoid synthetic nitrites, it is vital to read the product packaging carefully.

The Nuance of "No Added Nitrates"

For those who prefer not to consume added synthetic nitrates, Nathan's offers an All Natural Uncured Beef Franks product. The packaging for this variety states, "No nitrates or nitrites added," with the asterisk leading to an important qualifier: " Except those naturally occurring in sea salt and cultured celery juice". This is a key distinction in the processed meats market. The naturally occurring nitrates in cultured celery juice are chemically identical to synthetic ones and are converted to nitrites during the curing process. They serve the same purpose of preserving the meat.

The Health Implications of Nitrates and Nitrosamines

When processed meats containing nitrates or nitrites are cooked at high temperatures, the nitrites can react with amino acids to form compounds called nitrosamines. Some nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. Because of this risk, manufacturers add antioxidants like sodium erythorbate (a relative of Vitamin C) to inhibit nitrosamine formation.

It is important to differentiate between naturally occurring nitrates in vegetables and those added to processed meat. Vegetables, like spinach and beets, are rich in nitrates, but they also contain antioxidants like Vitamin C that prevent the formation of harmful nitrosamines. The overall health effects of processed meats are also influenced by other factors, including their high sodium and fat content.

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing a hot dog is about more than just nitrates. Considering sodium, saturated fat, and ingredients are all part of a nutritional diet. Here are some pointers to help guide your decision:

Read the label carefully: Always check the ingredients list and nutritional information to understand exactly what you are eating.
Consider the source: Some consumers prefer hot dogs made from 100% beef or Angus beef, which may contain fewer overall additives.
Watch the toppings: Loading up on fresh vegetable toppings like grilled onions, bell peppers, or sauerkraut can add nutrients and fiber, which helps balance out the meal.
Factor in other health concerns: For those with heart health concerns, low-sodium and low-fat options are available across many brands.

Comparison of Nathan's Hot Dog Varieties

To help illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of two key Nathan's products regarding nitrates and nitrites.


Feature	Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks	Nathan's Famous All Natural Uncured Beef Franks
Nitrate/Nitrite Source	Added Sodium Nitrite	Natural source from cultured celery juice
“Cured” Status	Cured	Uncured
Antioxidants Added	Sodium Erythorbate	Added to inhibit nitrosamine formation
Label Information	"Contains Sodium Nitrite"	"No nitrates or nitrites added* (except those naturally occurring in sea salt & cultured celery juice)"

Conclusion: Navigating the Label

In conclusion, the presence of nitrates in Nathan's hot dogs depends on the product variety. While their traditional hot dogs include added sodium nitrite, their “All Natural Uncured” line contains nitrates derived from natural sources like celery juice. For consumers, this distinction highlights the importance of reading food labels to understand what you're eating. The key takeaway is that even naturally sourced nitrates can contribute to the formation of nitrosamines when cooked, but this risk is mitigated by antioxidants added during processing. Making a healthy choice involves not only checking for nitrates but also considering the overall nutritional content and preparation methods. To explore the broader context of nitrates and their effects, you can learn more about how they are processed by the body and the difference between plant-based and meat-based sources. For further reading, consider information on dietary nitrates from reputable sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

For more information on dietary nitrates, see sources such as the Cleveland Clinic.

What Are Nitrates and What Foods Have Them?

Making a healthier hot dog choice requires more than just focusing on nitrates. Consider sodium, fat, and the ingredients. Reading the label is crucial to understanding the curing process and whether synthetic or natural nitrates have been used. Opting for uncured products or those with fewer additives can be a step toward a more balanced dietary approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks are not nitrate-free. Their ingredients list includes sodium nitrite, which is used in the curing process.

The difference is the source of the preserving agent. Cured hot dogs use synthetic sodium nitrite, while 'uncured' hot dogs, like the All Natural variety, use nitrates naturally derived from sources like cultured celery juice.

From a chemical perspective, the body processes nitrates from celery juice the same way as synthetic ones. The health implications are debated, but the nitrates in vegetables are often accompanied by beneficial antioxidants that inhibit the formation of harmful nitrosamines.

No, not all hot dogs contain added nitrates or nitrites. Many brands offer "uncured" varieties that use naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like celery powder or cherry powder.

To reduce exposure, avoid cooking hot dogs at very high temperatures and look for products that include antioxidants like sodium erythorbate (a form of vitamin C).

Look for labels that state "No added nitrates or nitrites." Be aware that there will likely be a small disclaimer noting that naturally occurring nitrates from cultured celery juice are still present.

Yes, many of Nathan's hot dog products, including the All Natural Uncured and standard Beef Franks, are gluten-free and do not contain fillers or by-products.