What Brand of Hot Dogs Do Not Have Nitrates?

December 24, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 20 billion hot dogs annually, yet many consumers are concerned about additives like nitrates. An increasing number of brands now produce hot dogs without added sodium nitrates or nitrites, relying on natural curing agents instead. This guide explains what brand of hot dogs do not have nitrates and how to identify them in the grocery store.

Quick Summary

Several brands, including Applegate, Teton Waters Ranch, and Nathan's Famous (Natural line), offer uncured hot dogs made without added nitrates or nitrites. Consumers should read labels carefully, as many use naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder. Options exist for various dietary needs, from organic beef to plant-based versions.

Key Points

Uncured Doesn't Mean Nitrate-Free: Hot dogs labeled "uncured" often use naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder or sea salt, not synthetic ones.
Applegate and Teton Waters Ranch Are Key Brands: Applegate Naturals and Teton Waters Ranch are well-regarded brands offering high-quality, uncured beef and turkey hot dogs.
Check for 'All Natural' from Major Brands: Companies like Nathan's Famous offer specific "All Natural Uncured" product lines for those seeking a mainstream option without synthetic nitrates.
Read the Ingredients for Clarity: To determine if a product contains any form of nitrates, check the ingredient list for celery powder, cultured celery juice, or other natural flavorings.
Consider Plant-Based Alternatives: Brands like Impossible and Lightlife produce completely plant-based hot dogs that are inherently free of nitrates and nitrites.
US Wellness Meats Offers Truly Nitrate-Free Options: For those wanting to avoid all nitrates, US Wellness Meats sells genuinely nitrate-free, grass-fed beef franks.
Compare Sodium Content: Even in uncured products, sodium can be high, so it's wise to check the nutritional information for a healthier overall choice.

Understanding Nitrates and Nitrites in Hot Dogs

Nitrates and nitrites are salts used in meat processing to preserve food, prevent bacterial growth, and enhance color and flavor. While they serve a purpose in food safety, health concerns have prompted many consumers to seek alternatives. In response, a growing number of hot dog brands now offer "uncured" products, which do not have synthetic nitrates or nitrites added. Instead, these companies often use naturally occurring sources found in ingredients like celery powder or sea salt.

The 'Uncured' Label Explained

When you see a hot dog package labeled "uncured," it means no synthetic sodium nitrite or nitrate was used in the preservation process. However, the key is the fine print. Federal regulations require that if a company uses naturally occurring nitrates—most commonly from cultured celery powder or sea salt—the label must state something like "no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring in cultured celery powder". Therefore, an uncured hot dog is not necessarily nitrate-free; rather, the nitrates come from a different, natural source. For those seeking genuinely nitrate-free options, a closer look at the ingredients list is essential.

Top Brands with No Added Nitrates

For consumers seeking uncured options, several prominent brands offer high-quality hot dogs. These products are readily available at most major supermarkets and specialty stores, such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.

Applegate Naturals and Organics: A widely recognized brand offering both beef and turkey uncured hot dogs. Applegate emphasizes high standards for animal welfare and uses organic, grass-fed beef in some products.
Teton Waters Ranch: Specializes in 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef hot dogs. Their products are free of fillers, binders, nitrates, and nitrites.
Nathan's Famous: Offers an "All Natural Uncured Beef Franks" line for those who want the classic Nathan's flavor without added nitrates or nitrites.
Organic Valley: Provides 100% grass-fed, organic beef hot dogs that are also uncured and free of synthetic preservatives.
Boar's Head: Known for their high-quality deli meats, they also make Uncured Beef Frankfurters using USDA Choice beef without artificial preservatives.
Trader Joe's: Carries its own line of Organic Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dogs, which are popular for their flavor and clean ingredient list.
US Wellness Meats: A source for premium, grass-fed and grass-finished franks that are genuinely nitrate-free and often sugar-free.

Comparing Popular Nitrate-Free Hot Dog Brands


Brand	Meat Type	Notable Features	Uncured/Natural Nitrate Source	Available	Price Range
Applegate Naturals	Beef, Turkey	Organic, Humanely Raised	Yes (Celery Powder)	Widely	$$$
Teton Waters Ranch	100% Grass-Fed Beef	No Fillers or Binders	Yes (Celery Powder)	Widely	$$$
Nathan's Famous	Beef	Classic Flavor	Yes (Cultured Celery Juice)	Widely	$$
Organic Valley	100% Grass-Fed Beef	Certified Organic	Yes (Celery Powder)	Specialty/Major	$$$$
Boar's Head	Beef	USDA Choice Beef, Old Recipe	Yes (Natural Flavorings)	Deli Counters	$$$
Trader Joe's	100% Grass-Fed Beef	Private Label, Organic	Yes (Cultured Celery Powder)	Trader Joe's	$$
US Wellness Meats	100% Grass-Fed Beef	No Added Nitrates/Nitrites, Gluten-Free	No (Genuine Nitrate-Free)	Online	$$$$

Plant-Based Alternatives

For those who prefer a meat-free option, several plant-based hot dogs are naturally free of nitrates and nitrites. These are excellent choices for vegetarians, vegans, or those simply looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Impossible Beef Hot Dogs: Made from plant-based protein, they are free of added nitrates or nitrites and have half the saturated fat of animal versions.
Lightlife Smart Dogs: A popular soy-based hot dog that contains no meat and is therefore free of meat-related nitrates and nitrites.
Field Roast Stadium Dog: Another plant-based option known for its meaty flavor and texture.

How to Choose the Right Hot Dog for You

Navigating the world of uncured hot dogs requires a little careful reading. Here's a quick guide:

Read the Label: The first step is always to read the ingredients list carefully. Look for phrases like "uncured," "no added nitrates or nitrites," and then check for the source of any natural nitrates, typically celery powder.
Understand 'Uncured': Remember that 'uncured' does not mean entirely nitrate-free. If you want to avoid all nitrates, natural and synthetic, you may need to seek out specialized brands like US Wellness Meats or vegetarian options like Impossible or Lightlife.
Consider Your Preferences: Think about what you value most. If it's organic ingredients, Applegate or Organic Valley are great choices. If it's 100% grass-fed beef, look at Teton Waters Ranch.
Factor in Budget: Prices for uncured and organic hot dogs can be higher than conventional brands. Private-label brands like Trader Joe's often offer a more budget-friendly entry point.
Check Sodium Content: While focusing on nitrates, don't forget to check the sodium content, as it can still be high in some uncured products.

Conclusion

Finding what brand of hot dogs do not have nitrates has become simpler with the rise of uncured and plant-based alternatives. Brands like Applegate, Teton Waters Ranch, Nathan's Famous, and Organic Valley offer high-quality uncured options, while plant-based companies like Impossible and Lightlife provide excellent alternatives completely free of meat-based nitrates. By understanding the 'uncured' label and scrutinizing ingredient lists for natural nitrate sources, consumers can make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and health priorities.

This article provides general information and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Resources

Applegate's Official Website: Applegate's website offers detailed product information on their entire line of natural and organic meats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cured hot dogs use synthetic sodium nitrate or nitrite for preservation, while uncured hot dogs use naturally occurring nitrates found in ingredients like celery powder or sea salt. Both contain nitrates, but the source is different.

Most uncured hot dogs contain naturally occurring nitrates from ingredients like cultured celery juice or celery powder. To be truly nitrate-free, you must check the label for any mention of these natural sources. Brands like US Wellness Meats explicitly avoid all added nitrates and nitrites.

Yes, plant-based or vegetarian hot dogs, such as those from Lightlife or Impossible Foods, are naturally free of nitrates and nitrites because they contain no meat products. They are a safe option for avoiding these preservatives entirely.

Celery powder is a natural source of nitrates that convert to nitrites during the curing process, similar to synthetic additives. While many people prefer natural alternatives, both have the same chemical effect. Health-wise, the presence of nitrites, regardless of source, is the key factor.

Teton Waters Ranch, Organic Valley, and Applegate all offer 100% grass-fed, uncured beef hot dogs. These are good choices for consumers prioritizing animal welfare and organic farming practices.

Brands like US Wellness Meats offer genuinely nitrate-free hot dogs, often sold directly online. For locally sourced options, a butcher or a local farm store may provide products without added nitrates or nitrites.

No. The term "natural" is not a guarantee of being nitrate-free. Many brands market their uncured hot dogs as "natural" because they use natural sources like celery powder. Always read the ingredients list to be certain.

People primarily avoid nitrates due to health concerns, as some studies have linked processed meat consumption to an increased risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, and nitrates are a key component of processed meats. Additionally, some prefer to avoid synthetic additives.

Yes, Nathan's Famous has an "All Natural Uncured Beef Franks" line that contains no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring in cultured celery juice and sea salt.