Hots dogs all pretty tasty but Nathan’s top choice

Every once in a while, our readers call to offer a challenge to the food panel tasters.

This summer, we received a couple of notes and calls from readers who wanted to know where they could find the best hot dogs in the local grocery stores. They were people who did not want to see the words “mechanically separated” in the list of ingredients.

We scoured the shelves for an assortment of all-beef dogs to put to the test. The panel compared the taste of Hebrew National’s Kosher Franks, Nathan’s Famous All-Beef Franks, Ball Park Grillmaster Hearty Beef Franks and Oscar Mayer Bun-Length Beef Franks.

And it was a challenge because… the dogs all tasted pretty good, panel members said.

Nathan’s Famous dogs topped the list with a four-star ranking. There was a tie in second place for Hebrew National franks and Ball Park’s Grillmaster dogs. Oscar Meyer made a fine showing with its bun length beef franks, which received three stars from the tasters.

The franks once sold from a nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island were ranked tops in our test. Nathan’s texture and flavor won over most panel members.

“I close my eyes, and I’m at the ballpark eating a hot dog on a Sunday afternoon. Was that the crack of a bat? This is what summer picnic and grilling season deserves,” Skip Hubbard said.

“Standard, hot-doggy, on the smaller side, but with a nice taste and not so salty as (the Hebrew National franks),” said Laura Hollman.

A few tasters thought the casing was a bit too thick and chewy.

Several panel members said the Hebrew National dogs tasted a bit more salty than the others, but overall liked the texture and flavor of the franks.

“Good flavor and moist. (It’s) kind of dinky, but there’s room for more condiments.” said Nancy Robinson.

“Juicy and flavorful,” said Larry Inman.

The dark horse of the tasting was the Ball Park Grillmaster dogs.

The dogs were a bit bigger than the others and cheaper, but the tasters liked the flavor. Anyone who likes a frank that doesn’t get lost in the bun, this is your brand, panel members said.

“Nice and big, very meaty. Classic summer hot dog taste,” said Matt Quesnell.

Andy Hoye liked the price, too. At $3.12 per package they are at least a dollar less per package than the other hot dogs we tried.

“This is the best deal for the money,” Hoye said.

And last in line at the hot dog cart was Oscar Mayer.

Although the panel didn’t pan the dogs, it said they didn’t stack up to the competition, tasters said. The franks lost points for texture and taste.

“Not bad, but probably the least flavorful of the group. A little too soft, also; kind of mushy,” Quesnell said.

“OK, but a little bland compared to the others,” Inman added. “No zip, no zing and less flavor.”

“A bit soft and squishy,” said Hollman.

Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks

Price: $4.79 for 12 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 150 calories, 14 grams fat (6 grams saturated, 90 percent fat calories), 6 grams protein, 1 gram carbohydrate, 30 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 420 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “Juicy and flavorful. Good with or without the bun… too pricey.” – Larry Inman

“Whoo. Salty.” – Laura Hollman

“Pretty good, maybe a little bit more salty than the others.” – Matt Quesnell

Nathan’s Famous Bigger-Than-The-Bun All Beef Franks

Price: $4.99 for 16 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 170 calories, 15 grams fat, (6 grams saturated, 79 percent fat calories), 7 grams protein, 1 gram carbohydrate, 50 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 470 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • •

Value: • • •

Comments: “Tasty but the skin is a little chewy.” – Larry Inman

“Good flavor. Probably the best of the bunch. Nice texture that wasn’t too soft.” – Matt Quesnell

“This is what summer grilling and picnic season deserve.” – Skip Hubbard

Ballpark Grillmaster Hearty Beef Franks

Price: $3.12 for 14.5 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 250 calories, 23 grams fat (9 grams saturated, 83 percent fat calories), 9 grams protein, 3 grams carbohydrate, 50 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 780 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • •

Comments: “Plump, meaty and juicy. Great plain … or barbecued or broiled, etc.” – Larry Inman

“This is the best deal for the money.” – Andy Hoye

“Nice and big, very meaty. Classic summer hot dog taste.” – Matt Quesnell

“Good flavor and texture, I just prefer a smaller dog. But I’m a price checker, and if these were on sale, I’d get them.” – Skip Hubbard

Oscar Mayer Bun-Length Beef Franks

Price: $4.19 for 16 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 180 calories, 17 grams fat (7 grams saturated, 85 percent fat calories), 6 grams protein, 2 grams carbohydrate, 35 milligrams cholesterol, no dietary fiber, 580 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • •

Value: • • 1/2

Comments: “OK, but a little bland compared to the others. No zip, no zing and less flavor.” –Larry Inman

“A bit soft and squishy.” – Laura Hollman

“You can’t go wrong with a classic dog, and this is one of them.” – Skip Hubbard