I recently stumbled across a taste testing I conducted several years ago and thought you may be interested in our findings. Although it may sound strange, we do taste a variety of products, brands, and foods in order to save you, our beloved reader, time and money each month. Take a look at our comments on several different brands of hot dogs we tasted and our results.
It also seems fitting to post with my favorite season of the year fast approaching: College Football Season. It has, in my opinion, replaced the season that others around the globe refer to as "Fall" or "Autumn".
So get ready to fire up the grills on college campuses across the South and throw on a pack of your new favorite hot dogs so you can cheer on your favorite team to sweet victory (preferably the Crimson Tide of Alabama).
For more tailgating ideas this football season, check out my blog dedicated to the topic @ www.tidefanfare.com. Fresh ideas coming soon.
Asian Slaw Dogs pictured above: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1890133
Enjoy!
March 24, 2004
Hot Dog Tasting Results
1. Hebrew National (Beef)
Greasy or juicy? You decide. Our group leaned toward the greasy undesirable aspect over the juicy thought. However, we did have 10 bunless, naked dogs on our plate.
Regardless, our group felt this should be in the top 3 of the top dogs. Overall, these had a good beef flavor.
2. Boar's Head (Beef)
Good flavor, but tough skin. However, the group didn't feel the extra cost was worth it compared to other hot dogs on the market. We felt that the tough skin possibly aids in locking in greasiness…I mean juiciness. Once again, one of our groups top 3 picks, but if cost is an issue (at a whopping $5.19/ pack), reach for the Oscar Mayer dogs when the go on sale--2 packs for $4. Just toss a pack in the freezer for later.
3. Oscar Mayer Bun Length (Beef)
This dog surprised us with an unexpected subtle smoky flavor. Not greasy at all—actually, rather juicy. One of our tables top picks.
4.
With a slightly sweet flavor, this one was simply “OK”.
5. Oscar Mayer Bun Length Wieners (Pork and turkey)
Once again, an unexpected subtle smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness, a little buttery tasting and juicy/ greasy- many felt this was the top dog.
6. Zeigler (Beef)
Unfortunately, this southern dog didn't rate so hot with our Southern panel (sans James, our beloved staff Yankee). Many people were thrown back to the days of their first bite of potted meat—and I don't think that's a good thing. The texture and flavor reminded others of bologna. Although there's nothing wrong with bologna if you like that kind of thing, but in general, we decided we didn’t want a bologna flavored hot dog in our bun, hon.
7. Publix (Beef)
Extra artificial tasting. What else can you say? It’s a cheap tasting, store brand hot dog. You get what you pay for.
8. Zeigler Dinner Frank
The group felt this was your typical Yankee dog, funny coming from a Southern based company— this dog, had a breakfast brown 'n serve link sausage like taste. The bright red color didn't help either. With a hot dog to bun ratio almost 1:2 and accompanied with a little ketchup and mustard, this dogless bun wasn’t our idea of hot dog bliss.
The flavor is quite similar to a Lil' Smokey- more of notes of sausage rather than a hot dog.
Over all good hot dog flavor, but greasy/ juicy-- more desirable sausage flavor than the “Yankee” dog.
Very average at best with a hint of sweet flavor. This dog didn't really ring anyone's bell.
Conclusions:
- Hot dog to bun ratio is VERY important. Go ahead and buy the bun length when in doubt-- 8 dogs in a pack instead of 10-- at least you'll only have to buy 1 package of buns. You do the math.
- Greasy/ Juicy- it's up to you. I lean on the side that it’s juicy. Yum!
- Beef dogs yielded a firmer texture compared to the Heinz 57 breeds.
- Cheaper is cheaper. Just remember, when it comes to hot dog pricing in general, dogs are cheap in price compared to other grilling meats. They’re definitely a budget wise choice and a crowd pleaser as well, but we've found it's important to go ahead and spend an extra $0.50 per package, but not necessary to buy the most expensive brand on the market.
