Calories in a Hot Dog: With Bun, Beef, Turkey and Toppings
How many calories are in a hot dog – beef, pork, turkey or chicken, with or without the bun, plus chili, cheese and other toppings, sodium and nitrites.
Hot dogs are the taste of summer barbecues, ballgames and quick lunches. They’re cheap, fast and easy to love. But what’s really inside that bun – and how many calories does a hot dog have once you add the toppings?
The short answer: a regular beef hot dog has about 155 calories, and in a bun it has about 300. A turkey or chicken hot dog has about 100 calories without the bun. Toppings like chili and cheese can push a hot dog to 450–500 calories. Hot dogs are processed meat: high in salt and usually cured with nitrites.
Calories in hot dogs by type
Values are from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA FoodData Central):
| Hot dog (without bun) | Weight | Calories | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef hot dog | 48 g | 155 kcal | 14 g |
| Pork and beef hot dog | 52 g | 145 kcal | 13 g |
| Turkey hot dog | 45 g | 100 kcal | 8 g |
| Chicken hot dog | 45 g | 100 kcal | 7 g |
| Jumbo / quarter-pound beef | 113 g | about 360 kcal | 33 g |
| Hot dog bun (white) | 43 g | about 120–130 kcal | 2 g |
Tip: check the package – hot dogs vary a lot. Some “bun-length” or “jumbo” franks weigh twice as much as a regular one.
Hot dog nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Beef hot dog (48 g) | Hot dog in bun (102 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal | 302 kcal |
| Protein | 5.6 g | 11.1 g |
| Fat | 14.1 g | 17.7 g |
| – of which saturated | 5.6 g | 6.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.3 g | 24.2 g |
| Sodium | 409 mg | 695 mg |
About 80% of a beef hot dog’s calories come from fat, and it has only about 6 g of protein – less than an egg. It’s also salty: one hot dog in a bun has about 30% of the daily sodium limit before any toppings.
Calories in hot dogs with toppings
| Hot dog | Calories |
|---|---|
| Beef hot dog in bun + ketchup and mustard | about 320 kcal |
| With relish and onions | about 340 kcal |
| With sauerkraut | about 310 kcal |
| Chili dog (¼ cup chili) | about 370–400 kcal |
| Chili cheese dog | about 450–500 kcal |
| Corn dog | about 250–330 kcal |
| Jumbo hot dog in bun (stadium or warehouse store) | about 550–600 kcal |
Ketchup, mustard and onions add very little. Chili, cheese, bacon and creamy sauces are where the calories pile up. A corn dog is deep-fried in batter, so it has more calories and fat than a plain hot dog.
Hot dogs, nitrites and health
Most hot dogs are cured with sodium nitrite (E250), which keeps them pink and stops bacteria from growing. When cured meat is heated, nitrites can form nitrosamines, compounds that cause cancer in animal studies.
The World Health Organization’s cancer agency (IARC) classifies processed meat as a cause of colorectal cancer. Each 50 g of processed meat eaten per day – about one hot dog – raises the risk by about 18%. In the NutriSmart app, sodium nitrite has our highest risk level. “Uncured” hot dogs usually use celery powder, which also contains nitrates that turn into nitrite.
Hot dogs can also contain phosphates, corn syrup, flavorings and other additives. Ingredient lists differ a lot between brands – it’s worth comparing them. Read more in our guide to the healthiest deli meat.
What this means for you: you don’t have to give up hot dogs, but keep them for occasional barbecues and games, not as an everyday lunch.
Are hot dogs OK for weight loss?
Now and then, yes. A plain hot dog in a bun has about 300 calories – similar to a sandwich. The problem is that they don’t fill you up for long, they’re easy to eat two or three at a time, and they often come with chips, fries or soda.
How to fit them in:
- Have one, not two or three.
- Choose turkey or chicken hot dogs for fewer calories.
- Use mustard, onions, sauerkraut or salsa instead of chili and cheese.
- Add a big salad or grilled vegetables instead of chips or fries.
Remember that you lose weight only when you eat fewer calories than you burn. Read more about the calorie deficit and find your number with our calorie calculator.
Spot sodium nitrite in your hot dogs in seconds. With NutriSmart, you scan the barcode or photograph the label, and the app shows you the nitrites and every other additive, the risks of each one and a health score out of 100 – so you can compare packs right in the store. At the barbecue, snap a photo of what you eat, and the app counts the calories for you.Get the app free
You can also read how many calories are in bacon and in a slice of pizza, and see our guide to the healthiest hot dogs.
The bottom line
A beef hot dog has about 155 calories, and about 300 in a bun. Turkey and chicken hot dogs have about 100 calories, while a chili cheese dog can reach 450–500. Hot dogs are salty, high in fat and are processed meat cured with nitrites. Enjoy one now and then, keep the toppings simple and compare labels before you buy.
FAQ
How many calories are in a hot dog with a bun?
A regular beef hot dog in a white bun has about 300 calories. With ketchup and mustard, about 320. A jumbo quarter-pound hot dog in a bun has about 550–600 calories.
How many calories are in a hot dog without the bun?
A regular beef hot dog (48 g) has about 155 calories. A pork and beef hot dog (52 g) has about 145, and a turkey or chicken hot dog (45 g) about 100.
How many calories are in a hot dog bun?
A standard white hot dog bun (about 43 g) has about 120–130 calories. Whole wheat buns are similar but have more fiber.
Are turkey or chicken hot dogs healthier?
They have about a third fewer calories and less saturated fat than beef hot dogs. But they're still processed meat, just as salty and usually cured with nitrites.
How much sodium is in a hot dog?
A beef hot dog has about 400–500 mg of sodium, and with the bun and toppings a hot dog can reach 700–1,000 mg – about a third or more of the daily limit.
Are hot dogs bad for you?
They're a processed meat. The World Health Organization says processed meat causes colorectal cancer, and each 50 g eaten per day – about one hot dog – raises the risk by about 18%. Enjoy them occasionally, not every day.
