For many Americans, summer is synonymous with grilling. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage
Council, over several billion meat-based hot dogs will be eaten by Americans
between Memorial Day and Labor Day. So
where does that leave those of us who don’t eat meat? The answer: veggie dogs.
Veggies dogs are healthier alternatives to meat-based hot
dogs, which are as “unhealthy as smoking cigarettes”, according to the
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Processed meats can skyrocket the chance of getting cancer, high blood
pressure, and diabetes. Veggie dogs are
healthier because they have less salt and chemical preservatives. They also contain no cholesterol and are
lower in fat and calories. And, thanks to soy protein like tofu, veggie dogs
are nutritional. While some veggie dog
brands contain egg whites, plenty of vegan alternatives exist.
So how do they taste?
The answer lies in the mouth of the beholder. The best way to decide if veggie dogs are right
for you is to try different brands and different cooking methods. Personally, I
prefer them boiled as opposed to grilled, but I know plenty of people who feel
the opposite. There are several brands I
have tried and can recommend, all of which are vegan. I like the jumbo size Smart Dogs made by
Lightlife, the Tofu Dogs by Yves Veggie Cuisine, and the Frankfurters by Field
Roast. Of these three, the Frankfurters
by Field Roast are my favorite. The texture,
flavor, and consistency make this variety the most similar to “real” hot dogs,
but are much better for you, and arguably, are even tastier! I have had many non-vegan/non-vegetarian friends
taste test them and I am delighted to report that everyone loved them. One friend, who is typically very skeptical
of veggie products and meat alternatives, actually preferred them over meat-based
hot dogs!
