Quick Answer
A Ball Park Angus beef hot dog contains 290 calories. This is based on the nutrition information provided by Ball Park for their Angus Beef Franks.
Calorie Count for Ball Park Angus Beef Hot Dogs
Ball Park Angus Beef Franks contain the following nutrition per hot dog:
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 16g |
As you can see, a Ball Park Angus beef hot dog contains 290 calories per hot dog. This calorie count is based on the nutrition facts provided by Ball Park on their website.
Angus Beef Hot Dogs
Ball Park Angus Beef hot dogs are made with 100% Angus beef. Angus cattle are known for their rich marbling and flavorful meat. This makes Angus beef hot dogs juicier and more tender than standard beef hot dogs.
Angus beef also has a higher fat content than typical beef used in hot dogs. The Angus beef hot dogs contain 23g total fat per link, with 9g coming from saturated fat. This higher fat content contributes to the increased calorie count compared to other standard beef franks.
Ingredients in Ball Park Angus Beef Hot Dogs
According to the Ball Park website, the ingredients in the Angus Beef hot dogs include:
– Beef
– Water
– Corn syrup
– Contains 2% or less of sea salt, paprika, natural flavorings
– Spices
– Nonfat dry milk
– Sodium phosphates
The first ingredient is beef, followed by water and corn syrup. Beef provides the protein and majority of the calories. The corn syrup adds some sweetness and carbohydrates. Spices like paprika also provide flavor. Overall, a fairly straightforward hot dog ingredient list.
Nutritional Comparison to Other Hot Dogs
Compared to other popular hot dog brands, the Ball Park Angus Beef hot dogs are higher in calories and fat:
| Calories | Total Fat | |
| Ball Park Angus Beef Frank | 290 | 23g |
| Oscar Mayer Beef Frank | 140 | 13g |
| Hebrew National Beef Frank | 100 | 8g |
As you can see, the Ball Park Angus version contains significantly more calories and fat than the other popular beef hot dog brands. The extra fat and calories comes from the richer Angus beef.
Factors That Affect Hot Dog Calorie Count
There are several factors that determine the number of calories in a hot dog:
Type of Meat
The source of meat is the main factor affecting calories and fat content. Pork and chicken hot dogs tend to be lower in calories than beef hot dogs. Angus beef hot dogs like the Ball Park ones tend to be higher in calories than regular beef hot dogs.
Here is a comparison:
– Beef hot dog – Around 140-200 calories
– Pork hot dog – Around 100-140 calories
– Chicken hot dog – Around 90-110 calories
– Angus beef hot dog – Around 280-300 calories
So the Angus beef contributes to the higher calorie Ball Park franks.
Fat Content
The total fat and saturated fat content greatly impacts the calorie count. Cheaper hot dogs use trimmings and fattier cuts which increases calories. Premium beef franks like Angus use higher fat cuts like sirloin.
Skinless hot dogs also tend to be lower calorie. Collagen casings add calories, especially if they are sheep or beef casings. Natural hog and cellulose casings add minimal calories.
Fillers and Binders
Non-meat fillers and binders like corn syrup can increase the calorie count, especially refined carbs. Some ultra-low fat hot dogs use extra fillers to replace the fat, which causes more carbs and calories.
Higher quality hot dogs like Angus beef franks tend to use less fillers and binders overall. But small amounts of corn syrup or other binders still add some calories.
Cooking Method
How you cook a hot dog can significantly change its calorie content:
– Boiled – Has minimal added calories beyond the hot dog itself.
– Grilled – Also adds minimal calories, as long as you don’t char or burn the hot dog.
– Deep fried – Adds significant calories from the oil, sometimes 100 calories or more.
– Broiling – Can add calories from oils/fats dripping on the hot dog.
So boiling or grilling are the best low-calorie cooking methods.
Health Benefits of Hot Dogs
Though high in calories, fat and sodium, hot dogs do provide some health benefits:
Protein
A beef hot dog contains about 6-7g protein on average from the meat. The protein helps you feel fuller for longer, preserves muscle mass and provides energy.
Vitamin B12
Beef and pork contain vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Iron
Beef and pork supply heme iron, which is more bioavailable than plant sources. Iron carries oxygen in the blood to your tissues and organs.
Zinc
Zinc in beef and pork supports immune function and wound healing. It also enables proper growth and development.
So while high in less healthy fats, hot dogs provide high-quality protein, B12, iron and zinc. Moderating your portion size is key to getting these benefits without too many calories.
Precautions with Hot Dogs
Here are some precautions to take when consuming hot dogs:
Nitrates/Nitrites
Many hot dogs contain sodium nitrate or nitrite to prevent botulism and preserve freshness. In large amounts, nitrites may cause cancer. But the amounts in hot dogs are generally safe. Still, nitrite-free hot dogs are available if you’re concerned.
High Sodium
Hot dogs are very high in sodium, with 20% or more of your daily value. This can raise blood pressure in salt-sensitive individuals. Look for low-sodium options if this is a concern for you.
High Cholesterol
The high fat content of hot dogs also leads to high cholesterol, with over 15% of the daily value. Limit intake if you have high cholesterol or heart disease.
Increased Cancer Risk
Processed meats like hot dogs may slightly increase the risk of colon cancer and other cancers when consumed in high amounts. Enjoy hot dogs in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Conclusion
A Ball Park Angus Beef hot dog contains 290 calories and 23g fat per link. This high calorie and fat count is due to the marbled Angus beef, which is higher in fat than regular beef.
Factors like the meat source, fat content, fillers, and cooking method all impact the calories in hot dogs. While high in less healthy fats, hot dogs provide protein and nutrients like B12, iron and zinc. Enjoy hot dogs in moderation along with an overall balanced diet for the best health. Monitor your sodium, cholesterol and nitrite intake if consuming frequently.
