WASHINGTON – A new survey shows that 73% of Americans believe a cookout is incomplete without hot dogs. 

The new survey commissioned by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) and the North American Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, showed that for 75% of Americans grilling is their favorite way to cook a hot dog. 

The survey also found that 68% of Americans who eat hot dogs say they top their hot dogs with mustard, followed by ketchup (61%), onions (44%), relish (41%), chili (30%), cheese (29%), sauerkraut (20%), mayo (19%), bacon (14%), jalapenos (13%) and coleslaw (12%).  

“As Americans kick off grilling season this weekend, it only makes sense that one of our country’s most iconic foods is front and center,” said Eric Mittenthal, National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (NHDSC) Hot Dog Top Dog. “The people have spoken, and frankly, nothing else cuts the mustard.” 

Consumers have been enjoying more hot dogs over the last year. In fact, hot dog sales were up almost 20% during the pandemic and remained up 8.6% in April 2021 compared to April 2019. 

Like other prepared meats, Americans can enjoy hot dogs as part of a healthy diet, according to NHDSC. A standard beef hot dog is 190 calories, offers 7 grams of protein and 20% of the Daily Value of Vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for normal metabolism, brain development in children and mental clarity in adults.  

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has many resources for summer hot dog lovers including a full guide to regional hot dog styles, a list of the hot dogs found at Major League ballparks and tips on hot dog etiquette.