Bratwurst vs. Hot Dog — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Macronutrients

Although the macronutrient composition of these two products is quite similar, we can still discuss the differences.         

Both hot dogs and bratwurst have similar amounts of fats. A 100-gram serving of bratwurst contains 26.3 grams of total lipid fat, while a similar serving of hot dogs contains 25.8 grams. Hence, hot dogs and bratwurst are considered to be relatively high in fats. When comparing the two, hot dogs contain slightly more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Also, hot dogs and bratwurst have similar amounts of cholesterol (77mg and 78mg, respectively) as well as protein (10.3g and 12.2g, respectively).    

Both contain no fiber or sugars.  

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Bratwurst

3

Protein: 12.2 g

Fats: 26.34 g

Carbs: 2 g

Water: 56.65 g

Other: 2.81 g

Hot dog

2

Protein: 10.26 g

Fats: 25.76 g

Carbs: 4.17 g

Water: 56.31 g

Other: 3.5 g

Contains more ProteinProtein

+18.9%

Contains more CarbsCarbs	+108.5%
Contains more OtherOther	+24.6%

~equal in Fats ~25.76g

~equal in Water ~56.31g

Calories

Overall, the calories of hot dogs and bratwursts are pretty similar. They contain 297 calories per 100g, whereas hot dogs contain 290 calories per 100g. Nevertheless, the calorie level of bratwursts is a bit higher than in hot dogs.

Minerals

Although a single serving of neither bratwurst nor hot dog provides as many minerals as are needed to fill the daily need, they still contain adequate amounts of various minerals.

Bratwurst is richer in zinc. On the other hand, hot dogs are richer in phosphorus and calcium. The amount of calcium is 14 times higher in hot dogs. Both have equal levels of magnesium and iron.           

The most prevalent mineral in these sausages is sodium. Both have high levels of sodium – 848 mg in bratwurst and 1090 mg in hot dogs. The level of sodium is 22% less in bratwurst than in hot dogs.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Bratwurst

4

Hot dog

3

Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+86.2%
Contains more ZincZinc	+105.8%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-22.2%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+12.8%

Contains more CalciumCalcium	+1314.3%
Contains more CopperCopper	+21.3%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+58.5%

~equal in Magnesium ~15mg

~equal in Iron ~1.09mg

~equal in Manganese ~0.045mg

Vitamins

Generally, bratwursts contain higher concentrations of Vitamin B1, as opposed to hot dogs, although hot dogs also contain high levels of Vitamin B1. 

Bratwursts are also high in Vitamin B12, Vitamins B2, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B6. Bratwursts and hot dogs completely lack Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Bratwurst

6

Hot dog

2

Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+590.9%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+76%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+16.7%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+122.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+20.5%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12	+70.1%

Contains more FolateFolate

+50%

~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg

~equal in Vitamin A ~0IU

~equal in Vitamin D ~µg

~equal in Vitamin K ~µg

~equal in Choline ~mg

Glycemic Index

Generally, the glycemic index of a food is a value based on how quickly a food causes increases in blood glucose levels. The glycemic index of bratwursts and hot dogs is equal; it is 28. Both products are considered low glycemic index food.

Acidity

The acidity level of bratwursts is about 4.4, while hot dogs have 7.8. Both are acidic.

Ketogenic (Keto) Diet

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb and high-fat diet that includes foods with high protein. Eating meat, including fatty meats such as pork belly, lamb, and poultry, is recommended if you are on this diet. 

Bratwursts contain fewer carbs than hot dogs and are a good source of protein. Hot dogs are more affluent in fats. If you're on this diet, eating hot dogs and bratwursts is not an issue, but in any case, try to combine it with a natural source of healthy fats (1, 2)․

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Comparing bratwurst and hot dogs in terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk involves considering several factors:

Nutritional composition: Bratwurst typically contains more fat and calories compared to hot dogs. The higher fat content in bratwurst, especially if it's made from pork, can contribute to higher levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which are linked to an increased risk of CVD (3).

Processing: Both bratwurst and hot dogs are processed meats, which have been associated with an increased risk of CVD. Processed meats often contain additives such as sodium nitrite, which can contribute to CVD risk (4).

Sodium content: Both bratwurst and hot dogs tend to be high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of CVD, especially in individuals who are sensitive to sodium (5).

The daily recommended intake of sodium is 2.3 g. Our body needs only a tiny amount of sodium to function correctly (6).

Serving size: Portion size also matters. Eating excessively large portions of either bratwurst or hot dogs can contribute to obesity and consequently increase the risk of CVD.

Preparation methods: How these meats are cooked also affects their impact on CVD risk. Grilling or frying at high temperatures can produce compounds linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are risk factors for CVD (7).

In general, both bratwurst and hot dogs are not considered healthy foods, and their regular consumption may contribute to an increased risk of CVD, especially when part of a diet high in processed and high-fat foods. Moderation and choosing healthier alternatives more often, such as lean cuts of meat or plant-based options, can help reduce cardiovascular risk.

Diabetes

Research shows a link between eating red meat, mainly processed meats, and type 2 diabetes. Compared to women who eat less red meat, women who often eat red meat have an almost one-third higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (8). According to this study, daily consumption of processed meats is associated with a 43% increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

Allergy

Overall, two reasons can cause allergies to hot dogs and bratwursts. One of them is an allergy to red meat and an allergy to paprika.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0309174009002514
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X07000816
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20089734/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33787869/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033062006000831
6. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26457715/
8. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/1697785
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6488443/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4954633/