Hot dogs, polls, and Fourth of July celebrations

Public polling shows mixed feelings about celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July, but many Americans still plan to gather with loved ones — and fire up backyard grills.

A new Gallup Poll found more than three-quarters of respondents say the nation’s founders would be disappointed with the current state of the U.S. Still, nearly half of adults plan to celebrate with loved ones this weekend.

Hot Dogs Popular 4th of July Treat

Ricci-Lee Hotz, a licensed dietician, said for those planning to serve hot dogs, moderation is key.

“For individuals that are looking to have that experience of, ‘Hey, it’s the Fourth of July, I want to enjoy a hot dog,’ it’s OK,” Hotz emphasized. “But I would recommend making sure you have maybe a hot dog, not five hot dogs.”

Hotz pointed out hot dogs do provide protein but heavily processed varieties, with ingredients like excessive sodium, come with health risks. Experts said frequent consumption is associated with colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advised it is important to convey moderation to kids when hot dogs are on the menu.

Hotz added people can balance a holiday meal by using whole-grain buns and choosing healthier sides, such as a non-mayonnaise-based potato salad.

She noted people are increasingly aware they can replace a traditional hot dog with turkey or other healthier ingredients.  but for those who still want an old-fashioned beef frank, Hotz suggested mustard is a good topping choice.

“Mustard is actually a great condiment option because it’s pretty natural, it’s pretty basic,” she explained.

In a separate poll from the Physicians Committee, nearly half of Americans said they eat hot dogs two or three times each month, and most say they are unsure or unaware of the specific health risks.