With Sales in the Billions, the Hot Dog Industry Has a Reason to Wag Its Tail

Americans love hot dogs. This originally German fare has become a staple in households across the United States. Hot dogs are in such demand by consumers that manufacturers have created many varieties to please them. From Chicago style to New York style, all natural to processed, and beef to chicken, Americans are getting their fill of a favorite food.

July is National Hot Dog Month, and Americans will buy hog dogs by the millions. According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, Americans eat 150 million hot dogs over the summer months. Grilling and campfires are the most popular ways that they prepare their hot dogs in the hot weather. However, sales of the processed meat occur year-round.

Hot dogs across America are as diverse as the population. Each area claims it has the best, and consumers certainly have their preferences. Two of the most popular hot dog styles are New York and Chicago. Natives of these cities are as dedicated to their hot dogs as sports fans are to their teams. (Coincidentally, hot dogs are top sellers at sporting events.)

If you order a New York hot dog, you will get either sauerkraut and deli mustard topping (Deli Dog) or steamed onions and deli mustard (Cart Dog). In Chicago, locals prefer their Red Hots on a poppy seed roll with yellow mustard, sweet relish, fresh onion and tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt. Wow!

Mustard and onions aren't the only popular toppings for hot dogs. Many people love chilidogs. As the hot dog, chili styles vary according to the area of the country. Not only that, but each shop has its own way of making their hot dogs special. Ed Levine, of the New York Times, writes that a restaurant called the Old Homestead sells an upscale version of the hot dog for $19! Hey! Even the rich dine on processed foods.