
Raccoon Heist at Citi Field: Paw Snags Peanuts and a Hot Dog
A raccoon poked its paw up from a hole in Citi Field’s stands to grab peanut shells, then nabbed a hot dog, delighting Mets fans with an unexpected, wild snack heist.
All articles tagged with #hot dogs

A raccoon poked its paw up from a hole in Citi Field’s stands to grab peanut shells, then nabbed a hot dog, delighting Mets fans with an unexpected, wild snack heist.

National Hot Dog Day 2026 falls on July 15 and brings a wave of freebies and discounts from chains nationwide, including Dog Haus offering a free Haus Dog for Haus Rewards members (plus BOGO through July 31), Portillo’s $1 hot dog with a $5+ purchase for loyalty members, Wienerschnitzel’s four-for-$4 deal, Circle K’s $1 hot dogs via the app, and 2-for-$3.50 deals at 7-Eleven/ Speedway/ Stripes, among others; Costco’s $1.50 hot dog combo, and additional promos at other brands like Sonic, Shake Shack, Freddy’s, Regal Cinemas, and more—so fans can celebrate with affordable bites by visiting participating locations or using loyalty/app codes on National Hot Dog Day.

USA TODAY Network food writers celebrate National Hot Dog Day by spotlighting iconic American hot dogs—from Sonoran and Cincinnati coneys to regional specialties—via an interactive map and profiles of standout spots nationwide.

Pringles is expanding beyond chips with Pop Dog Buns — potato-based hot dog buns infused with Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ, and Honey Mustard — a limited-edition launch timed for National Hot Dog Day. Buns go on sale July 8 and July 15 via OnceYouPopMarket.com and come free with a Pringles Three-Pack for $6.97. Part of the brand’s “Once You Pop” campaign to reimagine everyday foods, the move taps into a summer trend of flavor mashups and aims to bring the signature Pringles experience to the center of the plate.

Joey Chestnut won his 18th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, scarfing 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes to edge out Pat Bertoletti; he said the heat slowed him but he stayed calm. In the women’s division, Miki Sudo claimed her 12th title with 38.75 hot dogs.

Dave & Buster's Times Square marks America’s 250th birthday with a limited-time Pretzel Dog Tower as a shareable centerpiece for Fourth of July celebrations, complemented by unlimited gameplay, a live DJ and an all-American barbecue buffet, drawing curious guests and praise from staff.

Hot dogs provide about 5 g of protein per link but often contain nitrates and nitrites used to preserve color, which can form nitrosamines during cooking or digestion and have been linked to colorectal cancer. Some brands now offer nitrate-free or uncured options (sometimes celery-derived), but these may still form nitrosamines in smaller amounts. Calorie-wise, hot dogs run about 120–150 calories, generally fewer than a plain 4 oz hamburger, though buns and toppings add calories. Overall, an occasional hot dog is fine within a diet focused on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

A Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine–commissioned Morning Consult poll shows that while more than half of Americans eat hot dogs at least monthly, only 11% can name specific health risks. Processed meats are linked to higher risks of colorectal cancer and other cancers, as well as heart disease and possibly dementia; the World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen. Health experts urge moderation and note healthier alternatives, including plant-based hot dogs or homemade carrot-based “carrot dogs.”

A shopper-friendly roundup of seven hot dog brands praised for flavor, quality, and grill-ready bite, including Nathan’s Famous, Hebrew National, Boar’s Head, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Trader Joe’s Organic Grass-Fed Uncured Beef, Snake River Farms Wagyu, and Teton Waters Ranch, highlighting classics, kosher beef, natural casings, grass-fed and uncured options with no nitrates, to help readers pick their next grill-worthy wiener.

Nutritionists rate store-bought hot dogs from healthiest to least healthy, favoring uncured, whole-meat options (beef, turkey, chicken) with lower sodium and minimal ingredients, while flagging traditional, high-sodium, heavily processed brands. Veggie dogs can be reasonable but vary in processing; labels like “uncured” or “no nitrates” aren’t guaranteed safer. For a healthier grill, look for options with less than about 400 mg sodium per serving, read ingredients carefully, and enjoy hot dogs in moderation.

Nathan’s Famous, the iconic Coney Island hot dog brand, has been sold for $450 million.

Chicago Bears fans lined up in freezing weather for free hot dogs at The Wieners Circle after Coach Ben Johnson's shirtless celebration following a win, which prompted a second hot dog giveaway this season, drawing hundreds of fans and media attention.

The article reviews the six worst grocery store hot dog brands based on consumer feedback, highlighting issues like poor ingredients, bland taste, and unappealing texture, with brands like Gwaltney Great Dogs, FUD Hot Dogs, Bar-S, Oscar Mayer, Ball Park, and Jennie-O receiving the most criticism.

After Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to a victory with four touchdown passes, Wieners Circle rewarded fans with free hot dogs, resulting in long lines and a festive atmosphere outside the restaurant.

The article highlights eight hot dog brands that use 100% meat, emphasizing their quality, ingredients, and health-conscious options, ranging from budget-friendly to premium grass-fed and organic choices.