Lightlife Jumbo Smart Dogs Review
It is, or should be, no secret that hot dogs are typically a damn poor choice for good nutrition. They are made up of the parts of the animal that are left over once the choice cuts are used up. This meat is then mixed with water, corn syrup or sorbitol, salt, food starch, and liquid smoke and a variety of different spices. To boost the color of the hot dogs, and improve their shelf life, sodium nitrate is added as a preservative. Sodium diacetate, sodium erythorbate, and any number of other chemicals may also be added. However, to many people, hot dogs are as American as apple pie and baseball. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans eat 818 hot dogs per second between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which adds up to about 7 billion hot dogs.
I have to admit, I do love the taste of a good hot dog, but being as they are an unhealthy choice of low nutrition processed meat,I never eat them. There is almost nothing better than a hot dog cooked on a stick over an open wood fire, but even this does not taste as good as being healthy, fit and trim feels. However, my dear wife still does eat hot dogs and with her being a picky eater, I was quite surprised when she said she wanted to try a vegetarian hot dog. Loraine never eats vegetarian meat substitutes!
To my surprise, despite her finicky tastes when it comes to hot dogs, she really likes the Lightlife Smart Dogs!
How Do You Eat Gluten
Eating gluten-free hot dogs is relatively easy and can be done in a variety of ways. The easiest option is to purchase gluten-free hot dogs from the store and then cook them according to the instructions on the packaging.
This is usually done on the stove top or in the oven, although grilling or barbecuing is also possible.
When shopping for gluten-free hot dogs, its important to check the ingredients list carefully, as some brands may contain gluten. Gluten-free hot dogs are typically made with alternative ingredients such as potato or rice flour, cornstarch, and tapioca flour, so be aware of these ingredients.
Once youve bought the gluten-free hot dogs, they can be prepared in the same manner as regular hot dogs. They can be boiled, steamed, grilled, pan-fried, deep-fried, microwaved, or roasted. Its important to check the hot dogs frequently while cooking to make sure they dont get overcooked and dry.
Gluten-free hot dogs can be served with various toppings and accompaniments depending on your preferences. Popular options include mustard, ketchup, chili, onions, and relish. They can also be served in rolls, wraps, or gluten-free bread.
Can I Make This Top 8 Allergen Friendly Hot Dogs
As the recipe is written for these vegan hot dogs, there is soy in the recipe. The ingredient that contains these is the vegan Worcestershire sauce .
You could also purchase a gluten free version of the worcestershire sauce.
As far as the soy, I havent yet found a vegan version that you can buy that doesnt contain soy however, you could make your own homemade worcestershire sauce, like this one, and replace the soy sauce with a no soy soy free sauce.
It does take work, but it is possible to make these Top 8 Allergy friendly and not sacrifice the flavor that anyone else is able to achieve!
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Vegan Chorizo Hot Dogs
These Vegan Chorizo Hot Dogs are bound to satisfy even die-hard carnivores! They’re:
- full of flavour
- secretly healthy
- super easy to make!
These Vegan Chorizo Hot Dogs were inspired by these Gluten-Free Vegan Sausage Rolls – they’re made using protein- and fibre-rich kidney beans, and packed full of delicious herbs, spices and seasonings.
I’ve used:
- umami-rich miso and soy sauce
I like to use kidney beans because the colour closely resembles chorizo, but if you’re not into kidney beans they can easily be substituted with white beans or black beans.
This recipe uses tinned kidney beans, which are already cooked. If using dried kidney beans, you must be very careful to soak and cook them according to the instructions on the packet, because uncooked kidney beans contain toxins and will cause digestive problems!
All you need to do to make the hot dogs is throw all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and whizz them together! Then just mould them into hot dog shapes and cook them in a frying pan.
I love to serve these Vegan Chorizo Hot Dogs with lashings of vegan mayonnaise – this is my favourite recipe!
For more sandwich-type recipes, check out my:
If you try out this recipe or anything else from my blog, Id really love to hear any feedback! Please give it a rating, leave a comment, or tag a photo #rhiansrecipes on ! Thank you.
Brand: Lightlife Smart Dogs
Primary Ingredients:These vegan hot dogs are made primarily from water, soy protein isolate, soybean oil, evaporated cane syrup, pea protein isolate, tapioca starch, flavorings, spices, and binders.
Why We Love it:These hot dogs taste great and we love that theyre a great lower calorie option with only 50 calories per hot dog. The lower calorie content is great if you just want a bit of hot dog but dont want to eat a ton of processed meat alternative OR if you want to eat quite a few hot dogs without feeling overstuffed.
Theyve also got 7 grams of protein per hot dog, making them a great option if you want your hot dog to offer a little something more. We love that theyre non-GMOand are relatively easy to find at most large grocery stores that offer natural and vegan foods.
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How Do You Make Vegan Hot Dogs
The overall process is not hard, but there are a few moving parts to these vegetarian hot dogs.
First, you want to add your vegetable broth to a pan and cook the lentils until soft, about 30 minutes.
While that is cooking, you want to make your oat flour if you didnt buy store bought. You do this by just processing it until a fine powder forms in a food processor.
Once you have that ready, you are going to put all your remaining ingredients into a food processor, including the cooked lentils when done and puree until everything is well blended.
Next, refrigerate your mixture for four hours, or overnight. This allows for the ingredients to come together and bind well. If you skip this step they will not hold together well.
Once your mixture is chilled, you can roll the meat into hot dog shaped forms. Then, cook the mixture in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Remove from heat and place on hot dog buns with your favorite toppings.
Recipe: Easy Vegan Baked Hot Dogs
Where to Find it:Namely Marley
Why We Love it:This recipe is similar to vegan chili dogs, but deliciously different enough in flavor and texture. As the creator points out, its pretty much a hot dog casserole, which is intriguing enough to try. We love that its flavorful, full of textures, fatty and oh so savory. Its the ultimate in hot dog comfort food recipes and perfect for anyone who considers themselves a true hot dog lover.
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What About A Gluten
So the problem of a gluten-free vegan “hot dog” is now solved by using seasoned carrots, but what about the buns?
I haven’t attempted yet to make my Homemade Vegan “Hamburger” Buns gluten-free yet, so the only other alternative I could find were these gluten-free hot dog buns.
I have to be honest though, they are not the best buns in the world.
They are not soft and fluffy and the first time I opened the pack of 4, I only used 2 of the buns and stored the remaining 2 in an air-tight container.
A few days later, they were molded…really bad. So if you use these, they may taste better and soften a little if they are warmed up and I would use all 4 of them at one time so they don’t go bad because they aren’t exactly cheap either.
And I know this is a sad situation, but I’ve even used these gluten-free vegan wraps in lieu of a hot dog bun and I was happy just the same.
This is a good option if you need to keep these lectin-free and don’t mind not having a traditional “bun” to go with your “hot dog”.
How To Make Vegan Hot Dogs:
Youll be surprised how easy and delicious this homemade hotdog recipe is!
- To make the seitan dogs: Add tofu and rest of ingredients to food processor. Puree.
- Add the vital wheat gluten mix until just combined
- Shape Into a loaf
- Knead dough 20-25 times. Portion into 12-16 pieces.
- Roll each one in tinfoil, tootsie roll style
- To cook them: Steam for 30 minutes
- Add to large freezer bag with marinade for couple hours or overnight
- Cook in a pan or grill and enjoy in a hotdog bun with your favourite toppings! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below
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How To Make Vegan Gluten
When you see the total time for this recipe it might seem daunting but nearly half the time is allowing them to set in the refrigerator. The recipe itself takes about 45 minutes to make. Not the quickest but considering you get 8 hot dogs, its worth the investment.
What Is The Healthiest Hot Dog To Eat
When selecting the healthiest hot dog to eat, look for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options that are low in fat, saturated fat, and sodium. When comparing options, opt for ones that are shorter in length and have fewer than 6g of fat and 200mg or less of sodium.
Additionally, avoid processed meats like beef or pork hot dogs, as they are often high in sodium, fat, and additives.
When selecting condiments, opt for healthier choices such as a sprinkle of herbs and spices, low-fat cheese, mustard, or relish. To enjoy a healthier hot dog experience, skip the buns and opt for a plate lined with cooked vegetables, fresh greens or a bed of quinoa.
Allowing vegetables, like lettuce and tomatoes, to wrap around the hot dog is an excellent way to add extra fiber and antioxidants.
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The Best Vegan Hot Dog Brands
Chicago-style or simple and classicthat is the question!
Hot dogs are for firing up the grill and dining al fresco. A trip to the ballpark is incomplete without the ritual of balancing a bun in one hand and a soft drink in the other while trying to locate your seat. If you are dining with a fork and knife, the chances are high your links are added to a bowl of pasta. They may even be the highlight atop a one-pot wonder. Regardless, whether youre looking for something protein-packed or Italian-flavored, you will find it on our list of the 11 best vegan hot dog brands.
Recipe: Vegan Hot Dogs With Homemade Seitan Sausages
Where to Find it:Elephantastic Vegan
Why We Love it:These seitan sausages are the perfect hot dog stand-ins and we love the combination of chickpeas, vital wheat gluten and spices to make a flavorful and protein-rich hot dog. Tweaking these spices can make it taste more or less hot dog like depending on what you prefer. We highly recommend serving these with your favorite toppings for a delicious vegan hot dog experience.
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Hot Dog Toppings And Sides:
Heres some ideas on what to put on your veggie dog and summer potluck sides to serve with them!
- Sauerkraut and regular or dijon mustard, mmm
- Make it a chili dog! Top with vegan chili, diced red onions and drizzle of cheese sauce, oh yay!
- Classic: hot dog relish, mustard and ketchup!
- Chicago dog: yellow mustard, bright green relish, diced onions, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and pinch of celery salt!
- or just on a plain bun with butter or with ketchup like my grandkids eat them
Which Hot Dogs Are Gluten Free
Many varieties of hot dogs are gluten-free and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet for those avoiding gluten or for those with celiac disease. For those looking for traditional hot dogs that are gluten-free, Applegates line of hotdogs contain no gluten and can be found at most nationwide supermarkets.
Other brands of certified gluten-free hot dogs include Boars Head, Hebrew National, Ball Park, and Oscar Mayer.
If you are trying to avoid gluten due to dietary preferences, you can easily make your own hotdogs at home, which you can then enjoy knowing they are free from gluten. To make your own gluten-free hot dogs, you will need to source a good gluten-free hot-dog bun.
Several brands, such as Schär, Angies and Udis, have certified their buns and rolls as gluten-free. You can then fill your hotdog buns with gluten-free hot dogs or with uncured, nitrate-free, uncooked bacon.
Boars head and Applegate both produce uncured and nitrate-free hot dogs. You can then top your hotdog as you see fit without worrying about gluten or gluten-containing ingredients.
Overall, picking a gluten-free hot dog is easy and there are many varieties of hot dogs now available that can help you stick to a gluten-free diet. Be sure to check the labels of any hotdog product you purchase to ensure it is free from gluten-containing ingredients.
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What Are The Ingredients In Nathans Hot Dogs
Nathans Famous hot dogs contain the following ingredients: Mechanically separated chicken, beef, water, corn syrup, salt, sodium lactate, hydrolyzed corn and soy protein, potassium lactate, sodium diacetate, sodium phosphate, natural smoke flavor, light beef broth, natural onion flavor, garlic powder, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite, and paprika.
These hot dogs are cooked in a natural casing, which gives them their signature snap when you bite into them. Furthermore, Nathans Famous hot dogs are vegetarian friendly, as they are made without animal by-products.
Homemade Vegan Hot Dog Recipes
Through our gluten-free and vegan adventures, we’ve had the opportunity to enjoy many types of hot dog alternatives based on carrots, eggplants, chickpea and soy. Ultimately, we realized what makes a hot dog really shine is everything that goes on top.
And here are a few homemade recipe options we’ve tried.
- Chickpea – we enjoyed this how to make a vegan chickpea hot dog video from Artistic Vegan
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Recipe: Mexican Hot Dogs
Where to Find it:Cheap and Cheerful Cooking
Why We Love it:This recipe is really, really delicious and quite simple. It loads up your favorite vegan hot dogs with a variety of vegetables, herbs and spices for a Mexican tasting dog without any extra processed foods, or much effort for that matter. This is a great alternative to eat when youre over the traditional toppings like relish, ketchup or mustard.
Image by Daniel Reche via Pexels
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Homemade Gluten
You make a wet mixture with cooked veggies like Idaho potatoes, beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
You can fiddle with the amounts, but you can always add more dry ingredients if you need to.
If you are missing one ingredient you can double up on another. I like to keep with root veggies and ones of those that mash easily.
The beets are the exception because they dont mash smooth, but they add the perfect color!
The dry ingredients add the body and texture to the gluten-free hot dog, and the herbs and spices add the flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour
- 1/2 cup teff or quinoa flour needs to be a high protein flour
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
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Recipe: Nacho Average Hot Dogs
Where to Find it:Eat Figs Not Pigs
Why We Love it:This recipe is really over the top in every way possible, and we mean that in a good way. Its a hot dog and its nachos, two gourmet vegan comfort foods combined into one glorious and tasty meal. It takes a little bit of prep work, but if youre a fan of nachos and hot dogs, just do it, we promise its weirdly worth it.
How Do I Make Homemade Vegan Gluten
Steam the veggies in your Instant Pot for 15 minutes, so they are fairly firm when you mash them and dont dissolve in the cooking water that will happen if you overcook them.
With that being the wet base, you drain the cooked veggies well, then mash.
I do it by hand instead of in my food processor because I like to see some of the veggie pieces in the dog.
Mix all the dry ingredients together well, then add to the wet and mix with your hands. It should be the consistency of clay or play-dough.
You may need to add extra dry ingredients if the mixture is too wet or try letting the dough rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare a large cutting board by sprinkling with extra brown rice flour. This will keep the dogs from sticking.
Cut 16 equal pieces each of parchment paper and foil for the dogs. Wrap in parchment paper, then in foil. Twist the ends.
Place the rolled hot dogs on a steamer or in a steamer basket.
Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes and release the pressure manually.
Unwrap the veggie dogs, place them on a cooling rack to dry. They may seem extra wet at this point.
If you are not in a hurry its nice to let them cool all the way down before you do this!
Freeze any you wont be using and cook the rest on your grill or in your air fryer.
And make sure to plan your next cookout!
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