WASHINGTON, May 23, 2014 – Planning to throw a few hot dogs on the grill this weekend? You’re not alone. Americans are expected to devour more than 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, reaching a peak during Fourth of July celebrations, when revelers will down 150 million of the tubular treats.
It may come as a surprise which dog came out on top in a poll seeking American’s favorite regional hot dogs. In an April online survey, Harris Poll and the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) found 46 percent of the 2,100 U.S. adults naming their favorite variety gave their votes to the corn dog.
“Americans have long loved corn dogs at county and state fairs where they first emerged, but their national popularity surprised us. Historically, they faced tough competition from the hometown favorites in New York and Chicago,” said Janet Riley, NHDSC President and “Queen of Wien.” “We clearly underestimated the allure of the deep-fried corn meal batter combined with the snap of the hot dog.”
New York hot dogs, topped with mustard and onions, gathered 38 percent of the vote, beating out Chicago dogs, the favorite with 26 percent of Americans. Chicago dogs are piled with mustard, onions, relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, a sport pepper and celery salt and served on a poppy seed bun.
The NHDSC suggests preferences might be generational. Polling found that, of the respondents who have a favorite, corn dogs won out with 55 percent of 18-34 year olds, while among those Baby Boomers aged 55-64 years of age, 49 percent said New York hot dogs were their favorite.
“The summer grilling season is to hot dog fans what Christmas is to kids,” Riley said. “It’s an American tradition and whether you are at a barbecue, baseball game or in your backyard, odds are that hot dogs will be on the menu.”
The NHDSC offers numerous resources for those wishing to learn more about hot dogs. Its tip sheet and YouTube video explain hot dog etiquette. China plates, silverware and cloth napkins are no-nos, and so is ketchup if you’re over 18.
New York and Chicago aren’t the only spots in the nation with hot dogs to call their own. Coleslaw tops Atlanta dogs, while it’s sauerkraut and Swiss cheese in Kansas City. Several Major League baseball stadiums have special dogs, from Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, to Boston’s Fenway Park. Visit the NHDSC’s website to learn about other regional hot dog favorites and watch instructional videos on crafting local delicacies.
The organization also has its own page on AllRecipes.com, where it provides pointers on preparing everything from Midwest corn dogs to Frankly Fabulous Dip.
For more survey results, see the infographic on the www.hot-dog.org website.
Learn about the latest hot dog news and events on the NHDSC Facebook page and its www.hot-dog.org website.
For more news, go to www.agri-pulse.com.