
Hot dogs are a popular food item, especially during the summer months. They are a type of sausage that can be grilled or prepared in a variety of ways and are often served with a variety of toppings, including cheese. The number of calories in a hot dog can vary depending on the brand, size, and toppings. A standard-sized hot dog typically contains around 150 calories, but larger or higher-calorie versions, such as those with cheese, can provide up to 300 calories or more. The bun and other toppings, such as ketchup and mustard, can also add extra calories, ranging from 10 to 150 additional calories. While hot dogs are a convenient and tasty treat, they are highly processed and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a hot dog with cheese (Costco) | 534-950 |
| Calories in a hot dog with cheese (Costco, US) | 370 |
| Calories in a hot dog with cheese (Costco, Canada) | 534-950 |
| Calories in a hot dog with cheese (Big Shot) | 210 |
| Calories in a hot dog without bun | 120-150 |
| Calories in a hot dog with bun | 300-314 |
| Calories in a bun | 100-150 |
| Calories in cheese | 300 |
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What You'll Learn

A hot dog with cheese can contain between 300 and 950 calories
A hot dog with cheese can be a delicious treat, but it's important to be mindful of the calorie content. The calorie count of this dish can vary significantly, ranging from 300 to 950 calories. This wide range is due to several factors, including the type of bun and sausage used, the amount and type of cheese, and any additional toppings or condiments.
Starting with the bun, a standard white bread hot dog bun contributes around 150-200 calories. However, if you opt for a more hearty whole grain bun or a specialty bun, such as a pretzel bun, the calorie count can go up to 250-300 calories. The type of sausage also makes a significant difference. A regular beef hot dog sausage typically adds about 150-200 calories, but a larger, heartier sausage, such as a bratwurst, can add 300 calories or more.
The cheese is where the calorie count can really start to add up. A single slice of American cheese can contribute around 50-100 calories, but if you pile on shredded cheese or use a thicker slice of a richer variety, like cheddar or Swiss, the calorie count can easily reach 200-300 calories worth of cheese alone.
Finally, toppings and condiments can further increase the calorie content. Common toppings like relish, onions, and mustard add very few calories, but if you add bacon bits, chili, or sauerkraut, you're looking at an additional 100-200 calories or more. So, when building your hot dog, be mindful of the choices you make. Opting for a whole grain bun, a standard beef sausage, a single slice of American cheese, and some basic toppings can keep the calorie count on the lower end. But if you pile on the specialty ingredients and toppings, that hot dog can quickly become a 950-calorie meal.
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A standard hot dog has 150 calories, but a bun adds 100-150
A standard hot dog contains roughly 150 calories. However, this varies depending on the brand, size, and added ingredients. For example, low-fat or fat-free hot dogs contain as little as 100 calories, while larger varieties or those with added ingredients, such as cheese, bacon, or chili, can provide up to 300 calories each.
The bun adds an additional 100-150 calories to the total calorie count. Therefore, a hot dog with a bun can range from 200 to 300 calories or more, depending on the toppings. For example, a typical hot dog with a bun, mustard, and ketchup packs close to 250-300 calories.
When comparing a plain hot dog to a plain hamburger with a bun, the hot dog typically has fewer calories. For instance, a 145-gram hamburger on a white bun has 418 calories, while a hot dog with a bun has around 314 calories.
It is important to note that hot dogs are highly processed and typically contain large amounts of saturated fat and sodium. While they can be a tasty treat, it is recommended to practice moderation and ensure a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole foods.
Additionally, some people may prefer chicken or turkey dogs as healthier alternatives to traditional beef or pork hot dogs, as red meat has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
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A hot dog without a bun has 120-150 calories
The calorie count of a hot dog varies depending on its size, brand, and toppings. A hot dog without a bun typically contains 120–150 calories. Adding a bun contributes an extra 100–150 calories, bringing the total to 250–300 calories.
Hot dogs are highly processed and typically contain large quantities of saturated fat and sodium. They are usually made from poor-quality meat and animal byproducts, and they contain lots of preservatives, additives, and artificial flavorings and colorings.
Some hot dogs are better for you than others. Chicken or turkey dogs are healthier alternatives to red meat, which has been linked to cancer.
Toppings can also significantly impact the calorie count of a hot dog. Higher-calorie toppings include chili, cheese, bacon, coleslaw, gravy, fried onions, and french fries, which can add up to 300 extra calories each. On the other hand, low-calorie toppings like mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, and onions add only about 10–20 calories each.
When comparing a plain hot dog to a plain hamburger with a bun, the hot dog typically has fewer calories. A 145-gram hamburger on a bun has 418 calories, while a hot dog with a bun has 314 calories.
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Toppings like cheese, bacon, and coleslaw can add 10-300 calories
The calorie count of a hot dog varies depending on its size, brand, and toppings. A standard-sized hot dog provides about 150 calories, while low-fat or fat-free varieties can contain as little as 100 calories. Larger hot dogs or those with added ingredients can contain significantly more calories. For example, a hot dog with a bun typically has around 300 calories, but this can increase to between 534 and 950 calories when loaded with toppings.
The bun also contributes significantly to the overall calorie count of a hot dog. A bun typically adds 100-150 calories, with white bread buns being higher in calories, sugar, and sodium.
When comparing a plain hot dog to a plain hamburger with a bun, the hot dog typically has fewer calories. A 145-gram hamburger on a white bun has 418 calories, while a hot dog with a bun has around 314 calories. However, adding cheese or other toppings to either option can change the calorie count, so it's important to consider the toppings when making a decision.
While hot dogs can be a tasty treat, they are highly processed and not considered a nutritious food choice. They are often made from poor-quality meat and animal byproducts and contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium. Therefore, it's important to practice moderation and include plenty of whole foods in your diet when enjoying hot dogs.
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Ketchup and mustard have 10-20 calories per tablespoon
The calorie count of a hotdog with cheese depends on several factors, including the type of sausage, size, toppings, and bun. A standard-sized hot dog with a bun provides roughly 150 calories, but larger varieties or those with added ingredients can contain up to 300 calories or more.
Toppings play a significant role in the overall calorie count of a hotdog. Higher-calorie toppings such as cheese, bacon, and chili can add up to 300 extra calories to your hotdog, depending on the portion size. On the other hand, healthier toppings like sauerkraut, onions, and relish contribute fewer calories, with sauerkraut offering only 11.7 calories per 30 grams.
When it comes to condiments, ketchup and mustard provide roughly 10-20 calories per tablespoon. For example, ketchup contains approximately 17 calories per tablespoon, while mustard provides similar calories in the range of 10-20 calories. These condiments can be good options if you're looking to cut back on calories without compromising on flavor.
To illustrate, let's consider a Costco hotdog, which ranges from 534 to 950 calories, depending on toppings and drink choices. The variation in calories is due to the combination of the hotdog, toppings, and the chosen drink. For instance, choosing a zero-calorie drink and excluding toppings will result in a lower calorie count of around 370 for the hotdog alone.
Additionally, a Big Shot hotdog with cheese weighs in at 210 calories per 100 grams, with a macronutrient breakdown of 10% carbs, 65% fat, and 25% protein.
In summary, the calories in a hotdog with cheese can vary significantly depending on various factors. While a standard hotdog with a bun typically contains around 150 calories, the addition of cheese and other toppings can quickly increase the calorie count to 300 or more. Therefore, it is essential to consider the nutritional information of the specific hotdog and its toppings to determine the exact calorie content.
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Frequently asked questions
A hot dog with cheese can contain anywhere between 300 to 950 calories depending on the brand, size, and toppings.
A Costco hot dog with cheese can contain between 534 and 950 calories depending on the toppings and drink choice.
A hot dog bun typically contains 100-150 calories.
A hot dog without a bun typically contains 120-150 calories.
Some healthier toppings for hot dogs include sauerkraut (11.7 calories per 30 grams), sliced onion (6 calories per slice), and relish (11.7 calories per packet).

























