Bologna vs hot dog is one debate topic argued around the world. While they are both known to be similarly processed meat, finely ground and stuffed into a casing, are there any differences between these two staples?
Yes. The few differences between bologna and hot dog include their sizes, flavors, and nutrients they contain.
In this article, I will talk about bologna vs hot dogs – their origin, differences, the production processes, which offers better taste, and which is healthier.
What is bologna?
Bologna is a processed meat sausage made from pork, chicken, or beef that is finely ground and stuffed into a casing. Afterward, it is cooked and the casing is removed before it is cut into thin slices used mostly for sandwiches.
Bologna originates from Bologna, Italy, where it started as an excellent replacement of mortadella because it is less fatty.
Thereafter, the German immigrants introduced it to the Americans in the 1500s, and it quickly became popular.
Types of bologna
There are different types of bologna from various sectors or communities around the country. Below are some of the most common types of bologna products around the world.
1. Beef bologna
Beef bologna is like the standard bologna we find at grocery stores or butcher houses. However, it is 100% beef.
2. Ring bologna
Just like the name implies, ring bologna comes in a semi-circle or ring form. It is mostly heated in a saucepan with water, split lengthwise and fried, or sliced and added to pasta.
In some cases, it is also sliced and served cold for snacking or even served on crackers.
3. Lebanon bologna
Lebanon bologna is my personal favorite. But this bologna looks and tastes like salami. It goes through curing, smoking, and fermentation, which gives the tangy and smoky flavor.
How to make bologna
Below is a list of ingredients in bologna and a quick step-by-step guide on how to make it.
- Ingredients
- Meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
- Sugar-curing base mixture
- Garlic powder
- Water
- Liquid smoke flavoring
- Onion powder.
First, the meat is grounded thoroughly until it forms a smooth mesh. Subsequently, it is cured with curing salt, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke flavor evenly.
Afterward, the mixture is put into a casing, traditionally animal casing. Although, most manufacturers often go for chemically derived casing such as collagen and plastic.
After stuffing it into the casing, the bologna goes into the cooking and preserving stage. However, some manufacturers cook their bologna and use a pickling method to preserve it, while some smoke theirs.
Finally, the bologna goes through a machine where it is goes through the slicing and packaging processes.
What is a hot dog?
A hot dog is a precooked sausage that has been grilled or steamed before it is put in a bun as a sandwich. It can be made from chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, or beef.
Furthermore, hot dogs date as far back as the early 1900s, when German immigrants sold them at major events. This meat product was quickly adopted by Americans and has become very popular.
Types of hot dogs?
You’ll find various types of hot dogs at the grocery stores. Some of the most popular brands include;
1. Michigan hot dog
Michigan hot dog is made by steaming the buns and then adding ground beef and Michigan sauce. The famous hot sauce is made from tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and brown sugar.
2. Italian hot dog
Surprisingly, Italian hot dogs originated in America and not Italy. It is made by deep frying the hot dog and putting it in pizza bread or an Italian roll.
3. Polish boy
Polish boy originated from Cleveland, Ohio. It is a product of grilled or deep fried kielbasa sausage in a bun and topped with coleslaw, French fries, and barbecue sauce.
How to make hot dogs
Below is a list of ingredients in hot dogs and a step-by-step guide on how to make them.
- Beef trimming (beef, chicken, or pork)
- Salt and seasonings (paprika, garlic, onion, mustard, coriander, and mase spices)
- Cornstarch
- Dry powder milk
- Sodium erythorbate
- Sodium propionate
- Water
- Sodium phosphate.
First, the beef trimming is grounded until it is very smooth. Next, the seasoning, water, and salt are added to the ground meat and blended further until it mixes finely.
Afterward, the mixture is stuffed into an intestine or chemical casing. Then, it goes through the final steps which are smoking and packaging.
Bologna vs hot dog – what is the difference?
Although they have similar production processes, there are a few differences between these two dishes.
1. Flavor
Although they go through similar production procedure, the producers remove the bologna’s casing after production. While hot dog, on the other hand, comes with its casing intact.
2. Size
Another difference between a bologna and a hot dog is their sizes. Bologna comes in smaller sizes, while hot dogs come in longer and wider sizes.
3. Nutritional information
Bologna and hot dog vary in nutritional information. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the following is the nutritional information of a 100g serving of bologna and hot dog.
For bologna
- Calories: 247
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Potassium: 281mg
- Sodium: 907mg
- Cholesterol: 59g
- Saturated fat: 7g
It also contains calcium, cobalamin, magnesium, iron, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B6.
For hot dog
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 26g
- Protein: 10g
- Potassium: 152mg
- Sodium: 1090mg
- Cholesterol: 77g
- Saturated fat: 8g
It also contains more calcium, iron, cobalamin, magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B6.
Bologna vs hot dog – Which is healthier?
In terms of health benefits, bologna sausage is a healthier option.
This is because it contains a low amount of fat, sodium, and potassium, more protein, and a moderate amount of cholesterol.
FAQs
Are franks and hot dogs the same?
All hot dogs are franks, but not all franks are hot dogs.
Hot dogs can be beef, pork, or chicken, while franks can also be beef, pork, chicken, or even meat slurry.
Can you freeze bologna and hot dogs?
Yes, you can. Either of them will last up to two months in the freezer.
Does McDonald’s sell hot dogs?
Not anymore. Although McDonald’s started as a hot dog stand, it quickly became a typical hamburger franchise.
Does all bologna include organ meat?
No, they don’t. Only a few bologna brands use organ meat, and the US Department of Agriculture also ensures the brands indicate the type of meat on the label.
Conclusion
Bologna and hot dog are different types of processed meat eaten in various regions of the world.
However, bologna is a healthier choice because it is lower in sodium and potassium which can have adverse side effects if taken in excess.
Thanks for reading.
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