Trying to follow the Paleo diet closely is worthwhile, but going strictly Paleo can be challenging at first. It’s easy to feel confused or frustrated, and if you’re responsible for feeding a family that isn’t as motivated, the challenge grows. Instead of getting discouraged or sparking a household mutiny, find practical ways to improve your diet while keeping everyone on board.
I always appreciate posts with practical tips for staying focused and not feeling overwhelmed when making big dietary changes. With that in mind, I’ll share a product that has helped our family: Applegate Farms Uncured Hot Dogs.
Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog
I know what you might be thinking—hot dogs aren’t healthful. But these are gluten- and casein-free, contain no fillers, no added nitrates or nitrites, and come from humanely raised, antibiotic-free beef. The organic variety is grass-fed and finished. The main downside is they are a bit salty; Applegate explains that extra salt helps preserve the product since they’re uncured. The company has stated it is reviewing sodium levels and aims to reduce them when it can be done safely without compromising food safety or shelf life.
Made from 100% organic grass-fed and finished beef, these lean hot dogs are bursting with old-fashioned classic hot dog flavor—juicy, flavorful and delicious! These dogs have only 8 grams of fat compared to the average 15 grams in most brands, and because they’re made from grass-fed beef, they’re also higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
I’ve also tried “The Super Natural Uncured Beef Hot Dog.”
This version is slightly smaller than the organic option. It’s gluten- and casein-free and contains no added nitrates or nitrites, though it’s not made from grass-fed beef. Even so, it’s tasty and free of the usual hot dog junk. According to Applegate, the spices used include black pepper, coriander, mace and nutmeg. There’s no soy in these hot dogs, and the company says it’s working toward sourcing 100% grass-fed beef across its product lines.
It’s encouraging to see better-quality meat products becoming more common as demand changes. These hot dogs aren’t the single most optimal food, but they’re a meaningful improvement over many conventional options and can help bridge the gap between ideal eating and real life. I serve them to my two boys when I need something quick and reasonably healthy. They’re preferable to a bagel or boxed mac and cheese, and they work well as an after-school snack or a fast meal before activities. I’ve even sliced and fried them with scrambled eggs—my mother-in-law called that “Pennies and Eggs,” and the boys love it.
You can often find Applegate Farms products at stores like Trader Joe’s, Wegman’s, or ShopRite, and other grocery stores may carry them if enough customers ask. I paid about $4.29 for a package of the natural variety and roughly $6.50 for an eight-pack of the organic dogs. That’s pricier than conventional hot dogs, but given the convenience and the quality, it’s reasonable for occasional use. I’m not suggesting you eat them at every meal, but having them as an occasional option can help you, your kids, or your partner stick with healthier habits.
Has anyone else tried these hot dogs? What did you think?
* Applegate Farms did not sponsor this post. I’m sharing my honest experience and opinion.