Summertime barbecues, picnics, and baseball games are coming up, and in good ol’ American tradition, that means one thing – hot dogs! For conscious consumers who want to enjoy the same flavor and texture of this familiar food while still making kind, eco-friendly, and healthier choices, there are TONS of options. 

Author: Colleen Kane

A quality plant-based hot dog can hold its own against a hot dog made of meat, even for the most hardcore meat-eaters. Premade and homemade vegan hot dogs have come a long way! Plus, eating food that looks the same as those around us can help us plant-based folk to feel socially included. 

Whether you like your hot dogs in the classic bun loaded with toppings, wrapped up in corn dogs, “pigs in a blanket” style, corn dog style, or mixed into dairy-free mac ‘n cheese, you can use these vegan hot dogs in all those familiar ways.

First – what makes for a good vegan hot dog? 

A quality texture has a snappy exterior and a smooth interior. (Sausages or bratwursts are expected to have a coarser texture.) While some brands have softer textures, that can be just fine for those who already like boiled hot dogs. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you might want to opt for one of the brands or recipes that come out with more of that “snap.” Quality flavor includes being juicy, fatty, rich garlicky, smoky, and salty. We chose the vegan hot dogs that reviews have ranked highest on these measures. 

Store-Bought Brands

1. Impossible Bratwurst

Okay, not technically a hot dog. But this creation is equally deserving of being on your grill and goes perfectly with all your hot dog toppings. Juicy, complex, crispy, and overall delicious, these sausages replicate the original so well that it’s hard even for meat eaters to believe it’s vegan. They can be grilled, pan-fried, or roasted. Find them at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and more.

2. Beyond Bratwurst

Rich, aromatic, with hints of fennel and a delicious umami flavor, this sausage is juicy and has that satisfying snap. As the Beyond Bratwurst is distinctly savory, it’s definitely one for lunch or dinner, unlike a traditional breakfast sausage. 

They’re ready quickly, too, requiring only 6-7 minutes on a pan or grill. Hearty and filling enough to be a full meal. Find these at Wegmans, Amazon, or Fresh Direct. Available in three flavors: Original Brat, Hot Italian and Sweet Italian. Soy-free and gluten-free. Find them at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and more.

3. Field Roast Classic Smoked Plant-Based Frankfurters

With a garlicky, spicy flavor and a dose of smoky paprika, this veggie dog had a smooth, hot dog-like internal texture. Field Roast manages to achieve a deep umami flavor rather than just salty. Even when loaded up with toppings, its flavor still shines through. Find these at Wegmans or Vegan Essentials. 

4. Field Roast Stadium Hot Dogs

The Field Roast Stadium Dog captures that classic smoky BBQ flavor. The first pea protein-based hot dog in North America, this hot dog was inspired by the flavors of kosher-style beef hot dogs. These hot dogs are double smoked using maple hardwood wood chips and a combination of steam and dry heat to deliver a craveable flavor and texture. Reviews have commented that they roast nicely when broiled in the oven. Find them at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, on Amazon, and more.

5. The Very Good Butchers

Made with a creative base of seitan and navy beans, these hot dogs are seasoned with white onions and smoky spices. Enjoy them on the grill, stovetop, boiled, or straight from the pack. Find them online.

6. Yeah Dawg

This small business brand brings in some unique ingredients that none of its competitors seem to have. 

Their plant-based hot dogs are made with a blend of beets, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, sunflower seeds, and gluten-free flours. Plus, they’re soy- and gluten-free. Be sure to try their Chx & Shroom style bratwurst as well, which is made with chickpeas and bursting with woody umami flavor from oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Order online or find them at Whole Foods.

7. Future Farm

Future Farm boasts the tagline, “the revolutionary sausage made from plants with texture and tastes like pork.” Their gluten-free sausages are made with soy, pea, and chickpea. Sold in packs of five 50-gram sausages, you can find them at AmazonFresh, GTFO It’s Vegan, and more.

8. LightLife Jumbo Smart Dogs

Reviewers have praised this soy-protein-based hot dog as having identical taste, smell, and texture as its meat-based counterpart. Others have commented that they are quick and easy to make. To make them crispy, try grilling or air frying them! Find them at Walmart, Publix, Amazon, and more.

While previously only a vegetarian brand, LightLife phased out all animal ingredients from its products in 2021.

9. Tofurkey Italian Sausage

Fragrant basil and sweet sun-dried tomatoes come together in these tofu and wheat gluten-based sausages. With a robust, meaty texture, these work perfectly in a bun, sliced up in a salad, or as a pizza topping (paired with spinach, basil, sundried tomatoes, and nutritional yeast)! For the protein-aholics among us, these sausages pack a serious punch with 30 grams of protein per link. Find them at Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods, and more.

10. Morningstar Vegan Corn Dogs

A vegan take on an American classic! The plump, meaty texture of the veggie dog pairs perfectly with its sweet, crispy cornbread coating. Clocking in at 0 grams of cholesterol (as all vegan foods do!), these Morningstar vegan corn dogs are a quick, convenient snack or side. Best heated up in the oven or, alternatively, in the microwave. Find them at Walmart, Target, Kroger, and more.

While previously only a vegetarian brand, Morningstar became entirely plant-based in 2021.

Homemade Vegan Hot Dog Recipes

Making your own vegan hot dogs is easier than you would imagine! If you’re interested in making a homemade, healthier version of vegan hot dogs, check out some of these. There are even options for those following a whole-food, plant-based diet, as well!

11. Seitan-Tofu Vegan Dog

Tofu and vital wheat gluten come together to make the PERFECT taste and texture in this homemade vegan hot dog. Reviews have commented that these can be even more affordable, tastier, and healthier than the store-bought versions. You can make a big batch to serve a crowd, freeze them, or send them off with the kids for a quick and easy school lunch. 

In this recipe, tofu brings nutritious soy protein, texture, and moisture, while the wheat gluten binds everything together. BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, tamari, and nutritional yeast work together to create a savory, smoky, umami flavor. Bouillon creates a depth of flavor, while the mustard and apple cider vinegar help bring it all together. Finally, the sesame oil makes them juicy and moist, while the spices combine to mimic that familiar hot dog flavor. Find the recipe here.

12. Pinto Bean-Wheat Gluten Dogs

Bursting with flavor, low in sodium, fat, and calories, these pinto bean hot dogs bring all the joy of a hot dog with none of the downsides. This recipe brings together pinto beans, vital wheat gluten, oats, onion, garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, flax, and a few other spices for some homemade goodness! 

After stir-frying the onion and garlic, simply add most of the ingredients to a food processor. Then, stir in the wheat gluten, oatmeal, nutritional yeast, and flax. Knead it until a dough is formed. Roll out into tube shapes, wrap in aluminum foil, and steam for about 45 minutes. Before serving, warm it up in a frying pan or toss it on the grill. Voila! 

13. Gluten-Free Lentil Vegan Hot Dogs

If you’re plant-based AND gluten-free, these are a great option! Here, lentils, red onion, carrot, flax, spinach, tomato paste, oat flour, lemon juice, and smoky seasonings unite to create a unique and delicious vegan hot dog. You simply cook the lentils in vegetable broth, add ingredients to a food processor, refrigerate, and roll them into tube shapes. Then, cook your hot dogs in an air fryer for 15-20 minutes. Top with your favorite toppings! This recipe even comes with an instructional video. Check it out here!

14. Whole-Food Plant-Based Smoky Carrot Dog (Gluten-Free)

You might laugh before you try this (“A carrot to substitute for a hot dog?”) – but don’t knock it ’till ya try it! With an average of 4.9 stars from 160 reviews, this recipe is totally worth a try.

It’s remarkable how the right cooking, seasonings, and spices can transform foods. Liquid smoke, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegetable broth, maple syrup, mustard, garlic, pickled jalapeno juice, and onion powder are the secret ingredients here. Simply boil the carrots, marinate them, and then throw ‘em on the grill.

Toss in a toasted whole-grain bun and dollop on toppings like sauerkraut, diced onion, and jalapenos! A juicy, guilt-free carrot dog that will surprise and delight. Find the all-star recipe here!

15. Whole-Food Plant-Based Japanese Eggplant Dog (Gluten-Free)

This hearty, whole-roasted eggplant retains a meaty texture that makes for a surprisingly delicious whole-food, plant-based vegan dog! Easy to make, and takes only 20 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. Simply slit a Japanese eggplant, place it in a foil packet, and pour a mustard-veganaise-white miso marinade over it. 

Roast for 20 minutes and cool for 5. Line an extra-long hot dog bun or hoagie roll with lettuce, and top your eggplant dog with more marinade, sriracha, and toasted nori and sesame seasoning. A unique, nutritious, and delicious vegan Japanese hot dog! Check out the recipe here.

Vegan Hot Dog Toppings to Dress ‘Em Up

Don’t let the flavor stop with just the vegan hot dog itself! You can dress your vegan dogs to impress with tons of unique toppings. Try them with the following:

• creamy chickpea salad
• dairy-free mac ‘n cheese with cranberry sauce
• fried onions and jalapeno corn relish
• tempeh bacon with pickled beets
• spicy mango tomatillo salsa
• blackberry barbeque sauce and rainbow carrot slaw topped with crushed dried plantains
• BBQ baked beans
• lentil chili
• chipotle cashew cheese
• classic with pickles and onions
• Hawaiian with diced pineapple
• and more!

What’s in a Vegan Hot Dog or Vegan Sausage?

While vegan hot dogs and sausages are much healthier than meat-based versions (classified as carcinogenic by the WHO!), store-bought ones are still heavily processed. Most are made of peas, soy, vital wheat gluten or another vegetable protein, oil, spices, and starches or cellulose for texture. They’re also quite high in sodium. 

When it comes to your health, you’re best off saving vegan hot dogs or sausages for a celebratory occasion! If you love hot dogs so much you’d like to eat them more regularly, you might want to give the whole-food plant-based versions a try. 

Best Vegan Hot Dogs

As we’ve seen, there’s a whole WORLD of delicious and creative vegan hot dog options and ideas! With ingredients like tofu, vital wheat gluten, pea protein, chickpeas, navy beans, carrots, eggplant, smoky seasonings, and more, vegan hot dogs have upped their game in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a ready-made store-bought vegan alternative, a homemade version, a gluten-free, vegan dog, or a healthy whole-food plant-based recipe, these brands and recipes have you covered!

Author Bio:

Colleen Kane is a vegan activist, blogger, and public speaker. She writes about the power of veganism to promote social justice, health justice, and climate justice on her blog, Veganspired. You can connect with her on LinkedIn for guest blogging and speaking requests.