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What's really in your hot dog?

Be warned: this may put you off eating them forever!

What's really in your hot dog?
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StarsInsider
04/09/2026 15:00 ‧ 1 month ago | StarsInsider

FOOD

Health

Hot dogs, or specifically the frankfurter sausage that sits inside them, originated in Frankfurt, Germany, in the 13th century. They are one of the world's most popular fast foods, but have you ever stopped to wonder what's actually inside them? Well, it may shock you to hear that some versions can contain up to 40 different ingredients, and in the US, only half of the sausage legally has to be meat.

So, what meat is used? And what makes up the other half? Click on to find out.

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