Food - News
America's Favorite Hot Dog Topping Isn't Ketchup
By MADISEN SWENSON
Hot dogs and ketchup may go hand-in-hand, but a 2021 survey by the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council found that America's most-beloved topping is actually mustard. Mustard tops charts — and hot dogs — due to a few factors: flavor profile, immigrant food cultures, and the fight for supremacy of regional hot dog styles.
One of the reasons for mustard's popularity is its flavor profile: acidic yellow mustard adds brightness and cuts through the rich fat and saltiness of hot dogs. Ketchup, on the other hand, has the acid of tomatoes, but also typically has added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, which some deem too sweet for a savory hot dog.
German immigrants brought hot dogs to New York in the 19th century, and since mustard was the ultimate condiment for German bratwursts, they continued the tradition with hot dogs. Also, the Chicago, Detroit Coney, and Dodger Dogs call for mustard, but no ketchup, so many Americans don't use ketchup due to local food culture.