WASHINGTON – The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) estimates that Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4^th alone, which is the single biggest hot dog day of 2021. 

Recent survey results from the NHDSC and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, showed that nearly 9 in 10 Americans believe there is no wrong time to eat a hot dog. 

"No matter how you top it, any hot dog is delicious," said NHDSC Hot Dog Top Dog Eric Mittenthal. "Well, except for with ketchup. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council etiquette guide says only children should eat their hot dogs with ketchup."

The survey also listed some updated information on regional styles of hot dogs. New York style, all-beef hot dog was the favorite regional hot dog. It features steamed onions and a pale, deli-style yellow mustard is the most popular regional style. 

In second is the Chicago style, an all-beef hot dog layered with yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato slices and topped with a dash of celery salt and served in a poppy seed bun. The third most popular regional style was the Michigan Coney, a meaty chili sauce tops an all-beef hot dog with mustard and onion. 

According to the same national survey, 76% of Americans who eat hot dogs say soda pop is the favorite beverage pairing for hot dogs. Other beverages that made the cut include beer (57%), lemonade (54%), iced tea (48%), orange juice (12%), milk (9%) and wine (9%).

“Today, there are hot dogs for everyone with millions of different possible hot dog and topping combinations that meet a broad spectrum of nutrition needs, tastes, budgets and personal preferences,” the NHDSC said. 

The trade association is also inviting American hot dog lovers to compete for the title of Hot Dog Ambassador.  

Coinciding with National Hot Dog Month, officials with the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) are seeking three wiener lovers during the month of July who are worthy of serving as its regional hot dog ambassadors.  

To be considered as one of the five ambassadors, candidates must submit their hot dog resume to: contest@hot-dog.org by July 14. Winners will be elected on National Hot Dog Day, July 21.