Hot Dog vs Bratwurst: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Bratwurst has 333 calories and 13.7 g of protein, while hot dogs have 314 calories and 11.7 g of protein. Bratwurst is higher in protein and calories.

Hot dogs and bratwursts are both popular meat products often enjoyed at barbecues and gatherings. This comparison highlights their nutritional differences to help consumers make informed choices.

What Is the Difference Between Hot Dog and Bratwurst?

A hot dog is a cooked sausage, typically made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats, and is often served in a sliced bun. It is a staple at outdoor events and sporting occasions. Bratwurst is a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with various spices. It is commonly grilled or pan-fried and served with mustard or sauerkraut.

Hot Dog vs Bratwurst: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of hot dogs and bratwursts, highlighting their nutritional content.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Beef hot dog	Bratwurst (cooked)
Calories	314 kcal	333 kcal
Protein	11.7 g	13.7 g
Carbs	2.9 g	2.9 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g
Fat	28 g	29.2 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	872 mg	846 mg

Which Is Better, Hot Dog or Bratwurst?

For weight loss: Hot dogs contain 314 calories, while bratwursts have 333 calories, making hot dogs slightly lower in calories.

For muscle and protein: Bratwursts provide 13.7 g of protein, compared to 11.7 g in hot dogs, making bratwursts the better choice for protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both hot dogs and bratwursts contain 2.9 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar, making them similar in this regard.

How to Track Hot dog and Bratwurst Accurately

Portion sizes and macro content can often be misjudged, leading to inaccurate dietary assessments. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers presented are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Bratwurst has 13.7 g of protein, while hot dogs have 11.7 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Hot dogs have 314 calories, whereas bratwursts have 333 calories.

What is the fat content in hot dogs?

Hot dogs contain 28 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in bratwursts?

Bratwursts contain 846 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do both foods have sugar?

Both hot dogs and bratwursts contain 0 g of sugar.

What are the carbohydrate levels in hot dogs?

Hot dogs contain 2.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Hot dogs: 314 calories, 11.7 g protein, 28 g fat, 872 mg sodium.
• Bratwursts: 333 calories, 13.7 g protein, 29.2 g fat, 846 mg sodium.
• Both have 2.9 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar.
• Bratwursts are higher in calories and protein.
• Hot dogs are slightly lower in calories.
• Sodium content is similar, with hot dogs at 872 mg.