The survey results come just as peak grilling season is well under way. With July's National Hot Dog Month soon approaching, the new findings indicate that many children are likely to be requesting franks to celebrate. In other findings, ninety percent of the 355 parents surveyed said that if they were given the choice, their children would eat at least as many or more hot dogs than they currently do.
In a clear testament to the popularity of hot dogs, eighty-four percent of the parents surveyed reported serving hot dogs in the last year. When asked why they serve hot dogs to their children, 50% of parents said "because they are easy to prepare" and 34% said because they are a guaranteed hit with their children.
Surprisingly, only nine percent of parents recognized that hot dogs are among the safest main dishes that children can prepare on their own. Because hot dogs are precooked, they need only be reheated in the microwave, making them a safe and nutritious food for children. Hot dogs are an especially good choice for outdoor events like picnics, when refrigeration is less than optimal. Because hot dogs are precooked and cured, they hold up better in warmer temperatures. Many parents in the poll also underestimated the nutritional value of the hot dog of the 90s. Just as so many foods have been transformed in the health-conscious nineties, today's hot dogs are no exception. In fact, a fat free hot dog on a bun contains only 150 calories, 2.5 grams of fat and a healthy five grams of protein, making hot dogs and excellent choice for active kids.
When kids add ketchup to their dogs (kids' favorite topping!), they add only 15 calories and no fat. While most adults choose mustard far more frequently than ketchup, a poll done in 1995 by the National Live Stock and Meat Board showed that kids buck the topping trend choosing ketchup. As National Hot Dog Month approaches, mothers might consider serving one of childrens' favorite food in a new and different way.
Poll results are from the May Yankelovich OmniPlus poll conducted in May 1996. The questions were asked of individuals with children age 3 to 17 living in their household. A total of 355 individuals responded. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is a project of the AMI Foundation and is funded by contributions from hot dog and sausage manufacturers and those who supply them with equipment, ingredients and services.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
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