The Short Answer
Yes, there is a difference between a hot dog and a Frankfurter — even though many people use the words interchangeably.
A Frankfurter is a type of German sausage, made from finely ground pork and gently smoked over beechwood.
A hot dog, on the other hand, means the prepared dish — a sausage served in a bun with toppings like mustard, ketchup, or onions.
The Origin of the Frankfurter
The Frankfurter comes from Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where butchers created this smooth, smoked sausage centuries ago.
Its delicate texture, mild seasoning, and signature “snap” made it famous across Europe.
True Frankfurters use:
- Finely minced, high-quality pork
- Seasonings such as salt, white pepper, and nutmeg
- Gentle smoking over beechwood for a golden colour and rich aroma
At The Sausage Haüs, we continue these traditional methods in partnership with Remagen, our German producer with more than 300 years of sausage-making experience.
How the Hot Dog Began
German immigrants brought their Frankfurters and Bratwursts to the United States in the 1800s.
Street vendors served them in soft rolls to make eating easier, and the American hot dog was born.
Every hot dog includes a sausage, but not every sausage is a Frankfurter.
What Goes on Each
- Traditional Frankfurter (German style): Served with mustard and a crusty roll (Brötchen).
- Hot Dog (American style): Served in a soft bun with ketchup, mustard, onions, or relish.
- Modern UK style: At pubs, events, and retailers like Farmfoods, The Sausage Haüs Frankfurters often appear with cheese, onions, or BBQ sauce.
Each version celebrates the same core ingredient — the German sausage — but in its own way.
How to Cook Them
Authentic Frankfurters come pre-cooked, so heat them gently in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes.
You can also grill them lightly to enhance their smoky aroma.
Hot dogs, depending on the sausage used, can be grilled or steamed.
Every Sausage Haüs product warms quickly and safely, making it ideal for both retail and catering.
Why This Difference Matters
Understanding the distinction helps retailers and caterers sell more confidently.
- Retailers can promote “authentic German Frankfurters,” not generic hot dogs — customers recognise the quality instantly.
- Caterers can build menus that highlight the right sausage for every dish — Bratwurst, Krakauer, or Frankfurter.
- Customers enjoy knowing they’re eating genuine German sausages, made with traditional care and flavour.
Clarity builds trust — and trust builds sales.
