Consumer Reports Looks at the Lighter Side; Rates Hot Dogs and Light Beer

Eleven light beers rated "Very Good" for flavor with Michelob Ultra Amber leading the pack (114 calories), followed by Michelob Light (113 calories) and Michelob Ultra (95 calories).

07/06/07 Just in time for summer, the July issue of Consumer Reports rates the quality of hot dogs and beer for consumers watching their calories.

Savvy consumers in search of a lower fat dog can fill their buns with a relatively flavorful dog, though the pickings are slim. Of the seven hot dogs that received the "Very Good" Rating by Consumer Reports for flavor and texture, two were of the lower fat variety: Hebrew National Kosher Reduced Fat Beef Franks (120 calories/10 grams fat) and Boar's Head Lite Skinless Beef Franks (90 calories/6 grams fat). While these two lower fat dogs contain less sodium than many of the hot dogs, as a general rule, hot dogs are loaded with sodium.

When it comes to beer, bigger flavors can be had, even when calories are spared. Eleven light beers rated "Very Good" for flavor with Michelob Ultra Amber leading the pack (114 calories), followed by Michelob Light (113 calories) and Michelob Ultra (95 calories). And beer lovers will be pleased to learn that Consumer Reports also identified three Best Buy beers, Busch Light, Natural Light, and Keystone Light. They all combine fruity and floral notes and cost less than $4 for a six pack. Unlike "light" foods, there are no government regulations for "light" beers so consumers should keep a watchful eye on calorie labels. CR also notes that consumers watching their alcohol intake may be surprised to learn that light brews have almost as much alcohol as regular beer, despite the "light" label.

Hot Dogs: Dogging Your Health

Consumer Reports tested hot dogs from 23 well-known brands and leading retailers on a concession style grill with rollers. CR identified three Quick Picks, chosen because they had less fat calories and sodium than their full fat brandmates, but a taste and texture that was similar: Hebrew National Kosher Reduced Fat Beef Franks ($.57 per dog/120 cal/10 g fat/360 mg sodium); Boar's Head Lite Skinless Beef Franks ($.44 per dog/90 cal/6 g fat/270 mg sodium); Oscar Mayer Light Beef Franks ($.32 per dog/90 calories/7 g fat/380 mg sodium). However, most of the best tasting hot dogs were the full-fat beef variety. Nutritionists consulted by CR refused to put these dogs in the "never, never eat" category, noting that a sound diet, with moderation, can accommodate an indulgence from time to time.

CR notes that hot dogs are generally very high in sodium. In a side by side comparison of cookout favorites, a serving of two hot dogs can contain 1,008 milligrams of sodium, while an unseasoned 3 oz. hamburger contains 64 mg of sodium and a 3 oz. steak has 51. The hot dogs tested by CR had a sodium range from about 300 to 760 mg, suggesting that just one hot dog could contribute a hefty chunk to an individual's daily sodium intake. CR tested chicken and turkey franks and found that they contained plenty of fat and sodium, despite the perception of presenting a healthy alternative to traditional beef franks. CR recommends that consumers keep an eye on their sodium intake, as the average American already consumes far more than the recommended maximum of 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Studies have shown that high sodium intake can raise blood pressure in susceptible people and exacerbate certain conditions such as asthma. And because hot dogs add little in the way of nutrition, it's best to avoid making them a steady part of the diet.

Hot dogs may also contain sodium nitrite and nitrate, preservatives that give franks their characteristic flavor and color, ward off spoilage and rancidity, and help prevent botulism. CR tested three uncured franks that boasted "no added nitrates" and discovered that Applegate Farms, Coleman Natural, and Whole Ranch did indeed contain nitrates and nitrites at levels comparable to many of the cured models. Even though no nitrates were added, these compounds can come naturally from the  seasonings or spices that have been added. Nitrates and nitrites are preservatives that have the potential to form nitrosamines, chemicals found to cause cancer in lab animals. CR's analysis found that all the dogs tested were well below the maximum level established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Best of the Light Brews

Americans now drink more light beer than any other kind, and more varieties have frothed up to quench the thirst of calorie-counting drinkers. Since there are no standards for light beer, calories and taste are all over the lot. The range of calories across the light beer category is wide, from the 65 calorie Beck's Premier Light to the 119-calorie Sam Adams Light.

Consumer Reports tested the top-selling light brews along with some pricier newcomers. Overall, six brews stood out for taste: three Michelobs, including the newer Michelob Ultra and Ultra Amber; Sam Adams Light; Budweiser Select; and Coors Light in a can.

Less Is More When You're Filling Your Cooler

Consumer Reports' beer ratings also indicate that high price does not necessarily mean better taste when it comes to light beer. Except for Sam Adams Light, at about $7 a six-pack, the best-tasting beers were all in the mid-price range, about $5 to $6 a pack. The more expensive beers like Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light, Beck's Premier Light and Corona Light fell to the bottom of the Ratings because of defects, including oxidized and metallic flavors.

CR identified three Best Buys, rated for a combination of taste and price: Busch Light ($3.87/6-pack; 95 calories each); Natural Light ($3.54/6-pack; 95 calories each); and Keystone Light ($3.75/6-pack; 104 calories).

And CR notes that beer is a delicate drink -- to lock in freshness and prevent exposure to sunlight, consumers should opt for beer in a brown bottle or can. And beer lovers should pay attention to expiration dates: Wine is for aging.