OUR RANKINGS

Three judges rated each hot dog on a scale of 1-10. Flavor and texture were the most important considerations.

TRUE STORY UNCURED BEEF HOT DOGS

Score: 25 out of 30 Comments: Big burst of flavor with a snappy bite. Some sweet and slightly spicy notes in this complex, well-structured dog. Price: $4.99 for six at Trader Joe’s

NOLAN RYAN HICKORY SMOKED BEEF FRANKS

Score: 17 out of 30 Comments: Mellow dog with a slightly sour flavor, almost musty. Hickory smoke is vague.

Price: $3.50 for six at Kroger

BOAR’S HEAD UNCURED BEEF FRANKFURTERS

Score: 20 out of 30 Comments: Juicy and meaty with a good chew and well-balanced flavor.

Price: $5.99 for eight at Kroger

NATHAN’S FAMOUS JUMBO RESTAURANT STYLE BEEF FRANKS

Score: 16 out of 30 Comments: Super moist verging on overly salty. Plump and shiny but somewhat bland.

Price: $4.37 for five at H-E-B

KROGER PRIVATE SELECTION ALL-BEEF HOT DOGS

Score: 20 out of 30 Comments: Nice texture and great flavor verging slightly on the salty side. Pleasant.

Price: $3.99 for five at Kroger

A&H KOSHER BEEF HOT DOGS

Score: 15 out of 30 Comments: A firm dog with a good amount of salt and a slightly sour taste.

Price: $5.99 for seven at Trader Joe’s

H-E-B TEXAS HERITAGE BEEF HOT DOGS

Score: 19 out of 30 Comments: Classic, all-American hot dog flavor — subtle spices and a good amount of salt. Perfectly approachable.

Price: $4.49 for six at H-E-B

CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF SKINLESS FRANKS

Score: 14 out of 30 Comments: Nice, shiny skin but sports a rubbery chew and a very mild, almost bland flavor. Price: $5.49 for six at Trader Joe’s

OSCAR MAYER UNCURED BUN-LENGTH WIENERS

Score: 18 out of 30 Comments: Salty, smoky and slightly sweet, this dog has a rubbery texture that verges on the unpleasant.

Price: $2.24 for 8 at H-E-B

BALL PARK UNCURED BEEF FRANKS

Score: 13 out of 30 Comments: Plump and juicy but flaccid texture; a very soft dog. Aggressively salted. Price: $3.24 for eight at H-E-B