New U.S. Poll: Almost 9 out of 10 Adults Don’t Know Risks of Eating Hot Dogs

WASHINGTON, D.C.— As Fourth of July party planning gets underway, a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey finds that while nearly half of Americans say they eat hot dogs two or three times each month, nearly 90% say they are unsure or unaware of the specific health risks associated with the consumption of processed meat.

The poll included 2,201 U.S. adults surveyed June 22-24, 2026. When asked, “In the past 12 months, approximately how frequently have you eaten at least one hot dog?” 59% answered daily to once per month. When asked “What, if any, health risks are there from eating hot dogs?” 49% said “I’ve heard there are health risks but I’m unsure of what they are specifically,” while another 40% said “I don’t know of any health risks from eating hot dogs.”

An estimated 150 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day alone, enough to stretch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles more than five times, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

Stephanie McBurnett, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee, said she’s particularly concerned about kids’ consumption of hot dogs and other processed meats.

"Because children's bodies and eating habits are still developing, early and frequent exposure to red and processed meats — like hot dogs — can cause lasting harm,” she said. “Alarmingly, colorectal cancer rates among young people are rising, with diagnoses occurring at increasingly earlier ages."

An analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 1999 and 2020, the rate of colorectal cancer grew 500% among children ages 10 to 14, 333% among teens ages 15 to 19, and 185% among young adults ages 20 to 24.

The World Health Organization has determined that consuming processed meat, such as hot dogs, increases the risk of colorectal cancer and has classified it as “carcinogenic to humans.” Just 50 grams of processed meat — the amount in a single hot dog —consumed daily increases colorectal cancer risk by 18%. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research say that “there is strong evidence” that consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

The National Cancer Institute concurs, saying “There’s mounting evidence linking an unhealthy diet — in particular, one high in processed meat and fat, and low in fruits and vegetables — to early-onset colorectal cancer.”

According to “Cancer statistics 2024: All hands on deck,” a report from the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the 1990s and has risen to the leading and second leading cause of cancer death in men and women, respectively, aged 40-49. Colorectal cancer has also moved up to the leading cause of cancer death in men aged 20-39 years and the third leading cause in women in the same age group.

In the new Physicians Committee poll, when told “Hot dogs are processed meats, and frequent consumption is linked to serious health risks, including colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease” and then asked, “If a veggie dog (plant-based hot dog) were available, how likely would you be to choose it instead of a hot dog?” 22% answered “very likely” while 24% said “somewhat likely.”

Replacing meat with plant-based meat alternatives may benefit heart health, while processed meats such as hot dogs are linked to heart disease risk.

Numerous studies show the benefits of consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans and legumes. Although they are processed, recent research suggests that many plant-based meat alternatives may also have positive health impacts.

“On the bright side,” McBurnett said, “there are a multitude of healthier hot dog alternatives available these days, from commercially prepared veggie dogs that can be found in most supermarkets, to tasty whole food homemade versions made from marinating carrots in soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices.

“At the end of the day,” McBurnett said, “the toppings are what make a hot dog taste great, from your favorite condiments to pickles, peppers, onions, protein-packed chili beans, and gut-friendly sauerkraut — all things that load on both flavor and nutrition.”