Question: What Categories Are Hot Dogs? Exploring The Tasty World Of Frankfurters

“What classification do hot dogs fall under?” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines a sandwich as “a filling of meat or poultry placed between two slices of bread, a bun, or a biscuit.” According to this official definition, it can be argued that a hot dog falls into the category of a sandwich. This perspective was brought into focus on July 2, 2021.

What culinary category does a hotdog belong to? A hotdog, also known by various alternative names such as frankfurter, frank, wiener, weenie, tube steak, sausage, banger, or coney, falls into the realm of fast food and finger food. Its origins trace back to Germany in its early form, but the modern version we’re familiar with today has strong ties to the United States. Typically served hot, a classic hotdog is often garnished with mustard as a condiment. This iconic fast food item has become a staple in many cultures and is enjoyed for its simplicity and portability.

The question of whether a hotdog belongs to the sandwich category has sparked a debate, and even language experts like Merriam-Webster have provided a clear stance on the matter. According to Merriam-Webster, a hotdog is indeed considered a sandwich. Their reasoning is based on the definition of a sandwich, which is characterized as “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” Therefore, since a hotdog typically consists of a filling enclosed by a single split roll, it meets the criteria for being classified as a sandwich. This linguistic perspective sheds light on the hotly contested topic and offers a basis for understanding why some categorize hotdogs as sandwiches.