America's Favorite: Culturally Appropriated Food or Not?

There's something deeply ingrained in American culture about celebrating with a hot dog on the Fourth of July, but the conversation around which hot dog reigns supreme is a complex one. Amidst the festivities, we must also interrogate our consumption choices and their origins. So, as we indulge, let's explore the diverse cultural influences behind this seemingly innocuous food item and uncover the cities with the highest hot dog consumption.

The Great Hot Dog Debate: A Battle of Regional Pride and Cultural Fusion

Discussing the ideal combination of condiments and cooking methods for a hot dog is an integral part of American cultural discourse. While some may shudder at the thought of ketchup, others swear by the inclusion of diced onions and mayonnaise, as emphasized by Vanessa Lara, co-owner of Miami's Coney Burger.

"A lot of people are leaving out the diced onions and the mayonnaise. So, those are not getting enough credit." - Vanessa Lara, 30, co-owner of Coney Burger

Diversified Hot Dog Consumption: Top Cities and Cultural Influences

Americans spent a staggering $8 billion on hot dogs last year, as reported by the Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Here are the top 10 cities that devoured the most hot dogs in 2023:

1. Los Angeles
2. New York
3. Dallas
4. Chicago
5. Boston
6. Houston
7. Philadelphia
8. Miami
9. Washington, DC
10. Phoenix

Commercialization and Cultural Appropriation: Favorite Hot Dog Brands

The Washington Post ranked Costco's Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs as the top store-bought hot dog, with Nathan's Angus Beef Franks and Oscar Mayer Classic Beef Uncured Franks trailing behind. However, when it comes to regional styles, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's 2021 survey revealed that the New York-style hot dog took the top spot, closely followed by the Chicago style and the Michigan Coney dog.

Vanessa Lara, a Venezuelan immigrant and business owner in Miami, shared her thoughts with USA TODAY:

"My favorite has to be the chili dog from Coney Burger. There's no other." - Vanessa Lara

The Intersection of Culture and Cuisine: Nostalgia and Controversy

Hot dogs evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings around the grill. For Lara, a Venezuelan-American, hot dogs represent the fusion of her adopted culture and her childhood memories.

"When I think of hot dogs, I think of families coming together around the grill, and to me, that is an American feeling...I feel like that is so American." - Vanessa Lara

As we indulge in hot dogs this Fourth of July, let's celebrate the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this iconic American food. But let's also be mindful of the complexities of cultural appropriation and the importance of crediting the diverse communities that have contributed to our culinary landscape.