Are Hot Dogs and Frankfurts Gluten Free?
Coeliac Disease
Avoid commercial hot dogs unless certified GF. Look for specialty brands like Hellers or Coles brand GF varieties.
Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Avoid unless verified GF. Check for additives.
Why Do Hot Dogs and Frankfurts Contain Gluten?
Manufacturers use grain-based fillers to add volume and absorb liquid. This is standard in commercial production.
Australia vs United States
Australia (FSANZ)
FSANZ classifies most hot dogs as containing gluten. Some brands certify GF.
United States (FDA)
FDA allows hot dogs, but most contain gluten fillers.
Nutrition Information
Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.
Brand Comparison
Not all brands are created equal. Here is how popular hot dogs and frankfurts brands stack up for gluten content.
| Brand | Region | Gluten Free? | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Smallgoods Frankfurts | AU | No | None | Standard line uses wheat-based fillers. Read label. |
| Primo Frankfurts | AU | Check | None | Some varieties wheat-free, others not. Check the specific product on label. |
| Schmidt's Frankfurts | AU | Check | None | Premium range. Check ingredient list for wheat starch or breadcrumb fillers. |
| Heller's Frankfurts | AU | Check | None | NZ-origin brand. Some lines GF, others contain wheat. Always check pack. |
| Coles Frankfurts | AU | Check | None | Coles brand frankfurts. Wheat content varies by product code. |
| Woolworths Frankfurts | AU | Check | None | Woolworths Essentials and Macro lines. Check label for wheat. |
| Hellers GF Frankfurts | AU | Yes | Coeliac Australia endorsed | Specific gluten free variant. Look for GF logo on pack. |
| Nathan's Famous | US | Yes | None | Most US Nathan's franks are GF per manufacturer statement. |
What to Watch For
Breadcrumbs, wheat rusk, wheat flour, additives, binders.
Gluten Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Gluten-free certified hot dogs, fresh sausages, cooked plain meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hot Dogs and Frankfurts gluten free?
Commercial hot dogs use breadcrumbs or wheat rusk as binders. Most are unsafe for coeliac disease.
Can coeliacs eat hot dogs and frankfurts?
Avoid commercial hot dogs unless certified GF. Look for specialty brands like Hellers or Coles brand GF varieties.
Related Foods in Meat and Seafood
More from RefDat
Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of slow cookers for coeliac-friendly options. Explore more reference data at refdat.com.
How We Verify This
Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.
Sources
FSANZ, hot dog brand labels
Last reviewed: May 2026