Impossible Foods Announces Plant-Based Hot Dogs

Impossible Foods, Inc., a company known for its plant-based burgers, is adding hot dogs to its lineup starting in 2024. Some New Yorkers will be able to try them this month before they officially hit stores.

The plant-based hot dogs will be the company’s first new product of 2024, although the exact date that this product will be available in restaurants and grocery stores has yet to be revealed.

Impossible’s hot dogs have half the amount of total fat and saturated fat compared to a top beef hot dog brand found in restaurants, according to a company press release. The hot dogs also contain 12 grams of plant-based protein.

The company says that these hot dogs are not made with added or synthetic nitrates or nitrites like some hot dogs made from animals, although they do contain natural nitrates and nitrites from cultured celery powder. 

Nitrates and nitrates are naturally occurring in soil and plants but are sometimes added in food processing as preservatives, according to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC). Excessive nitrate levels may limit how red blood cells transport oxygen and may contribute to nitrosamine formation; some nitrosamine compounds may be carcinogenic. Nitrates and nitrites may convert to nitrosamines when cooked at high heat, Healthline reports.

In addition to creating a plant-based alternative to animal-based hot dogs that is lower in fats and high in protein, Impossible Foods says the new hot dog product will be more sustainable compared to hot dogs made from animals. According to the company, the hot dogs are responsible for 84% less emissions, and require 77% less water and 83% less land compared to producing a beef hot dog.

“Hot dogs are an undeniably classic part of American culture and not to mention, they’re a burger’s best friend. It’s long been a priority to add them to our product portfolio,” Peter McGuinness, CEO and president of Impossible Foods, said in a statement. “Our adaptation replicates that quintessential hot dog taste, while offering consumers a nutrient-dense product that’s better for the planet. We want people to see that there’s really no compromise when you choose Impossible products.”

The Impossible Hot Dogs will be joining several other existing meatless items, such as Impossible beef, beef lite, meatballs, spicy chicken nuggets, and patties, regular chicken nuggets and patties, and chicken tenders, all made with plant-based ingredients.

Although the hot dogs won’t be available for purchase at restaurants and grocery stores until next year, Impossible Foods is hosting a pop-up in Midtown New York City on Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST for those who want to preview the product early. Impossible will be giving away its plant-based hot dogs for free, while supplies last. Anyone interested in trying the product can follow along on the company’s Instagram for the pop-up address details.