Healthy Eating Guides & Menu Swaps | Eat This, Not That!

7 “Healthy” Grocery Items That Are Actually Loaded With Fake Sugars

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:00:55 +0000

Shoppers are becoming more savvy by the day about the ingredients in their favorite products, from indulgent treats to better-for-you products. That being said, it’s very important to read the labels on every single thing you buy, because even products marketed as sugar-free, no sugar-added, or “healthy” can be packed with artificial sweeteners. There is growing evidence that fake sugars are not harmless, and are linked to serious health concerns (this podcast episode from the Cleveland Clinic is great for breaking it all down). Again, always check the labels—especially on these seven grocery items people assume are healthy, but are actually loaded with fake sugars.

Yogurt

That “low-sugar” or “sugar-free” yogurt is probably packed with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. “Really, both sugar and artificial sweeteners are a problem for your health,” says functional medicine specialist Melissa Young, MD, via Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “But if we’re comparing what’s worse, artificial sweeteners are far worse than sugar.”

Bread

Many “light” breads and diet options are packed with fake sugars. Ironically, those fake sugars might be derailing your diet. “When you’re consuming artificial sweetener, your body starts to crave more of it. And it can be easier to give in to that craving because you think you’re making a healthier choice,” says Dr. Young. “You wind up consuming more calories. That mindset and that sweetness addiction lead to effects throughout your body.”

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are notorious for containing fake sugars like sucralose (and even the addition of high-fructose corn syrup). Considering that protein shakes are marketed as part of a healthy lifestyle, this makes it even more important to read the labels on your favorite drinks. “Sweet and sugary foods should be a once-in-a-while thing,” Dr. Young says. “No artificial sweetener can turn an unhealthy food into a healthy one.”

Flavored Cottage Cheese

Flavored cottage cheeses tend to be packed with artificial sweeteners, making what should be an ideal protein-packed snack into something that should be limited. “The challenge is that the food industry is not very transparent about how much non-sugar sweeteners are in their products,” says Dr. James Krieger, a UW clinical professor of health systems and population health and executive director of Healthy Food America. “They have to list sweeteners on the ingredients list, but they don’t have to list the amount.”

Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum relies on fake sugars (usually sorbitol and xylitol) to make it taste, well, sweet. “”Our studies show that elevated blood levels of xylitol contribute to heightened platelet reactivity and are associated with an enhanced risk for cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes,” says physician-scientist Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are often touted as a healthy snack or meal replacement, but many of them contain fake sugars. “There’s really pretty good evidence from long-term epidemiological diet studies that link exposure to non-sugar sweeteners to Type II diabetes, to weight gain, to heart disease. Those certainly are three big public health problems right now,” says Dr. Krieger.

Pasta Sauce

Some pasta sauces marketed as low-sugar or no-sugar added may contain artificial sweeteners. “Swapping out sugar for artificial sweetener isn’t going to give you the health benefits you’re looking for, and may prove to be dangerous to your long-term health,” says Dr. Young.

The post 7 “Healthy” Grocery Items That Are Actually Loaded With Fake Sugars appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Best Frozen Burger Brands With No Antibiotics, According to Shoppers

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:37 +0000

In a perfect world, every burger you buy at the store would be antibiotic and hormone-free as a matter of course, but this is simply not the case (yet). On the plus side, more and more companies are listening to public demand for better quality meat for themselves and their families, meat that doesn’t lead to health concerns and environmental issues. If you want clean, good beef with great ingredients, here are seven of the best frozen burger brands with no antibiotics that shoppers love.

Force Of Nature Grass Fed Beef Burger Patties

Force Of Nature Meats Grass Fed Beef Burger Patties are made with 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, with no antibiotics or added hormones, gluten or soy. “Love these burgers. They make the best meal when I’m crunched for time,” one shopper said.

Thousand Hills 100% Grass Fed Beef Patties

Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed Unseasoned 100% Grass Fed Beef Patties are made with no hormones or antibiotics—just delicious grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. “I love this product!” one shopper said. “Anything from this brand I can always count on to be worth every penny. The patties are huge, but do get smaller when you cook them. The taste is amazing when you add your own seasoning.”

Verde Farms Ground Beef Burger Patties

Verde Farms Ground Beef Burger Patties are made from organic, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished free range beef with zero antibiotics or added hormones. “These are by far of the best burgers we have ever had!” one Amazon shopper raved. “Our grandkids gobbled them down and said the same !! They were juicy, moist and had an incredibly good flavor.”

TruBeef Organic Burger Patties

TruBeef Organic Burger Patties are grass-fed and grass-finished, with absolutely no hormones, antibiotics, glyphosate, or other questionable fillers, additives, and chemicals. “Every product of theirs is absolutely amazing. We actually even bought our doctor a giftcard as a gift for delivering our baby. It taste amazing, melts in your mouth, and you know it is clean and healthy for you. I will forever speak highly about this company,” one shopper shared in the reviews.

Nebraska Star Beef All Natural Angus Ground Beef

Nebraska Star Beef All Natural Angus 80/20 Ground Beef is a mixture of USDA Choice and USDA Prime Angus beef. No fillers, no “mechanically separated” stuff, no additives, no preservatives or water added, no hormones or antibiotics. “The meat is fresh and very tasty. Highly recommend,” one Amazon shopper said.

Heartstone Farm Burger Patties

Heartstone Farm Burger Patties are an excellent option, made without hormones, antibiotics or mRNA vaccines. “These were the best burgers I have done on my smoker ever,” one shopper raved. “Perfect in every which way. Definitely ordering more. 350 for 30 minutes to perfection.”

Thomas Farms Organic Grass Fed Ground Beef Burgers

Thomas Farms Organic 85% Lean Grass Fed Ground Beef Burgers are made from beef raised without antibiotics or added hormones. “Very helpful when you need something quick and easy!! Pick them almost every time I shop as a animal based eating gal :),” one Sprouts shopper said.

The post 7 Best Frozen Burger Brands With No Antibiotics, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Best Bacon Brands With No Added Sugar

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:46 +0000

Does your bacon have a ton of sugar in it? Some brands have sugary bacon options for those who prefer a maple-sweet taste, but for those looking for a more savory option, that sweet taste can be a little overwhelming. Luckily plenty of bacon brands have no-sugar varieties to pick from, where the meat is still delicious without tasting like candy. Here are seven of the best bacon brands with no added sugar.

Applegate Naturals Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Bacon

Applegate Naturals Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Bacon is a delicious, better-for-you option made with quality ingredients. “Applegate products always hit the mark for me and this bacon doesn’t disappoint,” one shopper said. “I love that it’s all natural and uncured. It was perfectly salty, unlike cured bacon which is always too salty for me. We love this bacon and I highly recommend it!”

Pedersons Farms No Sugar Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon

Pedersons Farms The Original No Sugar Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a fan-favorite option made with 7 simple recognizable ingredients. “As close to perfect bacon there is,” one shopper said. “I was in search of a sugar free clean bacon and fortunately my search is over. This stuff is excellent and cooks out even better.”

Good & Gather No Sugar Thick Cut Uncured Bacon

Good & Gather No Sugar Thick Cut Uncured Bacon is all natural, minimally processed with no artificial ingredients, no added nitrates or nitrites, offering you a go-to option when preparing your dishes. “One of the best bacon with no added sugar no add nitrates, healthy and the price is alright. Good for breakfast lunch or dinner,” one Target shopper said.

Wild Fork Sugar Free Uncured Berkshire Bacon

Wild Fork Sugar Free Uncured Berkshire Bacon is another popular option made with excellent ingredients. “I really like this bacon. It’s less fatty than bacon from club stores or the supermarket and cheaper than gourmet bacon,” one shopper said.

Niman Ranch No Sugar Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon

Niman Ranch No Sugar Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon is hand rubbed with just a few ingredients and smoked over real hardwood, resulting in a flavorful addition to any meal, the brand says. “Simple ingredients and tasty,” one Vons customer said. “Hard to find good bacon. This brand is delicious,” another agreed.

True Story Kurobuta Uncured Bacon

True Story Kurobuta Uncured Bacon is a delicious sugar-free option made from heirloom breed pork. “This special pork is known for its marbling and rich pink hue. Subtly seasoned and thickly sliced, this sugar-free bacon is the most delicious we’ve ever had,” the brand says.

Greenfield No Sugar Thick Cut Smoked Uncured Bacon

Greenfield No Sugar Thick Cut Smoked Uncured Bacon is sugar free and made from pork raised with no antibiotics. Shoppers love the clean ingredients and great taste of this thick-cut bacon, and mention that it cooks nicely in the microwave.

The post 7 Best Bacon Brands With No Added Sugar appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

Over 80? This Common Diet Habit May Lower Your Odds of Reaching 100

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:45:24 +0000

When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a new, inverted food pyramid in January 2026, ground beef, steak, chicken, and fish were placed right at the top, ending what the department referred to as the war on protein. “Every meal must prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense protein from both animal and plant sources, paired with healthy fats from whole foods such as eggs, seafood, meats, full-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados,” the guidelines read.

Now a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating meat can make a huge impact on whether or not people reach their 100th birthday. Researchers who followed more than 5,000 adults in China aged 80 or older taking part in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 1998 to 2018 noticed those who abstained from meat were less likely to reach 100 compared to those who did.

“The headline ‘vegetarians over 80 less likely to reach 100’ sounds surprising, because it contrasts with decades of data linking plant‑forward diets to lower chronic disease risk earlier in life,” registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade told Fox News Digital. “However, once you see that this research is limited to adults over the age of 80 who are also underweight — and that this link disappears with the consumption of eggs, dairy and fish — the results are less surprising.”

Non meat-eaters who included fish, dairy or eggs in their diet (crucial for muscle and bone health thanks to a host of important nutrients) did not have the same reduced likelihood of reaching 100. This is in line with the new government health guidelines that strongly encourage the consumption of fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, which are an excellent source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and prevent plaque buildup in arteries, says the Mayo Clinic.

This doesn’t mean the plants and vegetables don’t offer benefits, but that a variety of food is best, with no major food groups being eliminated (as in the case of strict veganism).

“For adults in their 80s and beyond, especially anyone losing weight or muscle, the priority should be maintaining a healthy weight and meeting protein and micronutrient needs — even if that means adding or increasing fish, eggs, dairy or well‑planned, fortified plant proteins and supplements,” Palinski-Wade said.

The post Over 80? This Common Diet Habit May Lower Your Odds of Reaching 100 appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Best Frozen Pizzas Made With Real Pork and Beef, According to Shoppers

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:15:48 +0000

Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the U.S., but not all frozen pizzas have good pepperoni or beef toppings—some are bland, others are packed with fillers, and some don’t even have the flavor or texture of real meat. Luckily many brands are proudly serving up frozen options with excellent ingredients, and that includes the meat toppings. So which do shoppers love? Here are seven of the best frozen pizzas made with real beef and pork for toppings.

Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy Crust Uncured Pepperoni Pizza

The uncured pepperoni on Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy Crust Uncured Pepperoni Pizza is made from pork and beef with no added nitrites and nitrates. “Excellent pepperoni seasoning… a hint of heat; Use the toaster oven and it cooks even and ‘spot on’ timing instructions,” one shopper said.

Porta Pepperoni Pizza

The sliced uncured smoked pepperoni on Porta Pepperoni Pizza is made from beef and pork with no added nitrates or nitrites. “It’s better than most restaurant pizzas I’ve had,” one fan raved. “There are like only 3 pizzerias (they specialize in NY-style pizzas) in my entire state that can make a better pizza than this, but they’re all like $25-$30 for a pie lol.”

Sprouts Classic Pepperoni Pizza

Sprouts Classic Pepperoni Pizza is topped with pepperoni made from pork, no added nitrites/nitrates. Some shoppers say it’s perfect for kids, others say the pepperoni has a little kick to it so the smaller kids aren’t as enthusiastic about it. “It was very tasty! No skimping on the pepperoni, or cheese. Will definitely buy again,” one shared.

Urban Pie Pizza Co. Uncured Pepperoni Pizza

The uncured pepperoni on Urban Pie Pizza Co. Uncured Pepperoni Pinzza Roman Style Crust Pizza is made with pork, and no nitrites/nitrates. “Their normal style uncured pepperoni is my favorite frozen pizza. Honestly better than a lot of pizza chains,” one shopper said.

bettergoods Wood-Fired Ultra Thin Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza

The pepperoni on bettergoods Wood-Fired Ultra Thin Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza is made with real pork. “The pepperoni adds a savory kick, while the ricotta brings a creamy, unexpected twist that elevates the whole experience. It tastes like something you’d get at a boutique pizzeria, not from your freezer,” one fan said.

DiGiorno Wood Fired Crust Frozen Italian 3 Meat Trio Pizza

DiGiorno Wood Fired Crust Frozen Italian 3 Meat Trio Pizza contains Italian sausage made with real pork. “Nice sauce, lots of meat and a soft and chewy crust. I was hungry for some pizza and this hit the spot,” one fan said.

Milton’s Uncured Pepperoni Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Milton’s Uncured Pepperoni Cauliflower Crust Pizza is topped with pepperoni made with real beef and pork. “I am not a fan of frozen pizzas but this one I love! It didn’t have that frozen pizza taste and the cauliflower crust was so delicious,” one Sprouts shopper said.

The post 7 Best Frozen Pizzas Made With Real Pork and Beef, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

8 Deli Turkey Brands Made With Real Whole Breast Meat, According to Shoppers

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:15:09 +0000

Turkey is the most popular deli meat in the U.S. for good reason—this versatile meat is mild in flavor, low in calories, high in protein, and easily adapted to anyone’s taste, be it sweet, spicy, savory, and more. The really good deli turkey is made from the breast meat, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and platters, or simply enjoyed by itself as a snack. So which is the turkey worth keeping in the fridge at all times? Here are eight deli turkey brands made with real meat.

Trader Joe’s Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Trader Joe’s Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is a constant in my fridge and perfect for making sandwiches and school lunches. This option is made from turkeys raised on an all-vegetarian diet in a free range environment. Texture-wise this is pretty close to the Applegate Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast. Speaking of which…

Applegate Organics Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Applegate Organics Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is another delicious option we rely on for the kids’ lunchboxes, made from real USDA organic turkey. “One of the cleanest brands of turkey you can buy. No added chemicals,” one Target shopper said.

True Story Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

True Story Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the real deal: Delicious moist turkey breast meat with no unwelcome additives or fillers. “So simple and good tasting! Only 3 ingredients! So many lunch meats have too many preservatives these days,” one shopper raved.

Dietz & Watson Organic Turkey Breast

Dietz & Watson Organic Turkey Breast is a Costco must-have, made from vegetarian grain-fed turkey and seasoned with sea salt. “It has an actual grain to it, where it naturally wants to separate, rather than the gelatinous, homogenous lunchmeat,” one fan said.

Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Oven Roasted Turkey

Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Oven Roasted Turkey is made from real turkey breast, with no nitrates or nitrites added (except for those naturally occurring in the celery juice powder and sea salt). “My kids and I all inhale this. It’s the best sliced turkey you can get. It’s juicy and flavorful, thin sliced, packaged well. Both of my kids will eat this straight out of the package!” one fan said.

Member’s Mark Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Member’s Mark Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is made from whole turkey breast. “Great sandwich meat,” one shopper shared. “Super high quality and a great taste. This product is as good as fresh cut deli meats, in my opinion. Makes a great sandwich and a great snack. We buy this almost every time we come to Sam’s club.”

Primo Taglio Oven Roasted Turkey

Primo Taglio Oven Roasted Turkey is made with real turkey breast. “I love this turkey. It’s very fresh tasting and perfect thickness of slicesI love this turkey. It’s very fresh tasting and perfect thickness of slices,” one shopper said.

Diestel Family Ranch Fresh Roasted Pre-Sliced Deli Turkey

Diestel Family Ranch is famous for top-quality turkey, and the Fresh Roasted Pre-Sliced Deli Turkey (made with slow-roasted organic turkey breast) is no exception. “My new personal favorite go-to turkey. Taste is amazing! A lot of natural turkey products can taste gamey but not this one. Delicious. Will put on my permanent list,” one shopper said.

The post 8 Deli Turkey Brands Made With Real Whole Breast Meat, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

5 Best Corn Dog Brands Made With Real Beef, According to Shoppers

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:30:05 +0000

Corn dogs are usually found in the frozen food section, essentially a hot dog or sausage on a stick covered in thick cornmeal batter and a staple snack at fairs and amusement parks. These deep-fried goodies are not known for being healthy or having quality ingredients, but many options are made with meat you would actually recognize. Here are five of the best corn dog brands made with real beef that shoppers love.

Applegate Gluten-Free Uncured Beef Corn Dogs

Applegate Gluten-Free Uncured Beef Corn Dogs are made from real grass-fed beef. “I was so glad to find corn dogs made with quality ingredients,” one Walmart shopper said. “I thought I’d never be able to have another corn dog again because I don’t want to eat the ones with all the garbage ingredients.”

State Fair 100% Beef Corn Dogs

State Fair 100% Beef Corn Dogs are, as the name suggests, made from real beef and wrapped in a crispy honey sweetened batter. “This corndog brings back great childhood memories of going to the fair as a kid,” one shopper said. “Eating corn dogs, giant pretzels, nothing better. Great taste and cooks great in my air fryer.”

Bar-S Beef Corn Dog

Bar-S Beef Corn Dogs are made from 100% real beef. “[It] cooked well in the microwave, the best tasting wrap,” one fan said, adding that it cooked well in the microwave. “Has nice beef flavor and could be elevated by deep frying or using the air fryer,” another commented.

Kroger Beef Corn Dogs

Kroger Beef Corn Dogs are another option made with beef, and fans love them. “I love the fact these are made of beef. When air fried these come out with a crunchy crust and soft inside. Honestly these taste like the ones you get at a fair or festival,” one said. “All beef makes the difference so good,” another agreed. “They are delicious just like at the fairgrounds.”

Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs

Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs has a “Texan” All Beef corn dog, a smoky all-beef and brisket dog made with a custom seasoning blend. “I got that “County Fair” taste right at home; am anxious to try the other flavors,” one shopper said. “Those Corny Dogs are amazing. Can’t wait to enjoy the different varieties,” another commented.

The post 5 Best Corn Dog Brands Made With Real Beef, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Best Frozen Meatball Brands Made With 100% Beef, According to Shoppers

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:45:24 +0000

I love meatballs, and my kids eat them at least once a week. Everyone asks me if I make them from scratch. Nope. Meatballs are kind of time-consuming to make from scratch, and here’s the thing: I can get them in the freezer section of my local grocery store or Italian market (should out to Sam’s Italian Market and Bakery in Willow Grove, PA), and they are even better than I could make. In fact, when I do make them from scratch, my kids let me know that the “Costco ones are better.” What should you grab from the freezer section for your next spaghetti and meatballs night? Here are the 7 best frozen meatball brands made with 100% beef, according to shoppers.

Rao’s Homemade Meatballs

Like all Rao’s Homemade products, Rao’s Homemade Meatballs are unparalleled. The restaurant-style beef meatballs are made from clean ingredients, all of which I can pronounce: meat (pork, beef, water, bread crumbs [wheat flour, natural cane sugar, yeast, sea salt, canola oil], romano cheese [sheep’s milk, cheese cultures, salt and rennet], whole egg, parsley, salt, garlic, spices), italian tomatoes, (italian tomatoes, tomato puree). olive oil, onions, salt, garlic, spices. And, they are bathing in the brand’s trademark sauce. “As a proud Italian who has spent years perfecting my family’s meatball recipe passed down from my mother and grandmother, I never imagined I’d find a store-bought meatball that could rival our homemade ones. However, Rao’s meatballs have truly impressed me with their authentic taste and quality. Can you please tell me how to buy these in BULK??????” writes a shopper.

Good & Gather All Natural USDA Grassfed Beef Meatballs

Good & Gather All Natural USDA Grassfed Beef Meatballs uses real beef and basic spices: beef, eggs, water, rice flour, dehydrated onions, romano cheese (pasteurized cow’s milk, pasteurized sheep’s milk, rennet, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes), dried cane sugar, salt, natural flavor. “There are sooooo good and I love that they’re gluten free as well! Not really expensive and a lot comes in the bag. We always heat them using the oven,” writes a shopper. “Like that they are grass fed and delicious, at a reasonable price. For a quick meal for our boys we put them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes and put bbq sauce on the side, pair with a veggie, they eat it with no hesitation. Quick, healthy meal. These meatballs are also tasty with spaghetti or any pasta meal,” adds another.

Rosina Angus Beef Meatballs

Rosina Angus Beef Meatballs are regularly mentioned in Reddit meatball feeds. They are “made with only the best ingredients and with no preservatives,” the brand states. “Rosina’s Italian style are my go-to,” a Redditor states. “I love Rosina home style meatballs. Been eating them forever,” another adds.

Trader Joe’s Beef Meatballs

Trader Joe’s Beef Meatballs have been a staple in my shopping cart for decades, and I’m not the only one. “My go to are the Trader Joe’s when I need a quick meatball fix. I always keep a bag in the freezer along with a batch of homemade sauce. Cook them in the sauce for a while and add some freshly grated parm on top! Delicious!!!!” a Redditor states

Kirkland Signature Italian Style Meatballs

Kirkland Signature Cooked Meatballs, Italian-Style Beef are the best frozen meatballs I have found and a go-to at my house. They are honestly better than homemade and delicious with sauce and pasta, in a sub, or salad, or even as a stir fry. “I am always blown away by how tasty and juicy they are!” a Redditor writes. “Costco meatballs hands down the best,” another agrees.

Open Nature Homestyle Angus Beef Meatballs

Open Nature Homestyle Angus Beef Meatballs are a favorite of Acme shoppers, made with no antibiotics and no preservatives. “At Open Nature, we believe food should be simple – meat that is responsibly raised and minimally processed, for quality and freshness. Quality & satisfaction 100% guaranteed or your money back,” the brand says. “My family loves these meatballs because they are so tender and they are lower in sodium than other frozen meatballs,” writes an Acme shopper.

Forces of Nature Beef Ancestral Grassfed Frozen Meatballs

Whole Foods shoppers swear by Forces of Nature Beef Ancestral Grassfed Frozen Meatballs, a pre-cooked, ready-to-heat, and nutrient-dense option. They are made with “regeneratively-raised beef and a proprietary blend of heart and liver organ meat, offering profound nutrition and exceptional flavor,” the brand says. They are also sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, and are seasoned with organic spices.

The post 7 Best Frozen Meatball Brands Made With 100% Beef, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Affordable Hot Dog Brands Made With Real Beef

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:30:48 +0000

Cheap hot dogs have historically been synonymous with low-grade mystery meat, but these days shoppers have access to value options where they don’t have to compromise on quality. Yes, there are fancy gourmet hot dogs that cost more, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options shoppers love. So which ones are worth grabbing on your next grocery store haul? Here are five affordable hot dog brands made with real beef.

Member’s Mark Beef Hot Dogs

Member’s Mark Beef Hot Dogs are known for quality and value (check your local warehouse for exact prices). “These are some of the best beef hot dogs I’ve ever cooked. They brown like the red ones and have a good flavor,” one shopper said.

Kirkland Signature Beef Dinner Franks

Kirkland Signature Beef Dinner Franks are another affordable option (as with Sam’s Club, check your local warehouse for pricing). “Best beef hot dog I have ever tasted! Better than Nathans, Ball Park, and so many others that claim to be the best tasting!” one shopper said. The $1.50 Costco food court hot dog /soda combo cannot be beat for value.

Hebrew National Beef Franks

Hebrew National Beef Franks are an excellent affordable option, especially when they’re on sale. Walmart shoppers can get a 20-dog family pack for $15.94, which is the online price, so your local store is probably cheaper. “These are the best hot dogs available everywhere at a reasonable price,” one shopper said. “There may be some boutique dogs that are tastier, but they have limited availability and ridiculous prices.”

Nathan’s Famous Skinless Beef Franks

Nathan’s is another fantastic choice for an affordable all-beef hot dog ($12.97 for 14 at Walmart for online pricing). The brand is popular for taste and quality, and a must-have when it’s on sale. Some shoppers even eat them cold, they’re that good!

Oscar Mayer Classic Beef Franks

Oscar Mayer Classic Beef Franks are a great value 100% beef hot dog, around $7.99 for 10. “Great taste and very juicy. Good sale price,” one shopper said about these no fillers or by-product hot dogs. These are definitely one of the best budget-friendly options.

Trader Joe’s Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

Trader Joe’s Uncured Beef Hot Dogs are excellent value—$3.99 for six all-beef hot dogs at my local Los Angeles TJ’s. “Our all-Beef, Uncured Hot Dogs contain no added nitrates or nitrates (except those that occur naturally in sea salt and cultured celery powder), and cook up wonderfully well on the grill, in the frying pan, or immersed in boiling water (or beer, we should add!),” the chain says.

Simply Nature Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs

Simply Nature Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs at Aldi is $4.39 for six dogs. “These gluten free hot dogs are non-GMO and are made with 100% grass fed beef. The beef used for these tasty hot dogs is made with no antibiotics and no added hormones. There’s also no nitrates or nitrites added, so you’re sure to get the best quality hot dogs at the prices you love,” the brand says.

The post 7 Affordable Hot Dog Brands Made With Real Beef appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>

7 Best Ham Brands Made With Real Whole Muscle Meat, According to Shoppers

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:30:28 +0000

Real ham off the bone is superior in every way to the typical overly-processed, mechanically-recovered meat you see in stores. Ham made from actual muscle meat looks like meat, not a reconstituted paste which has been formed into a ham-shape and packed with additives and preservatives. Real ham comes from the pork leg and has incredible taste, texture, and flavor. Of course, with premium ingredients comes a higher price point, but it’s absolutely worth it. Here are seven of the best ham brands made with real muscle meat; perfect for a special meal, sandwiches, casseroles, and more.

Wild Fork Foods Boneless Berkshire Smoked Ham

Shoppers rave about the outstanding taste and quality of Wild Fork Foods Boneless Berkshire Smoked Ham, made from 100% pure bred Berkshire hogs. “This was the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner,” one fan wrote in the reviews. “I wanted a heritage breed ham, not a standard commercially bred ham, and I can say that type of ham is now in my rearview mirror! This ham was beautifully smoked, and not over-salted, which contributed to the wonderful tender and tasty meat the four of us wolfed down!”

Niman Ranch Spiral Sliced Bone-In Ham with Honey Glaze

Niman Ranch Spiral Sliced Bone-In Ham with Honey Glaze is a premium presliced ham with a lovely sweet and smoky flavor. “The ham was absolutely phenomenal. Everyone at the table was blown away by the flavor and moistness. I did make a pineapple gravy to drizzle over it,” one shopper said.

True Story Uncured Black Forest Ham Snack Packs

True Story has some beautiful ham options, both at the deli counter and in the refrigerated aisles. We love the Black Forest Ham for sandwiches, and the Uncured Black Forest Ham Snack Packs are the perfect on-the-go lunch or snack. “My toddler is obsessed with her ‘circle meat’! She eats them by themselves as a snack or has them on a Hawaiian roll for lunch,” one Target shopper said. “The quality is always great, the freshness and individual packaging is even better.”

Dietz and Watson Off the Bone Uncured Ham

Dietz and Watson Off the Bone Uncured Ham is another deli counter staple we like for sandwiches. The texture is leaner and a little more dry than other hams, which makes it pair nicely with a very saucy sandwich, or for a snack just by itself.

Stoltzfus Meats Boneless Smoked Ham

Stoltzfus Meats Boneless Smoked Ham is a lean, hand-trimmed, and delicious wood-smoked ham made with whole muscle only. “Tasty and delicious. Not over-salted. Just perfect. We’ve been buying these since 1980 and will buy more for years to come,” one happy shopper said.

Jones Dairy Farm Bone-In Hickory Smoked Ham

Jones Dairy Farm Bone-In Hickory Smoked Ham is brined with brown sugar and smoked with real hickory. “This ham was perfect for our family,” one Costco shopper said. “Juicy, little smoky, and not too fatty. I like the ability to cut slices to our preference verses the thin spiral slices that I find dry out. The leftover bone was used for soup. I highly recommend this brand for people looking for an alternative to sweet spiral sliced hams.”

Frick’s Quality Meats Hickory Smoked Bone-In Ham

Frick’s Quality Meats Hickory Smoked Bone-In Ham is made with natural juices, cured with real cane sugar and cooked slowly for 12 hours. “It is not easy to find a good quality ham anymore . So many are pumped with water and salt . So when I found this ham, I was delighted to discover it was not as high in sodium and in its own natural juices. The whole ham made a beautiful centerpiece at Easter and I will be purchasing it again for Christmas this year!” one shopper said.

The post 7 Best Ham Brands Made With Real Whole Muscle Meat, According to Shoppers appeared first on Eat This Not That.

]]>