Upton's Naturals Hot Dog Links, Vegan, Updog
Why It Scored This Way
A mixed nutrition profile and more processed formulation give this product some useful qualities, but also meaningful limitations.
- High Protein
- Low Saturated Fat
- High Sodium
Verdict
Upton's Naturals Hot Dog Links, Vegan, Updog are plant-based sausages intended for grilling or pan-frying. Their main strength is a high protein content, while their main tradeoff is a high sodium level. Overall, they function as a convenient meat alternative for classic American-style meals.
How to Use This
Best included occasionally, a few times per month, within a balanced diet and in controlled portions. Try it in a toasted bun with sauerkraut, mustard, and sliced onions for a traditional ballpark-style meal.
Nutrition Overview
The nutrition panel shows a strong protein contribution, though it is offset by a significant amount of salt per serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 6g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 490mg | 21% |
| Total Carbs | 8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | — |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 440mg | 9% |
Ingredient Analysis
These links are built from vital wheat gluten, canola oil, and wheat flour. The formulation relies on industrial gums and a smoke concentrate to replicate the specific texture and flavor of a traditional hot dog.
Ingredients
Water, Vital Wheat Gluten, Canola Oil, Wheat Flour, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Paprika, Onion, Potassium Chloride, Spices, Garlic, Calcium Alginate, Natural Hickory Smoke Concentrate, Ground Mustard, Konjac, Ground Celery Seed.
