Eating Hot Dogs Is Common at Baseball Stadiums, but Many People Don’t Know the Health Risks of Processed Meat

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As baseball season approaches, a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey finds that while most Americans have eaten a hot dog at a baseball stadium, many don’t know or are unsure of the specific health risks associated with eating hot dogs.

The poll included 2,204 U.S. adults surveyed March 10-12, 2025. When asked, “Have you ever eaten a hot dog at a baseball stadium?” 57% said that they had. When asked, “Do you know the health risks associated with eating hot dogs and other processed meats, like bacon and deli meats?” 51% said, “Somewhat, I’ve heard there are health risks but I’m unsure of what they are specifically,” while another 30% said, “No, I don’t know the health risks.”

“Tens of millions of Americans could eat hot dogs this baseball season, but most of them are unaware that doing so raises their risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases,” says Noah Praamsma, MS, RDN, nutrition education coordinator for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, who adds that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. An estimated 20 million hot dogs are consumed by fans during baseball season.        

The World Health Organization has determined that consuming processed meat, such as hot dogs, increases the risk of colorectal cancer and has classified it as “carcinogenic to humans.” Just 50 grams of processed meat—the amount in an average hot dog—consumed daily increases colorectal cancer risk by 18%. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research say that “there is strong evidence” that consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

Of particular concern is the dramatic rise in colorectal cancer among younger people. The National Cancer Institute says, “There’s mounting evidence linking an unhealthy diet—in particular, one high in processed meat and fat, and low in fruits and vegetables—to early-onset colorectal cancer.”

According to “Cancer statistics 2024: All hands on deck,” a report from the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the 1990s and has risen to the leading and second leading cause of cancer death in men and women, respectively, aged 40-49. Colorectal cancer has also moved up to the leading cause of cancer death in men aged 20-39 years and the third leading cause in women in the same age group.

“The good news is that many stadiums across the country now offer plant-based hot dogs as alternatives to meat hot dogs,” says Praamsma. “Fans who trade even one serving of processed meat a day for a plant-based alternative would hit a home run for their health.”

When asked, “Would you try a plant-based hot dog if it was available?” a combined 40% of survey respondents said they “definitely would” or “probably would.” A combined 63% of respondents said baseball stadiums “definitely” or “probably” should make plant-based hot dogs available to fans as an option.

Several Major League Baseball stadiums list plant-based hot dogs as options, including Chicago White Sox: Rate Field, Colorado Rockies: Coors Field; San Francisco Giants: Oracle Park, Texas Rangers: Globe Life Field, and Toronto Blue Jays: Rogers Center. In addition to veggie dogs, many stadiums also offer a wide range of other plant-based options for fans.

Research shows that men who ate the most plant-based foods had a 22% reduced risk of colon cancer, compared with those who ate the least. Other studies show the benefits of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans and legumes, such as peanuts. Processed plant-based foods also have a positive health impact, according to recent research.

“A vegan hot dog is a great option for ballpark food,” says Praamsma. “For the home chef or scratch-cooking backyard griller, carrot dogs also make a surprisingly delicious alternative to their dangerously processed meat counterparts.”

Replacing meat with plant-based meat alternatives may also be beneficial for heart health, while processed meats such as hot dogs are linked to heart disease risk.

No veggie dogs at your stadium? “If veggie dogs and other plant-based options aren’t available, opt for roasted peanuts—a staple at baseball stadiums,” says Praamsma. “Peanuts are packed with disease-fighting plant protein and can be protective against colorectal cancer.”