Is A Hot Dog A Sandwich: Unveiling The Culinary Controversy

The question of whether a hotdog can be considered a sandwich hinges on the presence of a key ingredient: bread. According to Mittenthal, a prominent advocate in this debate, a sandwich is defined by the inclusion of bread. He asserts that when a hotdog is nestled within a bun, it retains its identity as a hotdog. Importantly, the presence of the bun is not determinative in classifying it as a sandwich. Therefore, Mittenthal contends that a hotdog is not a sandwich, emphasizing the significance of the bread component. This argument challenges the conventional understanding of sandwiches and sparks a lively culinary discussion. (This passage was last updated on September 2021; for the most recent developments in this debate, please refer to up-to-date sources.)

The classification of a hot dog as either a burger or a sandwich has long been a topic of debate. To shed light on this matter, let’s refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which defines a sandwich as “a meat or poultry filling positioned between two slices of bread, a bun, or a biscuit.” Going by this official definition, it becomes apparent that a hot dog can indeed be categorized as a sandwich. This insight, as of July 2, 2021, provides clarity on the ongoing discussion.