Corn dogs are a popular frozen snack or appetizer consisting of a hot dog on a stick that has been dipped in thick cornmeal batter and deep-fried. The iconic corn dog shape and taste is nostalgic for many who have enjoyed them at carnivals, fairs, and festivals. But when picking up a box of corn dogs from your local grocery store freezer section, you may wonder – who actually makes these delicious corn dog treats? Here we will explore the history of corn dogs and the major manufacturers producing them today.
The History of Corn Dogs
The exact origins of the corn dog are debated, but most food historians agree it was invented in the 1920s or 1930s. Some of the claims for the first corn dog include:
- The Pronto Pup at the Minnesota State Fair in the late 1920s
- The Krusty Korn Dog invented by Neil Fletcher at the Texas State Fair in 1942
- Cozy Dog Drive-in in Springfield, IL who claim to have created the corn dog on a stick in 1946
Whatever the exact origin, corn dogs quickly became popular fair and street food during the first half of the 20th century. The combination of meat, batter, and deep frying was an irresistible and convenient snack. The earliest mass producers of corn dogs for retail sale were Pronto Pup and Corn Dog Manufacturing Company in the 1940s and 50s. Frozen pre-made corn dogs began hitting grocery store shelves in the 1960s and their popularity has continued to grow ever since.
Major Corn Dog Brands
Today there are many brands of corn dogs sold frozen in grocery stores and other retailers around the US. Here are some of the major manufacturers:
J&J Snack Foods
One of the largest producers is J&J Snack Foods, a Pennsylvania-based food manufacturer. They produce several brand name corn dogs including:
- SuperPretzel – Their traditional battered corn dog
- Superpretzel Bavarian – A sweeter, honey-flavored batter
- SuperPretzel Mini Dogs – Mini corn dog bites
- SuperPretzel Corn Dog Nuggets – Crispy corn dog nuggets
J&J Snack Foods mass produces these corn dogs in large manufacturing facilities and distributes them to retailers around the country.
Foster Farms
Foster Farms, one of the largest poultry companies on the West Coast, produces frozen corn dogs under the brand name Western Plains. Their traditional corn dog is the most popular, but they also offer mini corn dogs and cheese-filled jalapeno popper corn dogs. Foster Farms supplies these corn dogs to major retailers mainly on the West Coast and Western states.
Pilgrim’s Pride
Pilgrim’s Pride, another large US poultry producer, manufactures frozen corn dogs sold under the brand name Pierce Chicken. Their traditional style corn dogs are sold at retailers nationwide. Pilgrim’s Pride produces these corn dogs at their processing facilities in the Southern US.
Nathan’s Famous
Nathan’s Famous is known for their hot dogs at their Coney Island restaurant and through retailers around the country. They also produce frozen corn dogs sold under their brand name. Nathan’s corn dogs have a signature crunch and flavor profile. They are sold through major club store and grocery retailers in most parts of the US.
Private Label
Many grocery store chains produce private label or store brand corn dogs. These are usually manufactured by third party copackers that specialize in private label production. Costco’s Kirkland Signature corn dogs are an example – they are produced by Pilgrim’s Pride. Private label allows retailers to offer high quality corn dogs at a value price under their own brand name.
Regional Producers
In addition to the major national brands, there are some popular regional corn dog producers including:
- Zeke’s – A leading corn dog producer in the Pacific Northwest
- Aunt Ethel’s – Popular corn dogs in the Southern US
- Clark Food Service – Manufactures corn dogs for Midwest retailers
- Morrison’s – Known for their corn dogs in the Southwest
These smaller companies focus their production and distribution in select geographic areas of the country.
Bremer Corn Dogs
Now circling back to address the original question – Bremer corn dogs are produced by J&J Snack Foods under their SuperPretzel brand name. Bremer Foods is a Midwestern grocery store chain that sells SuperPretzel corn dogs under the Bremer brand name. So while the packaging says Bremer, they are manufactured by the SuperPretzel division at J&J Snack Foods production facilities.
Nutritional Information Comparison
Here is a nutritional information comparison of some of the leading corn dog brands:
| Brand | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SuperPretzel (Bremer) | 220 | 14 | 15 | 7 |
| Foster Farms | 230 | 16 | 13 | 8 |
| Nathan’s Famous | 280 | 18 | 19 | 9 |
| Pilgrim’s Pride | 210 | 12 | 17 | 6 |
As you can see, calories, fat, carbs, and protein can vary somewhat between brands, but are generally all in the same ballpark. When comparing nutritionals, be sure to check the nutrition facts label on the actual package you are buying.
Ingredients
While the brands may differ, the basic ingredients in frozen corn dogs are generally similar:
- Hot dog – Typically a beef, pork, or chicken frankfurter
- Batter – Cornmeal, flour, leavening agents, eggs, milk, salt, sugar
- Condiments – Mustard, ketchup, chili sauce, cheese, jalapenos
Some brands may use slightly different batter recipes or include preservatives, but the main components are the hot dog and thick cornmeal batter. Be sure to check labels for any ingredient allergies or sensitivities.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking frozen corn dogs at home is quick and easy! Here are typical cooking instructions:
- Oven – Bake at 425F for 15-18 minutes
- Microwave – Microwave individual corn dogs on high 1-2 minutes
- Deep fryer – Fry frozen corn dogs at 350-375F for 2-3 minutes
- Air fryer – Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway
Always check package instructions as times may vary by brand. Corn dogs are fully cooked so just need to be heated through until hot and crispy.
Where to Buy
Frozen corn dogs can be found at most major grocery retailers across the US including:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Target
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Publix
- HEB
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
Different brands and flavors will be available depending on your region. Corn dogs can typically be found in the frozen appetizers or frozen meat sections. Brand selection may vary between chains.
Cost Comparison
Pricing for frozen corn dogs can range from about $4.50 to $7.00 for a box of 8-10 corn dogs depending on the brand. Here is a cost comparison per corn dog for some popular options:
| Brand | Price | Quantity | Cost Per Corn Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| SuperPretzel | $4.99 | 8 ct | $0.62 |
| Foster Farms | $6.49 | 10 ct | $0.65 |
| Nathan’s | $6.99 | 10 ct | $0.69 |
| Kirkland | $5.99 | 12 ct | $0.50 |
As shown, private label or store brands like Kirkland offer the best value. National brands like Nathan’s cost a bit more per corn dog. Prices and quantities may vary between retailers.
Selection Criteria
When choosing a brand of frozen corn dogs, here are some factors to consider:
- Price – Store brands offer the lowest price per corn dog
- Quantity – Larger packs mean lower cost per corn dog
- Taste – Try different brands to find your flavor preference
- Quality – Select brands that use quality ingredients
- Nutrition – Compare nutrition facts to fit your dietary needs
- Convenience – Look for easy microwaveable or oven-bake options
Think about which factors are most important to you when selecting a delicious corn dog option for your next appetizer craving!
Conclusion
Corn dogs remain a staple American snack food thanks to major producers like J&J Snack Foods, Foster Farms, Nathan’s Famous and others. While originally a fair and street food, commercially made frozen corn dogs now offer a quick and convenient way to enjoy this tasty treat at home. The top brands can be found in most grocery store freezers, so next time you’re shopping, grab a box and satisfy your corn dog craving!