While the majority of Mashed readers voted for mustard, there were plenty of ketchup voices thrown in, and a few others that proclaimed peanut butter, horseradish, or chili were better toppings than either. But one Facebooker’s response, “Has to be Americans replying to this? Ketchup all day,” required further research. Is mustard on hot dogs specific to the U.S.?
Apparently, there are several countries where it’s not uncommon to find ketchup on a hot dog, like Denmark and Venezuela. But for the most part, mustard still reigns supreme in countries such as Germany and Guatemala. People from Iceland love mustard so much that they created one specifically for hot dogs. Pylsusinnep is an Icelandic hot hog mustard that is made from brown mustard seeds and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Not only do people have some strong preferences when it comes to their hot dog condiments, but the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council even has guidance for dressing a hot dog. One such rule, “Don’t use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese, and chili are acceptable,” aligns closely with the views of Mashed readers.