New polling just in time for July 21 shows Canadians prefer dogs grilled and
topped with ketchup
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods,
the maker of the Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs™, today released an
updated "Canadian Hot Dog Etiquette" guide to help Canadians ease
back into social outdoor gatherings in celebration of National Hot
Dog Day (July 21) and throughout
July's National Hot Dog Month.
In the summer of 2019, Maple Leaf Foods released the first ever
Canadian Hot Dog Etiquette guide, which Canadians "ate up." Now,
after a long period of social isolation and solo hot dog dining,
Maple Leaf Foods released updated hot dog etiquette to help
Canadians avoid a "frank faux pas" when dining with friends at
their summer barbecues.
"At Maple Leaf Foods, we know the passion that Canadians have
for hot dogs," said Janet Riley,
Maple Leaf Foods, Vice President of Communications, also known as
the 'Queen of Wien'. "Over the
past year alone, Canadians have purchased almost 1 billion hot
dogs* at retail – that's serious sausage love. So we want to offer
Canadians tips on how to enjoy their beloved wieners."
Notably, although Canadians and Americans share a border and a
love of similar foods, new research shows a frank distinction when
it comes to favourite hot dog toppings. Canadians clearly
favour ketchup on their wieners (45 per cent)** while data from the
National Hot Dog and Sausage Council shows Americans clearly prefer
mustard.***
However, Canadians and Americans agree that hot dogs taste best
straight off the barbecue. 59 per cent of Canadians said BBQing is
their favourite method, while boiling is second (19 per cent)**
followed by microwaving at a low 6 per cent.**
"Although Canadians and Americans differ in their favourite
toppings choices, the two nations share a love of hot dogs that is
unmistakable," Riley said.
The Maple Leaf Foods-authored etiquette endorses gravy and
cheese curds on hot dogs and underscores the appropriateness of
eating hot dogs with mittens and gloves in Canada. "Hot dogs are the ultimate handheld
food," the etiquette states. "Plus, eating with your hands is the
ultimate environmentally-friendly way to go."
Despite Canadians' natural politeness, they shouldn't feel
compelled to take tiny bites or feign fullness when enjoying a
sacred wiener. "Five to six bites is the recommended limit for a
regular dog, while eight to 10 is acceptable for a jumbo dog at the
ballpark," reads the etiquette.
In the "don't" category, people should not fret about sending
thank you notes after a meal that includes hot dogs. A simple text
is just fine, but again not necessary or expected. In addition, a
hot dog should never be called a sandwich. According to the
etiquette, "hot dogs are sacred in Canada and the name stands with or without the
presence of bread. But a sandwich without the bread is just – well,
ingredients."
Janet Riley, former President and
'Queen of Wien' at the National
Hot Dog and Sausage Council in Washington, DC for 25 years, is an expert on
hot dog culture, and now brings her knowledge and hot dog whimsy to
Canada and Maple Leaf Foods. She
is available for media interviews about the new and improved hot
dog etiquette or any imaginable fact about hot dog history, lore,
nutrition or preparation.
*Exact total: 916,289,725, source: Nielsen MarketTrack, NAT+NFLD
GB+DR+MM, Latest 52 weeks to PE May 22,
2021
**Statistics based on a study of 810 of Meat-Eating Canadians
who have eaten Hot Dogs in the past 3 months (May 2021-July 2021) created for Maple Leaf Foods designed
and programmed internally using Questionpro software with sample
provided by Delvinia Asking Canadians.
***National Hot Dog and Sausage Dog Council
About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple
Leaf Foods") is a carbon neutral company with a vision to be the
most sustainable protein company on earth, responsibly producing
food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple
Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®,
Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®,
Lightlife® and Field Roast™. Maple Leaf Foods employs approximately
13,500 people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The company is headquartered in
Mississauga, Ontario, and its
shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.