Both bratwursts and hot dogs have roots in Germany. Bratwurst is a sausage made up of one type of meat, usually pork, and seasoned with spices like lemon zest and nutmeg.

Hot dogs are usually made up of a mix of different meats like beef, poultry, and pork, and come seasoned with more common spices like garlic, coriander, paprika, and allspice.

Thanks to unique seasonings, bratwursts usually take on a spicier, more complex taste than hot dogs, which creates a more balanced, general meat flavor.

Bratwursts and hot dogs both originate from meat scraps, but hot dogs are more processed, resulting in a milder flavor and finer texture compared to the coarser, heavier bratwurst.