The Hands-Down Best Gluten-Free Hot Dog Bun Comes From This Classic Italian Brand

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Gluten-free bread: It's really a hit or miss. Some brands seem to get the texture just right without the stretchy, starchy network of gluten protein running through the dough, while others end up looking (and tasting) like a slice of straight-up cardboard. Of all the gluten-free brands out there, some tend to formulate their products better than others. When it comes to hot dog buns, we've found that Schär does a stand-up job.

In our ranking of six gluten-free hot dog buns, Schär was number one. The brand's gluten-free hot dog roll looked closest to a regular fluffy bun; our reviewer said it didn't have any cracks and was smooth, light, and held franks perfectly. Other brands tasted grainy, but our reviewer said Schär's roll was plush. The neutral flavor also made the entire hot dog-eating experience enjoyable, whereas other gluten-free products tend to overpower in the taste department.

Beyond taste and texture, our reviewer loved that Schär is widely accessible. The family-run brand, which started in Italy in 1922, has since expanded to grocery stores worldwide, including Walmart and Target. Customers love them, too. "I keep an extra bag in my freezer. They taste great!" one Walmart reviewer said. "It's actually really good if you toast them in butter for a little bit in the pan, too," a Redditor posted.

Schär may have won first prize in our gluten-free lineup, but in our ranking of nine store-bought hot dog buns, it was considered the worst. Sure, it's unfair, but they just can't compare to the buttery, glutinous options in stores. Despite being airy, which our reviewers enjoyed, customers say Schär takes it too far, noting some batches arrive almost completely hollowed out. Others think it's the worst hot bun out there, especially when it falls apart easily.

All that said, if you're gluten-free and craving a classic hot dog, we still think Schär is your best bet. The Italian brand has been around for so long, and continues to update its recipes, leaving customers generally satisfied when bread cravings call. So, the next time you have a cookout, swing by the store and get a pack so even your GF guests can enjoy a dog. Depending on the store, a pack of four rolls typically cost around $6.