Part 7/11:
Once the mixture is blended, it’s shaped into the iconic hot dog form using a casing machine. The mixture is piped into long, thin tubes made of collagen or cellulose casings. These casings are essential as they help retain shape during cooking and add that satisfying snap when bitten into.
Natural casings, often made from animal intestines, are preferred by some brands for their ability to create a superior snap and enhance flavor. After filling, the long tubes are twisted into individual links, ready for the next stage.