5 Sausage Options Besides Pork - Muscle & Fitness (2024)

Craving a sausage fest? Look beyond pork sausage. There are plenty of other options that are healthy(ish), protein-packed, and tasty as hell.

byJenna Werner, R.D.

5 Sausage Options Besides Pork - Muscle & Fitness (1)

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Sausage may not be the leanest or healthiest meat option out there, but it’s undeniably delicious—and not so terrible when eaten in moderation. While the classic option may be pork, there’s quite a selection of meat options to choose from if you’d rather not eat pork.

Here are five of our favorite non-pork sausage options along with the brands that make them best.

5 Sausage Options Besides Pork

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applegate

Turkey

This poultry-based sausage will save you calories and fat without sacrificing protein. Its sodium content is on the high side, though, so it’s best to stick to one serving.Brand We Like: Applegate

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Brian Klutch

Pork and Beef

Beef sausage is packed with flavor and has a good amount of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely associated with heart disease.Brand We Like:Trader Joe’s

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Tofu

Compared with animal-based options, this meatless sausage is higher in protein and lower in saturated fat and offers zero cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so tread carefully.Brand We Like:Tofurky

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Chicken

The chicken variety is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain under 150 calories per link and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.Brand We Like:Thin ’n Trim, Bilinski’s, Al Fresco

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Brian Klutch

Veggie

The main ingredient in most veggie sausage is vital wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it’s high in protein. In general, veggie sausage provides good flavor, no cholesterol, and a not-so-crazy-high amount of sodium.Brand We Like: Field Roast

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Turkey

This poultry-based sausage will save you calories and fat without sacrificing protein. Its sodium content is on the high side, though, so it’s best to stick to one serving.

Brand We Like: Applegate

Pork and Beef

Beef sausage is packed with flavor and has a good amount of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely associated with heart disease.

Brand We Like:Trader Joe’s

Tofu

Compared with animal-based options, this meatless sausage is higher in protein and lower in saturated fat and offers zero cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so tread carefully.

Brand We Like:Tofurky

Chicken

The chicken variety is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain under 150 calories per link and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.

Brand We Like:Thin ’n Trim, Bilinski’s, Al Fresco

Veggie

The main ingredient in most veggie sausage is vital wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it’s high in protein. In general, veggie sausage provides good flavor, no cholesterol, and a not-so-crazy-high amount of sodium.

Brand We Like: Field Roast

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Written byJenna Werner, R.D.

5 Sausage Options Besides Pork - Muscle & Fitness (2024)

FAQs

5 Sausage Options Besides Pork - Muscle & Fitness? ›

For those seeking a leaner option, turkey sausage is a fantastic choice for a non-pork substitute for Italian sausage. This alternative, made from ground turkey and typically seasoned with sage, thyme, and rosemary, brings a unique taste while maintaining a similar texture to Italian sausage.

What is a good alternative to pork sausage? ›

For those seeking a leaner option, turkey sausage is a fantastic choice for a non-pork substitute for Italian sausage. This alternative, made from ground turkey and typically seasoned with sage, thyme, and rosemary, brings a unique taste while maintaining a similar texture to Italian sausage.

What is the healthiest sausage you can eat? ›

Extra-lean chicken or kangaroo sausages tend to be the healthiest sausage option. Leaner sausages are also often lower in calories and salt. Follow these guidelines to choose healthier sausages: Less than 5g saturated fat per 100g.

What are some different kinds of sausage? ›

5 Types Of Sausage For Any Occasion
  • Kielbasa. “Kiełbasa” is the Polish word for sausage, and in Poland it can mean any kind of sausage. ...
  • Andouille. ...
  • Bratwurst. ...
  • Italian sausage. ...
  • Chorizo.

Which sausage does not contain pork? ›

Beyond Sausage is a plant-based sausage made to look, sizzle, and satisfy like pork. It has all the juicy, meaty deliciousness of a traditional sausage, but comes with the upsides of a plant-based meal.

What is a good breakfast meat that is not pork? ›

Turkey — best for low-fat and high protein

Sliced turkey, even if it's processed deli meat, is low in fat, low in calories, and high in protein. This makes it an ideal option for anyone attempting to increase muscle growth while limiting calories. Turkey bacon is also a good and lean substitute for traditional bacon.

What are alternative meats to pork? ›

So, you can use seitan, a type of plant-based meat made from vital wheat gluten, for things such as vegan sausages and ribs. Meatier mushrooms like chanterelles, shiitake, or even minced creminis can also stand in for pork in a variety of dishes. Even lentils, when seasoned just right, can replace ground pork.

Is Jimmy Dean pork sausage healthy? ›

Sara Lee bought the brand from Dean in 1984. And while the company's products have been popular from the start, experts say the sausages and processed meats Jimmy Dean is famous for are notoriously bad for you - packed with saturated fat, sodium and additives.

Is sausage OK for weight loss? ›

Pork sausage is high in calories and unhealthy fats. Chicken sausage is lower in calories and fat, but equally high in protein,” Dr. Galanis and Dr. Dorfman say.

Is sausage healthy yes or no? ›

While sausage is a good source of protein, it is best consumed minimally due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. So if you're looking for lean protein options or require a low sodium diet, it might be hard to include this food in your day-to-day meal plan.

What is the most popular sausage in the US? ›

Top 50 Scanned: Pork Sausage beta
Popularity
#1Beddar with Cheddar Smoked Sausage & Cheddar Cheese Johnsonville1 link
#2Pork Sausage Patties, Fully Cooked Jimmy Dean2 patties
#3Original Pork Sausage Links, Fully Cooked Jimmy Dean3 links
#4Premium Pork Sausage, Regular Jimmy Dean2 oz cooked portion
46 more rows

What is the most eaten sausage in the world? ›

Bratwurst – Germany

One of the most popular types of sausages, Bratwurst can be made of various meat, from pork, veal, or beef. It usually includes seasoning and spices, making it extra delicious and fragrant to eat. Whether grilled, steamed, broiled or cooked, this German sausage is a winner for many.

What are the best sausages to eat? ›

Check out our list of top-rated sausages and find out where you can grab them.
  • Richmond. ...
  • The Black Farmer. ...
  • Aldi Butcher's Select. ...
  • Senfter. ...
  • Aldi Specially Selected. ...
  • Butchers Choice. Butcher's Choice 20 Pork Sausages. ...
  • Heck. 97% British Pork Sausages. ...
  • The Jolly Hog. Outdoor Bred Pigs in Blankets with Black Treacle Streaky Bacon.

Is Jimmy Dean sausage made of pork? ›

PORK, WATER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: CORN SYRUP, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, VINEGAR, SUGAR, PORK BROTH, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE.

Does Jimmy Dean sausage have pork? ›

If you consider pork (pigs) real meat then, yes Jimmy dean sausage is made from real meat. The ingredients are listed as follows: “Ingredients: Pork, Water, contains 2% or less of the following: Corn Syrup, Salt, Spices, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Flavorings.”

Is Johnsonville sausage bad? ›

Johnsonville Original Recipe Breakfast Sausage is unhealthy for its high amount of saturated fat and sodium, says Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT of One Pot Wellness. Each serving has 20% of the daily value for saturated fat, making it a high saturated fat food.

What should I eat instead of sausage? ›

What are healthy alternatives?
  • Grilled mushrooms and tomatoes.
  • Haloumi.
  • Avocado.
  • Baked beans.
Apr 9, 2024

What can I use instead of pork free Italian sausage? ›

Ground pork: Pork is typically used in Italian sausage, but you can also substitute ground turkey, ground dark meat chicken, or ground beef. If you're using ground poultry, just make sure it's not the super lean stuff. Unsweetened applesauce: The meat is naturally sweetened with applesauce instead of white sugar.

What is a breakfast meat that is like sausage? ›

Bacon. Similar to sausage, lots of different types of meat can be made into bacon. You can even find vegan bacon on the shelves for a non-meat option. That clearly makes the case this is one of the most popular and best breakfast meats.

What is similar to sausage? ›

Synonyms of sausage
  • bologna.
  • wiener.
  • link.
  • wurst.
  • banger.
  • weiner.
  • salami.
  • kielbasa.

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