Is chicken sausage good for heart health? Chicken sausage is relatively lower in cholesterol than any other sausage. Foods that are high in cholesterol levels will have higher chances of heart issues. So you can enjoy the flavors of chicken sausage while reducing cholesterol intake.
The Best Chicken Sausages
Best: Al Fresco Spinach Feta Chicken Sausage
The Al Fresco brand is proud of its all-natural chicken products, and for good reason. At only 390 milligrams per serving, the sodium content of this product is very low compared to the majority of chicken sausage products on the market, says Andrea Jones, RDN, LDN, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching.
This sausage has 12 grams of protein per serving and no added sugars. Whats more, this pick is gluten-free and contains a bit of iron, potassium, and calcium. “All of this, combined with the moderate fat content, makes it a winner,” Jones says. Not to mention, the added tanginess of the feta and freshness from the rosemary make this the perfect sausage to slice up and toss with spaghetti.
Best: Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage
Aidells Italian-Style Sausage is made with smoked chicken and stuffed with creamy mozzarella for the perfect pasta-night companion. “At first glance, you may think that the sodium content toes the line a bit, but this is only because these links are larger than the average sausage link,” Jones says.
This sausage has a solid 14 grams of protein per serving, and more protein helps keep us satisfied longer, Jones adds. Whats more, this sausage doesnt contain any added nitrites or nitrates, which are substances in processed meats that are linked to cell damage, per a March 2020 Antioxidants report.
Best: Gilberts Caprese Chicken Sausage
With mozzarella, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, this savory sausage might just transport you to summertime in Capri. And nutritionally speaking, its good enough to keep in your weekly rotation.
“Due to the sun-dried tomatoes, this product contains a uniquely high amount of vitamin C and lycopene, both of which are strong antioxidants,” Jones says. Another potential plus: “Although chicken sausage isnt pork sausage, most chicken sausage is contained in a pork casing. However, this product has a beef collagen casing, rather than a pork casing, which is very good news for anyone who has to completely stay away from pork products,” Jones points out.
Best: Bilinkskis Mild Italian Chicken Sausage
The biggest win for this chicken link is that the fat content is surprisingly low, Jones says. “With only 22.4% of its calories coming from fat, this sausage meets the qualification to be labeled as a low-fat food,” she says.
Not only that, youll get a respectable 12 grams of protein for just 80 calories per sausage, and its completely free of added sugars.
“This product, which gets both nutritional and ethical accolades from me, is truly organic and is Animal Welfare Certified, meaning that the animals are treated with the highest welfare standards,” Jones says.
Best: Thrive Market Organic Spinach & Garlic Chicken Sausage
This casing-free sausage is lean, with just 2.5 grams of fat and a solid 12 grams of protein, deeming it a smart addition to any salad, omelet, or pasta dish. While its a bit higher in sodium than what our dietitians recommend, it gets points for being free of added sugar and low in saturated fat.
These links are spiced with garlic and fennel for a delectable umami taste; plus, theyre made with 100% certified organic chicken.
Best: Amylu Paleo Andouille Chicken Sausages
If youve got dietary restrictions, this is probably the chicken sausage youll want to grab at the grocery store. Its gluten-free, pork-free, and doesnt contain any nitrates or nitrites. And with 13 grams of protein per 110 calories, its a solid sausage thatll keep you full.
Pair it with fiber-filled veggies or whole-grain toast for extra staying power.
The Worst Chicken Sausages
Worst: Aidells Pineapple Bacon Chicken Sausage
Though Aidells is a ubiquitous and popular brand, you really have to watch out for which flavor you choose. There are several different varieties to choose from within the brand, but some are better than others, Moody tells us, adding that the Pineapple Bacon flavor is one of those to be wary of.
“For starters, all 8 grams of carbs come from added sugar,” Moody says. “Also, its a bit counterintuitive to opt for a poultry-based sausage instead of a pork-based sausage in favor of a better nutrition profile and then choose the flavor that has bacon as the second ingredient.” Instead, go for Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage, which is on our best list.
Worst: Applegate Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
We commend Applegate for using organic chicken in its sausage, but the nutritionals in this link arent up to par with our dietitians recommendations.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
“Despite boasting a gluten-free and sugar-free product, a third of this sausages fat content comes from saturated fat,” Moody says. “The real con, however, is the nearly 800 milligrams of sodium. For perspective, thats the same amount of sodium as nearly three snack-sized bags of pretzels—and thats for just one link!”
Worst: Good & Gather Italian-Style Chicken Sausage
Good & Gather gets some points for not using nitrates in their sausage. “Nitrates are a common ingredient in cured meats and are used to slow spoilage by preventing the growth of bacteria. However, they can significantly boost the sodium content,” Moody says.
Still, this sausage manages to pack a staggering 670 milligrams of sodium in one link. “Whats more, this chicken sausage is made with a pork casing, which isnt clearly labeled, so heres a big word of caution for those who select chicken sausage to avoid pork for religious reasons,” Moody points out.
Worst: Boars Head Bacon & Cheddar Chicken Sausage
Boars Head has a generally good selection of chicken sausages, with some flavors containing a high protein content by chicken sausage standards. However, the Uncured Bacon and Cheddar flavor is among the least favorable choices, Moody tells us.
“Filled with cheddar cheese sauce, its not a shock that there are 4 grams of saturated fat per serving,” she says. “There are also 170 calories per link, which is on the high side, so you also want to steer clear if you are switching up your breakfast to lose weight.”
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Health Benefits of Sausages
FAQ
How healthy are chicken sausages?
Are chicken sausages better for cholesterol?
What kind of sausage is heart healthy?
Is chicken sausage considered processed meat?
Is chicken sausage healthier than pork?
First of all, it is lower in saturated fat and calories than its pork or beef counterparts, making it a healthier option that can still provide delicious flavor. Additionally, chicken sausage is a good source of lean protein, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Is chicken sausage healthier than red meat?
Chicken sausage is generally lower in fat and calories than red meat sausages. It can be a healthier choice for people looking to reduce their total and saturated fat intake. Compared to many red meats, chicken sausage tends to be lower in saturated fat and calories which may help support heart health and weight loss goals.
Are sausages healthy?
Sausages can be up to 35% fat and 50% fillers in Australia, and usually contain preservatives and additives. In this blog post, I’ll do a deep dive into the world of sausages. As a nutritionist, I’ve got some tips to help you choose healthier options if you want to keep sausage on the family menu.