Fancy a sausage party? Look beyond pork sausage. There are plenty of other options that are healthy, high in protein and tasty.
doorJenna Werner, RD
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See GallerySausage may not be the leanest or healthiestmeatoption out there, but it's undeniably delicious — and not so terrible when eaten in moderation. Although the classic option is pork, there is a wide varietymeat optionsto choose from if you prefer not to eatpork.
Here are five of our favorite pork-free sausage options, along with the brands that make them best.
5 sausage options besides pork
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apple gate
Turkey
This poultry-based sausage saves calories and fat without sacrificing protein. However, the sodium content is on the high side, so it's best to stick to one serving.Brand we like: Applegate
2 out of 5
Brian Klutch
Pork and beef
Beef sausage is full of flavor and contains a good amount of protein, vitamin B12 and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely linked to heart disease.Brand we like: Trader Joe's
3 out of 5
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Tofu
Compared to animal options, this meatless sausage contains more protein, less saturated fat and no cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so be careful.Brand we like:Tofurky
4 out of 5
Courtesy image
Kip
The chicken version is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain less than 150 calories per serving. joint and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.Brand we like: Thin 'n Trim, Bilinski's, Al Fresco
5 out of 5
Brian Klutch
Vegetarian
The main ingredient in most vegetable sausages is essential wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it is high in protein. In general, vegetable sausage offers good flavor, no cholesterol and a not-so-high sodium content.Brand we like: Ground steps
Turkey
This poultry-based sausage saves calories and fat without sacrificing protein. However, the sodium content is on the high side, so it's best to stick to one serving.
Brand we like: Applegate
Pork and beef
Beef sausage is full of flavor and contains a good amount of protein, vitamin B12 and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely linked to heart disease.
Brand we like: Trader Joe's
Tofu
Compared to animal options, this meatless sausage contains more protein, less saturated fat and no cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so be careful.
Brand we like:Tofurky
Kip
The chicken version is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain less than 150 calories per serving. joint and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.
Brand we like: Thin 'n Trim, Bilinski's, Al Fresco
Vegetarian
The main ingredient in most vegetable sausages is essential wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it is high in protein. In general, vegetable sausage offers good flavor, no cholesterol and a not-so-high sodium content.
Brand we like: Ground steps
Written byJenna Werner, RD
