Sausage comes in many different varieties. Is sausage healthy? Because many different types of meat and animal parts it’s difficult to label sausages one way or another. Many types of sausage are heavily processed and high in calories. While sausage is a good, 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.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 242
- Fat: 19.6g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 574mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1.1g
- Protein: 13.6g
Many registered dietitians may include sausage in their list of common empty calorie foods.2 Empty calorie foods provide energy primarily in the form of added sugar and unhealthy solid fats such as saturated fat or trans fat. Many empty calorie foods also provide high levels of sodium. While all foods are fine to enjoy once in a while, empty-calorie foods are not recommended regularly.
Nutrition data varies for different kinds of sausage. Italian sausage calories and nutrition (shown) indicate that even though the food provides protein, it is high in calories, high in fat and very high in sodium.