A Definitive Guide: Which sausages are low-carb?

November 4, 2025 •

5 min read

While many sausages contain very few carbohydrates, with some varieties offering 0–1 gram per serving, not all are created equal. This guide helps you determine which sausages are low-carb? by revealing common carb sources and highlighting the best choices for your diet.

Quick Summary

Pure meat sausages without sugary or filler ingredients are typically low-carb and keto-friendly. Shoppers should scrutinize product labels for hidden carbs in binders and flavorings, opting for natural, high-quality varieties to ensure minimal carbohydrate content.

Key Points

Check Ingredients: Always read the ingredients list to avoid hidden carbs from fillers like breadcrumbs, flour, or starches.
Look for Sugar-Free: Be wary of varieties with added sugars, honey, or fruit, which can significantly increase the carb count.
Pure Meat is Best: Sausages made predominantly from pure beef, pork, or turkey without fillers are the most reliable low-carb options.
Compare by Brand: Carb content varies widely, so comparing nutrition labels across brands is essential, even for the same sausage type.
Make Your Own: For guaranteed low-carb sausage, consider making your own at home using ground meat and your preferred spices.
Trust your math: Subtract fiber from total carbs to determine net carbs, but since most sausages contain no fiber, total carbs will be your key metric.
Avoid Highly Processed: Generally, the more processed the sausage, the higher the chance of added fillers and carbs.

Understanding Carbs in Sausage

On the surface, sausage seems like a naturally low-carb food, consisting primarily of ground meat and spices. And for the most part, this is true. The carb content can change significantly depending on how the sausage is manufactured and what additional ingredients are used. Understanding these potential sources of carbohydrates is the key to making an informed choice when following a low-carb eating plan.

Where Hidden Carbs Lurk

Most of the carbohydrates in processed sausages come from ingredients added for texture, preservation, or flavor enhancement. These are the main culprits to look out for:

Binders and Fillers: Ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour (wheat, soy, or lentil), potato starch, or rice flour are often used to help hold the sausage together and prevent it from crumbling. These fillers can add a significant amount of carbs to the final product.
Sugars and Flavorings: Some sausages, particularly flavored varieties, include added sugars to improve taste. Corn syrup, cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, and even fruit (like dried apples in chicken-apple sausage) can increase the carb count. These are often found in breakfast sausages or specific flavor profiles.
Additives and Preservatives: While typically not a major source of carbs, some additives can contribute. Checking the ingredients list for anything that sounds like a starch or sugar is a wise move.

Top Low-Carb Sausage Varieties

Fortunately, there are many varieties of sausage that are naturally low in carbohydrates. When searching for a keto-friendly option, focus on pure, high-quality ingredients with minimal additives. The following types are generally a safe bet, provided you check the label for fillers.

Beef Sausage: Often one of the safest bets, pure beef sausage can contain 0 grams of carbs per serving. Ensure it is 100% beef without any added fillers.
Pork Sausage: Similar to beef, pure pork sausage can also have a carb count very close to zero. Some brands specifically market their products as "no carb" or "keto sausage".
Chorizo: A spicy, flavorful sausage popular in Spanish and Latin cuisines. Traditionally, chorizo is very low in carbs and is made from pork, spices, and paprika.
Bratwurst: This German-style sausage can be low-carb, but it's important to check for fillers. High-quality varieties made simply from meat, fat, and spices are your best option.
Italian Sausage: Available in both mild and hot varieties, Italian sausage can be low in carbs. As with other types, check the ingredients for binders, as some versions can contain them.
Breakfast Sausages (Links & Patties): Many pork or turkey breakfast sausage links have a very low carb count, often around 1 gram per link. However, some brands add sugary binders like honey, so always check the label.

How to Read the Label for Low-Carb Sausages

Mastering label-reading is the most important skill for finding genuinely low-carb sausages. Here is what to look for:

Check the Carbohydrate Count: A quick look at the Nutrition Facts panel is the first step. For a low-carb diet, aim for products with 0–2 grams of carbs per serving.
Scan the Ingredients List: This is where you will uncover hidden carbs. Look for red flags such as:
- Any type of flour or starch (e.g., wheat flour, corn starch, potato flour)
- Sugar, honey, corn syrup, or fruit concentrates
- Breadcrumbs or similar fillers
Calculate Net Carbs: For the strictest low-carb diets like keto, net carbs are what matter. This is calculated by subtracting fiber from the total carbohydrate count. Since most sausages contain very little fiber, the total carb count is often the net carb count.
Look for Specific Certifications: Some products may be explicitly labeled as "keto-friendly," "gluten-free," or "sugar-free," which are good indicators that they contain few or no added carbohydrates.

A Comparison of Popular Sausage Types

To help guide your selection, here is a general comparison of the average carbohydrate content (per 100g serving) for several common sausage varieties. Please note these are averages and actual values can vary significantly by brand, so always read the specific product's nutrition label.


Sausage Type	Average Carbs (per 100g)	Primary Meat	Common Carb Additives	Keto-Friendly?
Beef Sausage	0–2g	Beef	Fillers (rarely)	Yes, excellent choice
Pork Sausage	0–2g	Pork	Sugars, binders (check label)	Yes, excellent choice
Chorizo	1–3g	Pork	Spices, paprika (traditionally)	Yes, good choice
Bratwurst	2–3g	Pork, Veal	Fillers, seasonings	Generally, yes (check label)
Italian Sausage	2–4g	Pork	Fillers, spices	Generally, yes (check label)
Turkey Sausage	2–4g	Turkey	Sugars, spices	Yes (check label)
Chicken Sausage	2–4g	Chicken	Fillers, fruit, sugar	Can be low-carb (check label)
Salami	4–6g	Cured Meat	Corn syrup, binders	Can be high (check label)

Conclusion

When it comes to answering which sausages are low-carb?, the answer is that most are, but the carb count is highly dependent on the brand and ingredients. The safest options are typically pure, unprocessed beef, pork, and chorizo sausages. However, it is always crucial to read the nutritional information and ingredients list to spot hidden carbs from binders, fillers, and sugary flavorings. By doing your due diligence at the grocery store, you can enjoy sausage as a delicious and satisfying part of a low-carb diet. You can also make your own at home to have full control over the ingredients.

Making Your Own Low-Carb Sausage

For the ultimate control over your sausage's carb content, consider making it from scratch. It's a surprisingly simple process that ensures your meal is free of unwanted additives and sugars. You'll need high-quality ground meat (pork, beef, turkey, or chicken), a selection of spices, and a binding agent if you wish (though it's not always necessary). Some great spice combinations include sage and fennel for a classic breakfast sausage or paprika and garlic for a homemade chorizo. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form into patties or links before cooking. This method not only guarantees a low-carb meal but also results in a fresher, more flavorful product.

Making your own sausage is a rewarding way to take charge of your nutrition and tailor flavors to your personal preferences. For more inspiration on incorporating low-carb options into your meals, check out this guide on Keto-friendly sausage recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both pure beef and pure pork sausages are typically very low in carbohydrates, often containing 0-1 gram per 100-gram serving. The difference in carb content primarily comes from added fillers or flavorings, not the meat itself.

Yes, but you must be careful. While the poultry meat itself is low in carbs, many commercial chicken and turkey sausages contain added binders or sugary flavorings, like fruit, that increase the carbohydrate count. Always check the nutrition label.

Sausages can contain a high number of carbs due to added ingredients used for binding or flavoring. Common culprits include breadcrumbs, various flours, starches, and sugary additives like corn syrup or honey.

No. Many breakfast sausages are low-carb, especially the simple pork or turkey link varieties, which can have as little as 1 gram of carbs per serving. However, some brands include sugary flavors, so checking the label is essential.

Salami can be a good low-carb snack, but it often has a slightly higher carb count than fresh sausage, sometimes containing corn syrup or starch as binders. Review the nutrition label to ensure the brand you choose is low in carbs.

To avoid hidden carbs, meticulously read the ingredients list and look for products explicitly labeled as 'keto-friendly,' 'sugar-free,' or 'gluten-free'. Opt for brands that emphasize simple, natural ingredients.

Traditionally, chorizo is very low-carb. However, some commercially produced varieties might have added sugars or starches, so it's best to verify by checking the ingredient list.