Are Heck sausages healthier than other brands?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) report, some Heck products were found to contain high levels of salt. But are Heck sausages healthier overall? Their reputation is built on high meat content and lower-fat chicken varieties, which is a key factor to consider when evaluating their nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

A nutritional breakdown of Heck sausages shows that certain varieties, particularly the chicken-based ones, are lower in fat and higher in protein compared to some traditional pork sausages. This assessment, however, requires careful examination of ingredients, salt content, and specific product variations to determine if they are a better choice for your diet.

Key Points

Healthier options exist: Heck's chicken-based sausages are notably lower in fat and calories than many traditional pork sausages.
High protein content: Many Heck products, especially the 97% pork and chicken varieties, are rich in protein due to their high meat content.
Pork varieties are higher in fat: Be mindful that while the 97% pork sausage is high quality, it still has a relatively high fat and saturated fat content.
Check salt content: Sodium levels can vary across the Heck range, so checking the label is crucial to managing your salt intake.
Better ingredients: Heck often avoids common fillers and is gluten-free, which can be a plus for some diets.
Not a health food: Despite offering healthier options, all sausages should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cooking method matters: Grilling or baking is a healthier preparation method than frying.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Heck Sausages

Heck has established a strong market presence by focusing on higher meat content and offering healthier alternatives to traditional sausages. Their range includes both pork and chicken varieties, and the nutritional value can differ significantly between products. To understand if they are healthier, it's crucial to look at the specifics: high protein, fat content, and sodium levels.

High Protein and High Meat Content

One of the main selling points for Heck is the high meat content in many of its products, such as the 97% Pork Sausages. A higher meat percentage generally means less room for fillers and a higher concentration of protein. For example, two Heck 97% Pork sausages provide 24g of protein. Their chicken sausages, like the Chicken Italia variety, are also protein-rich, with 13g per two sausages. This can be a beneficial factor for those looking to increase their protein intake, which aids in muscle repair and satiety.

Fat and Saturated Fat Levels

Heck's reputation for being lower in fat is particularly true for its chicken-based products. Two of their Chicken Italia sausages contain just 2.3g of fat, significantly lower than many standard pork sausages. This makes the chicken options a strong choice for those monitoring their fat intake. However, their 97% Pork Sausages have a considerably higher fat content, with 20g per two grilled sausages, including 6.9g of saturated fat. While the saturated fat content is lower than some traditional pork sausages, it is still a notable amount.

Salt Content Concerns

Salt content is a mixed picture for Heck sausages. While the company has made efforts to reduce sodium, past reports have highlighted high levels in some of their products. A look at the nutritional labels shows that two grilled 97% Pork Sausages contain 1.6g of salt, and two Simply Chicken Chipolatas contain 0.97g. The NHS recommends adults eat no more than 6g of salt per day, so a single serving can account for a significant portion of this allowance. Consumers should check the specific product label, as salt levels can vary across the Heck range and against government guidelines.

Other Ingredients and Nutritional Considerations

Heck sausages often feature a cleaner ingredient list compared to many other supermarket brands, boasting no gluten or dairy in many varieties. This makes them suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions. The inclusion of pea flour or herbs adds flavour without relying on excessive additives. Their chicken range uses high-quality, lean British chicken. However, it's worth noting that some older reports mentioned preservatives like sodium sulphite, which is used for freshness.

Comparison Table: Heck Sausages vs. Traditional Sausages

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of Heck's key products against a typical lower-meat-content pork sausage.


Nutritional Value (per 2 sausages)	Heck Chicken Italia (grilled)	Heck 97% Pork (grilled)	Typical Lower-Meat Pork Sausage (e.g., Richmond)
Calories	76 kcal	273 kcal	124 kcal
Protein	13g	24g	6.4g
Fat	2.3g	20g	8.4g
Carbohydrates	0.9g	0g	8.4g
Salt	0.97g (per 2 chipolatas/57g)	1.6g (per 111g)	Varies, can be high
Meat Content	75% Chicken	97% Pork	~42% Meat

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on product formulation and cooking method. Always check the specific packaging.

Making a Healthier Choice

When choosing a healthier sausage, consider the following:

Type of meat: Chicken-based sausages are consistently lower in fat and calories than their pork counterparts.
Meat content: Higher meat content typically means less filler and more protein.
Watch the salt: Always check the nutrition label for sodium levels, which can differ significantly between products.
Portion size: Consider the serving size, as consuming too many sausages can quickly add up calories, fat, and salt.

The Verdict: Are Heck Sausages a Healthier Choice?

Overall, Heck sausages offer healthier options, especially within their chicken-based range. These products are high in protein and significantly lower in fat than many traditional sausages on the market. Their higher meat content also suggests a better quality product with fewer unnecessary fillers. However, it is essential to consider the specific product. Some pork varieties, while still good quality, have higher fat and salt levels that need to be considered as part of a balanced diet. Consumers should read labels carefully and make choices that align with their overall nutritional goals, perhaps using this comparison as a guideline to pick the best option.

How to Incorporate Sausages into a Healthy Diet

Use them sparingly: Even healthier sausages should be consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Pair with vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of your meal by serving sausages with a generous portion of vegetables.
Consider alternative cooking methods: Grilling or baking sausages can be healthier than frying in oil.
Explore meat-free options: Heck also offers vegetarian and plant-based alternatives for those who prefer to avoid meat altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heck's chicken-based sausages, like the Chicken Italia variety, are generally considered the healthiest option due to their lower fat and calorie count and high protein content.

While Heck has worked to reduce salt, levels vary by product. Some products have been cited for high sodium levels in the past, so it's always best to check the specific nutritional information on the packaging.

The protein content is high due to the high meat percentage. For example, two Heck 97% Pork Sausages provide 24g of protein, while two Chicken Italia sausages offer 13g.

Many Heck products, including their 97% Pork and Chicken Italia sausages, are gluten-free, using ingredients like pea flour instead of traditional fillers.

Heck sausages generally have a significantly higher meat content and lower fat and carb levels compared to traditional brands like Richmond, which often have more fillers and lower quality meat.

Yes, a high meat content, as found in Heck sausages, typically means more protein and less fat and fillers per serving, contributing to better nutritional value.

Heck offers vegetarian and plant-based options, which can be healthy alternatives to meat. However, as with all processed foods, it is important to check the nutritional information for fat and salt content.