Are Sausage Rolls High in Carbs? A Complete Guide

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, a standard sausage roll can contain around 19 to 47.5 grams of carbohydrates, proving that sausage rolls are high in carbs. This carbohydrate load comes predominantly from the flaky, puff pastry that envelops the sausage meat.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the carbohydrate content of sausage rolls, explaining why the pastry is the primary source. It provides a detailed nutritional comparison and offers practical low-carb alternatives for those monitoring their intake.

Key Points

Pastry is the Main Culprit: The high carbohydrate content in sausage rolls comes primarily from the puff pastry, not the meat.
Nutritional Variation Exists: The exact carb count differs by brand and recipe, with commercial versions often having higher numbers.
Processed Fillings Add Carbs: Some processed sausage meats contain fillers and starches that add to the total carb count.
Healthier Alternatives are Available: Low-carb alternatives like fathead dough or cauliflower crust can replace traditional pastry.
Portion Control is Key: For those not strictly low-carb, limiting portion size is an effective way to manage intake.
Sausage Rolls Impact Blood Sugar: Due to the high-carb pastry, traditional sausage rolls can cause blood sugar spikes.

The Primary Culprit: Understanding Puff Pastry

While the sausage meat itself contains some carbohydrates, the puff pastry contributes the most significant amount to the final product. Puff pastry is made from flour, a concentrated source of carbohydrates. The layers of butter or shortening and flour create a dense, carb-heavy shell for the sausage filling. The exact carb count can vary depending on the type of pastry used (e.g., puff, shortcrust) and the recipe, but the dough is undeniably the main reason a sausage roll is not considered a low-carb food.

How Different Pastries Affect Carb Count

Puff pastry and shortcrust pastry are the two most common types used for sausage rolls and have different nutritional profiles. Puff pastry is high in calories and fat, but its flour content ensures a high carbohydrate count as well. Shortcrust pastry, while also carb-heavy, can be slightly less so, but this often depends on the specific recipe and portion size. Store-bought or commercial sausage rolls often have an even higher carb load due to added ingredients to preserve freshness or enhance flavor.

The Impact of Processed Sausage Meat

Even the sausage meat itself can contribute to the carbohydrate content, although it's a much smaller factor than the pastry. Many processed sausages contain fillers and starches to help bind the meat together, which adds a few extra grams of carbs. Additionally, processed meats are generally high in sodium and saturated fats, which are important factors to consider for overall health, especially for those with conditions like diabetes. Opting for high-quality, unprocessed meat can slightly reduce the carbohydrate total and improve the overall nutritional profile.

Practical Nutritional Information

To put the carb count into perspective, here is a breakdown based on different sources and sizes. Remember that these are estimates, and the actual values will vary by brand and preparation.


Item	Serving Size	Estimated Carbs	Estimated Fat	Estimated Protein
Greggs Sausage Roll	103g	24g	24g	9.2g
CalorieKing Sausage Roll (AU)	130g	47.5g	26.7g	12.4g
Co-op Sausage Roll	1 Roll	17g	18g	5g
Homemade (BBC)	1 serving	15g	14g	6g

Lists for Carb Reduction

If you're a fan of sausage rolls but want to reduce your carbohydrate intake, there are several strategies you can employ:

Swap the Pastry: Replace traditional puff pastry with low-carb alternatives like fathead dough (made with mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and cream cheese), cauliflower crust, or even simple bacon weaves.
Modify the Filling: Use leaner, lower-carb sausage meat. You can also mix in vegetables like grated zucchini, onion, or carrot to increase moisture and fiber while reducing the overall carb density.
Control Your Portions: Simply enjoying a smaller sausage roll or eating it less frequently can significantly impact your carb intake. As with any food, moderation is key.
Use Wraps: For a very quick and simple alternative, use low-carb wraps instead of pastry. The texture will be different, but the taste of the filling will still be prominent.

Low-Carb Alternatives to Sausage Rolls

For those on a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, traditional sausage rolls are off the table. However, several tasty alternatives allow you to enjoy similar flavors without the high carb count:

Keto Sausage Balls: A mixture of ground sausage, cheese, and almond flour baked into small, pop-able balls. These are perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms: Hollow out large mushrooms and fill them with a seasoned sausage mixture. They provide a flavorful, low-carb vessel for the sausage.
Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites: Wrap small pieces of cooked sausage with bacon and bake until crispy. This is a very simple and high-fat, low-carb option.
Cauliflower-Crust Sausage Rolls: Use a cauliflower-based pizza crust recipe to form the 'pastry' around the sausage filling. This dramatically reduces carbs while adding nutrients.
Meat-Only Logs: For the simplest option, simply bake seasoned sausage meat rolled into a log shape without any casing or wrapper. You can add herbs and spices for extra flavor.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Carbs

In short, the answer to "Are sausage rolls high in carbs?" is a definitive yes, and the primary reason is the puff pastry. While they can be a delicious treat, their high carbohydrate and fat content, especially in processed versions, makes them unsuitable for low-carb diets or for those needing to manage blood sugar levels. Fortunately, with a few adjustments, it is possible to create low-carb, healthier versions that offer similar flavors. By being mindful of ingredients and portions, you can still enjoy the taste of a sausage roll without the heavy carb load. For more information on managing diet for health, consider consulting reliable sources like the NHS guidance on meat consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of carbohydrates in a sausage roll is the puff pastry, which is made from flour. While the sausage meat itself contains some carbs, the pastry is responsible for the majority of the carbohydrate content.

It depends on the recipe. Homemade sausage rolls can be lower in carbs if you use specific low-carb ingredients like almond flour pastry or a leaner sausage meat. However, if made with standard puff pastry, the carb count will be similar or even higher than some store-bought options.

No, traditional sausage rolls made with puff pastry are not suitable for a keto or low-carb diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, there are many recipes for keto-friendly versions that use alternative crusts.

Yes, due to the high carbohydrate content of the pastry, a traditional sausage roll can cause a significant blood sugar spike, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

Excellent low-carb alternatives include fathead dough (made with mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour), cauliflower crusts, or simply wrapping the sausage mixture in bacon or a low-carb tortilla.

While raw, unprocessed sausage meat is generally low in carbs, many processed sausages contain fillers like breadcrumbs or starches that add to the carbohydrate count. The meat's contribution is still much smaller than the pastry's.

You can reduce carbs by using a low-carb pastry alternative, adding grated vegetables like zucchini to the sausage filling, using lean, filler-free sausage meat, and controlling portion sizes.