Does Jimmy Dean Have a Low Sodium Sausage? A Guide to Healthier Breakfasts

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Many Americans consume far more sodium than recommended daily. If you are wondering, "Does Jimmy Dean have a low sodium sausage?", the answer is yes, they offer specific, lower sodium options, but they are most commonly found in the foodservice market rather than in standard grocery store aisles.

Quick Summary

Jimmy Dean offers specific low sodium chicken sausage products for foodservice, but standard retail versions are high in salt. Check labels and consider other brands or homemade options for healthier breakfasts.

Key Points

Limited Retail Options: Jimmy Dean's readily available grocery store products are typically high in sodium, particularly their standard pork sausage.
Focus on Foodservice: Specific low-sodium chicken sausage patties and links are sold by Jimmy Dean through its foodservice division, not usually in retail stores.
Read Labels: Always check the nutrition facts panel for sodium content, as even "reduced sodium" products may still be high.
Consider Chicken or Turkey: Jimmy Dean's chicken sausage varieties often have lower sodium and fat than their pork counterparts, but always verify.
Make Your Own: For complete control over sodium, making homemade sausage patties from ground turkey or chicken is the best approach.
Prioritize Health: A lower sodium diet is beneficial for heart health and blood pressure management.

The Sodium Problem with Processed Meats

Processed meats, including most breakfast sausages, are notorious for their high sodium content. Sodium is added to these products not only for flavor but also for preservation and texture. For individuals with high blood pressure or those concerned about heart health, this can be a significant issue. While the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day (with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg), a single serving of a typical sausage can contribute a substantial portion of that daily allowance. This makes reading nutrition labels a critical part of making informed dietary choices.

Jimmy Dean's Low Sodium Offerings: The Foodservice Focus

When searching for a low sodium option from the Jimmy Dean brand, the retail selection is limited. However, the company's foodservice division, which supplies products to restaurants and institutions, does carry specific products marketed as low sodium. These are often chicken-based to further reduce fat and sodium content.

Examples of foodservice low sodium products:

Jimmy Dean® Low Sodium Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patty
Jimmy Dean® Low Sodium Chicken Breakfast Sausage Link

These products are typically lower in both sodium and fat compared to their pork counterparts. For the average consumer shopping at a supermarket, these specific low-sodium options are not readily available, which can be a point of confusion.

Standard Jimmy Dean Sausage Sodium Levels

For most consumers, the Jimmy Dean sausage available in grocery stores is not a low-sodium product. The standard pork sausage varieties, both fresh and fully cooked, contain a significant amount of sodium per serving.

Here's a look at typical retail product nutrition (based on available data):

Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Regular Breakfast Sausage Roll: A 2 oz serving contains approximately 420mg of sodium.
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Pork Sausage Patties: A serving may contain around 490mg of sodium.

These levels are a stark contrast to the definition of a "low sodium" food, which must have 140mg or less per serving according to FDA regulations. This highlights the importance of checking the nutritional information on the package, as the brand name alone does not guarantee a healthier option.

Table: Jimmy Dean vs. Low Sodium Alternatives


Product	Type	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Source	Availability
Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Regular	Standard Pork	2 oz	~420	Retail (Grocery Stores)	Wide
Jimmy Dean Low Sodium Chicken Patty	Low Sodium Chicken	1 Patty (42g)	105	Foodservice Only	Limited to restaurants/institutions
Homemade Low Sodium Sausage	DIY Turkey/Chicken	1 Patty (~2 oz)	~34	Homemade Recipe	Made at home
Alternative Brands (e.g., Meadow Creek)	Low Sodium Italian	Per 100g	~350	Speciality Brands	Variable

DIY: Making Your Own Low Sodium Sausage

For consumers who want total control over their sodium intake, making sausage at home is the best solution. This process allows you to choose lean meat and flavor it with a variety of salt-free seasonings.

How to make your own low-sodium sausage patties:

Choose Your Meat: Use lean ground meat like ground turkey, chicken, or pork. These typically have very little inherent sodium.
Combine Spices: In a bowl, mix your meat with herbs and spices. Great options include sage, fennel seeds, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for heat.
Add Liquid Flavor: A splash of low sodium Worcestershire sauce or a touch of maple syrup can add depth without salt.
Form and Cook: Form the mixture into patties and cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Breakfast Choices

While it is possible to find a low sodium Jimmy Dean sausage, especially in the foodservice sector, most retail products are high in sodium. For health-conscious consumers, this means either diligently checking the nutrition labels on every package or exploring healthier alternatives. Opting for turkey or chicken sausage from another brand or making your own sausage at home offers the best control over sodium levels and other ingredients. This small change can make a significant impact on your heart health and overall diet, proving that a delicious breakfast doesn't have to be a high-sodium one. For more information on managing your sodium intake, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, no. Most retail Jimmy Dean sausages are high in sodium. The explicit "low sodium" products are mainly for foodservice and are not typically sold in grocery store aisles.

Jimmy Dean's turkey sausage is often lower in fat than their pork sausage but is not necessarily considered low sodium. The sodium content should always be checked on the label, as it can still be high.

Many other brands offer chicken or plant-based sausages with lower sodium content. Additionally, making homemade sausage from ground turkey or chicken is an excellent alternative.

A typical serving (e.g., 2 oz) of Jimmy Dean's standard pork sausage can contain around 420mg of sodium, depending on the specific product.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day for most adults, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg for better heart health.

Reducing sodium intake helps manage blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Yes, you can focus on whole foods like eggs, oats, and fruits, and flavor your meals with herbs and spices instead of adding salt.