Does Johnsonville sausage have sugar in it?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), many ultra-processed foods are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Most Johnsonville sausages do contain some form of added sugar, but the type and amount vary widely depending on the specific product.

Quick Summary

Johnsonville sausages often contain sweeteners like corn syrup and dextrose for flavor and preservation, though many varieties contain less than one gram per serving. Some products, like the Brown Sugar & Honey links, list sugar prominently, while others, like the Naturals line, have minimal amounts. Consumers should check individual product labels for specific sugar content.

Key Points

Variety Dependent: Sugar content in Johnsonville sausage varies significantly by product, so checking the individual label is necessary.
Minimal for Savory: Many savory products, like bratwurst and breakfast patties, contain less than one gram of added sugar per serving.
Sweeteners for Function: Sugar is often added for flavor balance, curing, and browning, not just for a sweet taste.
Hidden Sugars: Be aware of common ingredients like corn syrup and dextrose, which are forms of sugar.
Keto-Friendly Options: Johnsonville offers several low-sugar products suitable for a keto diet, but you must read the nutrition facts.
High-Sugar Varieties: Sweet-flavored products, like Brown Sugar & Honey links, explicitly contain more sugar.

Why is sugar added to sausages?

Sugar is an important ingredient in sausage making, but it's not always added for sweetness. While sweet sausages, like Johnsonville's Brown Sugar & Honey links, use sugar for flavor, many other varieties include it for functional purposes. These functions are crucial for the product's taste, texture, and preservation.

Flavor Balance: Sugar helps to balance the salty flavors and mellow the taste of cured meats, creating a more rounded flavor profile.
Preservation and Curing: In dry-cured and fermented sausages, sugar is used to feed the 'good' bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which ferments the meat and gives it its tangy flavor. Sugar also aids in the overall preservation process.
Browning: During the cooking process, sugars contribute to the desirable browning and caramelization of the sausage, particularly when pan-fried.
Binders and Moisture Retention: Some sugars, along with other ingredients, help to bind the sausage together and retain moisture, which results in a juicier, more tender product.

Common sugar types in Johnsonville sausages

Johnsonville uses a few different types of sugars and sweeteners in their recipes. These are often listed in the 'less than 2%' portion of the ingredients list for most of their savory products.

Corn Syrup and Dextrose: These are simple sugars that are less sweet than table sugar but are effective for curing and browning. You'll often find them listed on the ingredient labels of many Johnsonville smoked sausages and bratwurst.
Brown Sugar and Honey: Used specifically in their sweeter breakfast sausage varieties to achieve a distinct sweet flavor.
Sugar: Sometimes simply listed as 'sugar' in the ingredients, particularly for products where a subtle sweetness is desired.

Comparison of sugar content in Johnsonville sausage varieties

To understand the differences in sugar content, here is a comparison of several popular Johnsonville products based on their nutritional information.


Product Name	Sugar per Serving	Added Sugar per Serving	Notes
Mild Breakfast Sausage Patties	<1g	<1g	Very low sugar content, often suitable for low-sugar diets.
Brown Sugar & Honey Links	4g	4g	Explicitly includes sweeteners for a sweet profile.
Naturals Original Breakfast Sausage	<1g	<1g	Minimal sugar and added sugars.
Mild Italian Pork Sausage Links	1g	1g	Contains corn syrup and dextrose, contributing a small amount.

How to choose a low-sugar sausage

For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, choosing a sausage requires reading labels carefully. Here's a guide to help you find the right Johnsonville product or alternative.

Key indicators to look for

Check the nutrition facts: Look at the 'Sugars' and 'Added Sugars' lines. As the table above shows, many Johnsonville products list '<1g' of sugar per serving. These are the best options for minimizing sugar intake.
Read the ingredients list: Scrutinize the ingredient list for hidden sugars. Words like corn syrup, dextrose, and even natural flavorings can sometimes indicate the presence of sweeteners. The 'Naturals' line, for example, typically uses less intense sweeteners or none at all.
Opt for savory, not sweet: Avoid products with names that explicitly state sweeteners, such as 'Brown Sugar & Honey' or 'Maple', as these will naturally have a higher sugar content.
Consider alternative brands: If Johnsonville's options don't meet your needs, brands like Teton Waters Ranch offer explicitly 'no sugar' added sausages, ideal for keto or low-carb diets. For more info on keto-friendly sausage brands, check out this review.

Can Johnsonville sausage fit into a keto diet?

For followers of the ketogenic diet, which requires very low carbohydrate and sugar intake, most savory Johnsonville sausages can be a viable option. Many of their smoked and fresh sausage links contain less than 1g of sugar and minimal carbohydrates per serving. However, it is always crucial to check the specific product label to ensure it fits your dietary requirements, as recipes can vary. Some summer sausage snack sticks are even marketed as 'keto friendly' and contain no corn syrup or added sugars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether Johnsonville sausage has sugar in it does not have a single 'yes' or 'no' answer. The vast majority of their products contain some amount of added sugar, though for many savory varieties, the quantity is minimal—often less than one gram per serving—and included for functional purposes like curing and flavor balancing rather than explicit sweetness. However, products marketed as sweet, such as the Brown Sugar & Honey links, contain more significant amounts of sugar. For health-conscious consumers, especially those on a low-sugar or ketogenic diet, checking the specific product's nutrition label is essential. The brand offers many options that are low in sugar, and alternatives are available for a completely sugar-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many savory Johnsonville sausage varieties are suitable for a keto diet, as they contain very low carbohydrates and often less than one gram of sugar per serving. It is crucial to check the nutrition facts for the specific product, as some sweet-flavored varieties are not keto-friendly.

Corn syrup and dextrose are often used for functional purposes beyond sweetness, such as aiding in the meat curing process, balancing salty flavors, and promoting browning during cooking.

Products in the 'Naturals' line, such as the Naturals Original Breakfast Sausage, and varieties like the Mild Breakfast Sausage Patties, typically contain less than one gram of sugar per serving.

While many of their sausages are very low in sugar, Johnsonville does not widely advertise a completely sugar-free product line. For absolutely no added sugar, consumers may need to look at specialized brands or make their own.

Yes, in cured and fermented sausages, sugar serves an important role in preservation by feeding beneficial bacteria. This process of fermentation helps create a tangy flavor and aids in preserving the meat.

The small amount of sugar in most Johnsonville sausage products is not a significant health concern for most people. However, consuming ultra-processed foods high in fat, sodium, and sugar, as identified by groups like the EWG, is a consideration for overall health.

The best way is to read the nutrition label and the ingredients list. Look for low numbers under 'Sugars' and 'Added Sugars,' and be wary of products with names like 'Maple,' 'Honey,' or 'Sweet' that indicate high sweetener content.