How many calories are in 1 apple sausage?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various brands, a single apple sausage can contain anywhere from 90 to over 200 calories, with chicken varieties typically being leaner. Knowing the exact calorie count for one apple sausage requires checking the specific brand and meat type, as ingredients and preparation methods vary widely. This article will explore the factors influencing the calorie content and provide examples from popular brands.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at the calorie content of a single apple sausage, explaining how the type of meat (chicken or pork) and brand variations affect nutritional value. It includes a comparison of calorie, fat, protein, and sodium content across different products to help with informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Calorie Range: An apple sausage can have anywhere from 90 to over 200 calories per link, depending on the meat and brand.
Meat Type Matters: Chicken apple sausages are typically leaner and lower in calories than pork apple sausages.
Brand Variation: Calorie counts differ between brands due to variations in recipes, ingredients, and processing.
Check Sodium: Processed sausages are often high in sodium, so it is important to check the label and choose lower-sodium options.
Serving Size Awareness: The calorie count depends on the weight and size of the specific sausage link, so always verify the serving size on the package.
Homemade Advantage: Making your own apple sausage at home offers complete control over ingredients, allowing for reduced fat, salt, and sugar.
Beyond Calories: Consider the full nutritional profile, including protein and fat content, when assessing the health impact.

Factors Influencing Apple Sausage Calorie Count

The number of calories in a single apple sausage is not uniform; it varies significantly based on several factors. Understanding these elements is key to accurately assessing the nutritional impact of your meal.

Type of Meat

The primary ingredient—the meat—is the biggest determinant of calorie content. Apple sausages can be made from various types of meat, each with a different fat-to-protein ratio.

Chicken Sausage: Typically, apple sausages made with chicken are lower in calories and fat than those made with pork. Brands like Al Fresco and Aidells offer chicken and apple sausage options, which can contain between 90 and 170 calories per link, depending on the specific product and preparation.
Pork Sausage: Pork-based apple sausages tend to be higher in calories due to a higher fat content. For example, some brands of pork and apple sausages can contain 190 to over 280 calories per link.

Brand and Preparation Method

Different brands use unique recipes, which affects the calorie count. Some sausages might include additional binders, sugars, or preservatives that increase their caloric density. The preparation method—whether the sausage is fresh or pre-cooked—also plays a role. Pre-cooked sausages might have slightly different nutritional profiles due to processing.

Size and Weight of the Sausage

Serving size is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor. A single "link" can vary in weight and length from brand to brand. Some companies define a serving as a single, large 85g link, while others might count a smaller, 57g link. Always check the nutrition facts on the package for the serving size and weight to get the most accurate calorie information.

Calorie and Nutritional Comparison Table

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical nutrition facts for a single link from various brands. These are approximate values, and it's always best to check the specific product label.


Feature	Aidells Chicken & Apple	Johnsonville Chicken & Apple	Al Fresco Sweet Apple Chicken	Red's Chicken Apple Sausage
Calories	170	100	110	200
Total Fat	11g	6g	5g	13g
Saturated Fat	3.5g	1.5g	0.5g	5g
Protein	13g	9g	11g	16g
Carbohydrates	4g	3g	5g	3g
Sodium	660mg	680mg	500mg	650mg
Serving Size	1 link (85g)	1 link (57g)	1 link (74g)	1 link (varies)

Breaking Down the Nutritional Impact

Beyond just calories, the overall nutritional profile is important for understanding the health implications of eating apple sausage. Here's a look at the other components:

Protein Content

Apple sausages, particularly those made from chicken, are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and for fighting infections. The protein content varies but typically ranges from 9 to 16 grams per link depending on the brand.

Fat Content

The fat content can vary drastically, especially between chicken and pork varieties. While chicken apple sausage can be relatively low in fat, some pork options have considerably more. Monitoring saturated fat intake is particularly important, as processed meats are often high in this.

Sodium Levels

Processed sausages, including apple sausage, are often high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure. Consumers should check the label and choose lower-sodium options or enjoy them in moderation. For example, some brands contain over 600mg of sodium per link, a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Carbohydrates and Sugars

While sausage is primarily a protein and fat source, apple sausages often contain added sugars and carbohydrates from the apple and other ingredients. Some brands, particularly those marketed as 'sweet apple,' might have higher sugar content. Check the label to see how much sugar is in each link, especially if you are monitoring your sugar intake.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a single apple sausage is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on the type of meat, brand, and size of the link. While chicken apple sausages generally offer a leaner, lower-calorie option, pork versions tend to be higher in fat and calories. The calorie range can be anywhere from 90 to over 200 per link. Consumers should always check the nutritional label of the specific product they purchase to get accurate information on calories, sodium, and fat content. This will allow for more informed and health-conscious dietary choices.

For more detailed nutritional information and a comparison tool, you can visit the myfooddata.com nutrition comparison tool for apple sausage. This is a valuable resource for comparing different products.

How to Make the Healthiest Choice

Choosing the healthiest apple sausage option involves more than just checking the calories. Here are some quick tips:

Prioritize lean protein: Opt for chicken or turkey apple sausage over pork to reduce fat and calorie intake.
Watch the sodium: Select brands that offer lower sodium options to help manage blood pressure.
Read the ingredients: Be aware of added sugars, fillers, and preservatives by reading the ingredient list carefully.
Control your portions: Always check the serving size on the nutrition label, as links can vary significantly in weight and size.
Cook at home: Consider making your own apple sausage at home to have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to reduce sodium, fat, and sugar content.

Incorporating these strategies will ensure your apple sausage consumption aligns with your dietary and health goals, making it a delicious and mindful addition to your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken apple sausage typically has a lower calorie count than pork apple sausage. For instance, some chicken versions contain around 100-170 calories per link, whereas some pork versions can range from 190 to over 280 calories per link.

While the cooking method (like grilling or pan-frying) can affect the fat content by rendering it out, the initial calorie count of the sausage itself does not change significantly. The most impactful factor is the sausage's original nutritional profile.

No, ingredients vary significantly by brand. Recipes can include different types of meat (chicken, turkey, pork), spices, and apple preparations, which is why nutritional values differ.

Apple sausage can be a good source of protein, but it is often high in sodium and sometimes fat, depending on the brand and meat used. Choosing a lean, low-sodium option is a healthier choice, and it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To reduce overall calories, you can choose a leaner, chicken-based sausage, use a cooking method that allows fat to drain (like grilling), and pair it with lower-calorie foods such as vegetables instead of high-carb sides.

Calorie counts vary due to differences in meat type (chicken vs. pork), specific brand recipes, and the size and weight of a single sausage link, as not all links are uniform.

Look for the calories, serving size (in grams or ounces), total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and protein content to make an informed decision. Comparing these figures between brands will highlight the healthiest options.