How many Calories are in 2 oz of pork sausage?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that the calorie count in pork sausage can vary significantly based on its preparation? For instance, a 2 oz serving of cooked, fresh pork sausage contains approximately 184 calories, highlighting how processing and cooking methods directly impact the final nutritional data.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 2 oz of pork sausage is not fixed, ranging from around 151 calories for a cooked, reduced-fat version to 184 for a standard cooked serving. Key factors include the cut of meat and the cooking method, which affects fat content.

Key Points

Standard Cooked Calories: A typical 2 oz serving of cooked, fresh pork sausage contains approximately 184 calories.
Raw vs. Cooked: Raw fresh pork sausage has fewer calories per 2 oz (163 kcal) compared to cooked due to water and fat loss during cooking.
Reduced-Fat Difference: Opting for a reduced-fat version can lower calories to around 151 kcal per 2 oz serving.
High in Fat: The majority of calories in standard pork sausage come from its high fat content.
Draining Fat is Key: The cooking method affects the final calorie count; draining rendered fat is a simple way to reduce intake.
Type Matters: Different sausage types, such as smoked links, will have different calorie profiles due to varying fat and meat compositions.

The Core Calorie Count for 2 oz of Pork Sausage

The number of calories in a 2 oz serving of pork sausage depends heavily on the type and how it is prepared. Standard cooked, fresh pork sausage contains approximately 184 calories per 2 oz serving. However, this figure is not universal. For a more accurate understanding, it's essential to consider the different variables at play.

Variations by Preparation and Type

Cooked, Fresh Pork Sausage: This is a common variety, often found in patties or links for breakfast. According to nutritional data, a 2 oz serving contains about 184 calories, primarily from its fat and protein content.
Raw, Fresh Pork Sausage: When measured raw, a 2 oz portion typically contains fewer calories, around 163 calories. The calorie difference between raw and cooked is due to moisture and fat loss during the cooking process, which concentrates the remaining nutrients.
Cooked, Reduced-Fat Pork Sausage: For those monitoring their intake, reduced-fat options are a viable alternative. A 2 oz cooked, pan-fried, reduced-fat link or patty can contain as little as 151 calories.
Cooked, Smoked Pork Sausage: Other types, like smoked links, can also have different calorie profiles. A 2 oz serving of smoked pork link sausage contains approximately 175 calories.

Pork Sausage Nutritional Comparison Table


Sausage Type (2 oz serving)	Calories (approx.)	Total Fat (approx.)	Protein (approx.)
Cooked, Fresh	184 kcal	15g	11g
Raw, Fresh	163 kcal	14g	9g
Cooked, Reduced-Fat	151 kcal	12g	12g
Smoked Link	175 kcal	16g	6.8g

Beyond Calories: A Deeper Look at Macronutrients

While calories provide a single number for energy, understanding the macronutrient breakdown offers a more complete nutritional picture. Pork sausage is generally high in fat, which contributes the majority of its calories. It is also an excellent source of protein.

Fat: Standard pork sausage is notoriously high in fat, a significant portion of which is saturated fat. This is a primary driver of its higher calorie density. Reduced-fat versions are processed to lessen this fat content, which in turn lowers the overall calorie count.
Protein: Pork sausage provides a solid dose of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The protein content varies slightly but is consistently present in all versions.
Carbohydrates: Most pork sausages have very minimal carbohydrate content, as they are primarily meat-based products with few, if any, binders or fillers.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

Beyond the raw versus cooked and reduced-fat considerations, several other factors can affect the calorie and nutritional profile of your sausage.

Cooking Method: Frying in extra oil will increase the calorie count, while baking or grilling can be a healthier alternative. Draining excess rendered fat after cooking can also significantly lower the total fat and calorie intake.
Sausage Fillers: Some commercial sausages may contain binders like breadcrumbs, which can add a small amount of carbohydrates and calories. Reading the nutrition label is the best way to determine the precise ingredients.
Brand and Recipe: Different brands and homemade recipes use varying ratios of meat to fat, seasonings, and binders. A premium sausage with a higher lean meat-to-fat ratio will naturally have a lower calorie count than a budget option with a higher fat content.

Healthy Cooking Tips for Pork Sausage

Managing your intake is not just about choosing the right sausage but also preparing it wisely. Here are some tips for healthier preparation:

Drain the Fat: After frying, place cooked sausage on a paper towel to absorb excess grease before serving.
Baking or Grilling: These methods allow fat to drip away from the meat, reducing the overall fat content of the final product.
Pair with Vegetables: Balance out the richness of the sausage by serving it with nutrient-dense vegetables or a light salad. This adds volume to your meal with fewer calories.

The Verdict on Calories in Pork Sausage

The bottom line is that the number of calories in 2 oz of pork sausage is not a static figure. It varies based on whether it is raw or cooked, standard or reduced-fat, and the specific brand. While a 2 oz serving of cooked, fresh pork sausage is around 184 calories, opting for reduced-fat versions or cooking methods that drain excess fat can help manage your intake. Being mindful of your portion size and preparation techniques allows you to enjoy pork sausage as part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult the USDA food database or reliable nutrition tracking sites like Eat This Much, which provide comprehensive breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on a 2 oz cooked patty containing around 184 calories, a single 1 oz cooked pork sausage patty would have approximately 92 calories.

Cooking pork sausage does not burn off calories in the meat itself but can lead to a calorie reduction by melting away fat, which you can then drain off. The final product is more calorie-dense per ounce but has a lower overall fat content if the grease is discarded.

Yes, standard pork sausage is typically high in saturated fat. A 2 oz serving can contain about 5 grams of saturated fat, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit.

In a 2 oz serving, raw fresh pork sausage has slightly less fat (14g vs 15g), less protein (9g vs 11g), and slightly fewer calories (163 kcal vs 184 kcal) than its cooked counterpart, primarily due to moisture and fat loss.

To reduce the calorie count, you can choose reduced-fat sausage options, drain the rendered fat after cooking, or opt for cooking methods like baking or grilling, which allow more fat to drip away.

Yes, healthier alternatives include chicken or turkey sausage, which typically have lower fat and calorie counts. Plant-based sausages are another option to consider if you're looking to reduce your meat intake.

The seasonings themselves (like herbs and spices) add negligible calories. However, some commercial sausages may include sweeteners or binders that can slightly increase the carbohydrate and calorie content. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.