How Many Calories Are in 6 Ounces of Smoked Sausage? A Comprehensive Guide

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for 6 ounces of smoked sausage can vary dramatically, ranging from approximately 367 to nearly 700, depending on the meat type and fat content. This guide explores why there is such a wide range and provides a comprehensive look at the nutritional breakdown for different varieties to help you understand precisely how many calories are in 6 ounces of smoked sausage.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a 6-ounce serving of smoked sausage varies widely depending on the meat type, with options like turkey having fewer calories than pork or beef varieties. Specific nutrition facts for popular options provide a better understanding of calorie, fat, protein, and sodium content.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The calorie count for 6 ounces of smoked sausage can range widely, from around 367 to nearly 700 calories, based on the type of meat used.
Meat Type Matters: Leaner options like turkey or chicken smoked sausage are significantly lower in calories than fattier pork or beef versions.
Brand-Specific Nuances: Calorie content can vary even within the same meat type due to differences in brand-specific recipes and fat content.
High in Fat and Sodium: Besides calories, many smoked sausages are high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation and mindful portioning are important.
Healthier Preparation: Opting for cooking methods like grilling or boiling instead of frying can help reduce the overall fat and calorie intake.
Look Beyond Calories: Smoked sausage offers protein, B vitamins, and other nutrients, especially in leaner varieties.

For anyone tracking their nutritional intake, understanding the specifics of what you consume is vital. With smoked sausage, the exact calorie count is not a single number, but a spectrum influenced by the primary ingredient. Pork, beef, and turkey smoked sausages have distinct nutritional profiles that dictate their energy content.

The Calorie Breakdown by Sausage Type

Pork Smoked Sausage

Typically, a 6-ounce serving of pork smoked sausage contains a moderate to high number of calories, driven largely by its fat content. For example, some 'original recipe' pork smoked sausages report approximately 624 calories for 6 ounces. However, the specific preparation, such as whether it's raw or cooked, and the brand's recipe can cause this number to fluctuate. A 6-ounce portion of fresh, raw pork sausage was found to contain around 488 calories, though calorie counts after cooking can differ as some fat renders out.

Beef Smoked Sausage

Beef smoked sausages tend to have a higher calorie count due to the higher fat content often used in their recipes. A 6-ounce serving of some pre-cooked beef sausage can contain as many as 689 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. A brand-specific example like Hillshire Farm's beef smoked sausage reports approximately 510 calories for a 6-ounce portion. This demonstrates that even within the same meat category, brand formulation plays a major role.

Turkey and Chicken Smoked Sausage

For those seeking lower-calorie alternatives, smoked sausages made from leaner meats like turkey or chicken are excellent options. Healthy Choice Low Fat Smoked Sausage, for instance, is noted for its lower calorie count, specifically mentioning 90 calories per serving (typically 2 oz), which would put a 6-ounce serving around 270 calories. While the smoky flavor is present, the use of leaner protein significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content.

Comparison of Calorie Content in 6 oz Smoked Sausage

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison table for a 6-ounce portion of different smoked sausage types based on available nutritional information:


Sausage Type	Approximate Calories (per 6 oz)	Primary Macronutrients	Sodium Content (per 6 oz)
Pork (Generic, Cooked)	624	High Fat, High Protein	~2103mg
Beef (Generic, Cooked)	689	Very High Fat, High Protein	~1398mg
Beef (Hillshire Farm)	510	High Fat, Moderate Protein	~1440mg
Turkey (Low-Fat, Est.)	~270	Low Fat, High Protein	Lower than pork/beef

Beyond Calories: A Complete Nutritional Picture

While calories are a critical component, they don't tell the full story. Smoked sausage, particularly from fatty cuts of meat, is also high in saturated fat and sodium. A 6-ounce serving can easily contain more than the daily recommended amount of saturated fat and a substantial portion of your daily sodium intake. However, sausage is also a good source of protein and some essential vitamins and minerals, including Iron and Vitamin B12, which are important for energy and blood health.

How to Make a Healthier Smoked Sausage Choice

For those who enjoy smoked sausage but are mindful of their calorie intake, several strategies can help make it a healthier part of your diet. Small changes in how you select and prepare can make a big difference.

Tips for Lowering Calories:

Choose Leaner Varieties: Opt for smoked sausages made from chicken or turkey, which are significantly lower in fat and calories than traditional pork or beef versions.
Read Labels Carefully: Nutrition labels are your best friend. Different brands, even with the same meat type, will have varying fat and sodium levels. Compare labels to find the healthiest option.
Control Portion Sizes: Stick to a smaller portion of higher-calorie smoked sausage and fill the rest of your plate with lower-calorie foods like vegetables.
Modify Cooking Methods: While frying adds flavor, it can also increase fat and calorie intake. Consider grilling, boiling, or steaming your sausage instead.
Pair with Vegetables: Serve smoked sausage alongside a generous portion of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to increase fiber and nutrients while making your meal more filling.

Conclusion

The number of calories in 6 ounces of smoked sausage is not static, but heavily dependent on the type of meat and the specific brand's formulation. From leaner poultry-based options with fewer calories to higher-fat beef and pork varieties, the range is significant. Beyond calories, it's also important to be aware of the high levels of fat and sodium often present. By choosing leaner versions, checking nutrition labels, and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy smoked sausage as part of a balanced diet. For those looking to make the most informed food choices, consulting nutritional resources like the USDA database or websites like Eat This Much is a valuable step. For more detailed nutrition data on various foods, visit Eat This Much

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoked sausage can sometimes have a different calorie count than fresh sausage of the same meat, depending on the ingredients and processing. Smoking can affect the fat content, but the biggest differentiator is often the fat-to-meat ratio in the recipe itself.

Cooking smoked sausage, especially by grilling or pan-frying, allows some of the fat to melt and drain away, which can slightly reduce the final calorie count. Boiling or steaming will not have the same effect.

Yes, smoked sausage is generally a good source of protein. For example, a 6-ounce serving of some sausages contains a significant amount of protein, contributing to a substantial percentage of your daily needs.

The high sodium content in smoked sausage is primarily due to the use of salt during the curing and flavoring process. Salt is essential for both preserving the sausage and enhancing its flavor profile.

Yes, you can eat smoked sausage while on a diet, but it's important to be mindful of your portion size and choose leaner options like turkey or chicken sausage to control calorie intake. Pairing it with vegetables can also make the meal more filling and nutritious.

Kielbasa is a type of smoked sausage, specifically a Polish variety. Like other smoked sausages, its calorie and nutritional content will depend on the type of meat and preparation, but it falls under the broader category of smoked sausage.

To ensure food safety, cooked smoked sausage should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. For longer storage, it can be frozen.