How many calories are in a vegetarian sausage patty?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, the calorie count in a vegetarian sausage patty can range significantly, with some popular brands containing as few as 70-80 calories per serving. This wide variation depends on the brand, ingredients, and size, making it important to check the nutritional label to know precisely how many calories are in a vegetarian sausage patty.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for vegetarian sausage patties varies by brand, ingredient list, and size, with popular options typically containing 70 to 180 calories per patty. This range highlights the difference in formulations, from soy-based products to more complex plant-based meat alternatives, and emphasizes the need to read product labels for accurate nutritional information.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Counts: The calories in a vegetarian sausage patty vary significantly by brand, ranging from approximately 70 to 180 kcal per patty.
Brand-Specific Ingredients: Brands like MorningStar Farms use different base ingredients than Beyond Meat or Impossible, which affects their overall fat and calorie content.
Check for Sodium and Saturated Fat: Many plant-based patties can be high in sodium and, depending on the fat source (like coconut oil), saturated fat, so checking the nutrition label is crucial.
Protein Content Varies: While most vegetarian patties contain a solid amount of protein, the specific quantity can differ based on the primary protein source used in the formulation.
Whole-Food Alternatives: For the most control over calories and ingredients, consider making your own veggie patties from whole foods like beans or lentils.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Vegetarian Sausage Patties

The number of calories in a vegetarian sausage patty is not a single, fixed value but rather a range that depends heavily on the specific brand and its formulation. Unlike meat products, where fat and protein content are relatively consistent, the ingredients in plant-based alternatives—such as textured vegetable protein (TVP), soy protein, pea protein, and various oils—can lead to wide variations in nutritional profiles. For this reason, a single patty can contain anywhere from 70 to 180 calories, making label-reading crucial for those tracking their intake.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several key factors determine the final calorie count and overall nutritional value of a vegetarian sausage patty:

Primary Ingredients: Patties made primarily from soy protein (like MorningStar Farms) often have a lower calorie count and less fat than those using pea protein, coconut oil, or sunflower oil (like Beyond Meat or Impossible).
Fat Source: Some brands use oils like coconut oil to mimic the sizzle and texture of traditional pork sausage. While this can enhance flavor, it can also significantly increase the saturated fat and overall calorie count. Less fatty formulations often use canola or sunflower oil.
Added Nutrients: Many vegetarian sausage patties are fortified with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, iron, and zinc to more closely match the nutritional profile of animal meat. While these don't add significant calories, the overall blend affects the macronutrient composition.
Processing: As with many packaged goods, the extent of processing plays a role. Different manufacturing techniques can influence the product's final density and ingredient profile. However, unlike many ultra-processed foods, research suggests plant-based meat may offer some benefits, including lower LDL cholesterol and increased fiber.

Nutritional Breakdown by Brand

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of some popular vegetarian sausage patties based on publicly available nutritional information:


Brand	Serving Size	Calories (kcal)	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
MorningStar Farms (Original)	1 patty (38g)	80	3	9-10	230-260
Beyond Breakfast Sausage (Classic)	2 patties (58g)	180	12	11	270
Impossible Sausage Patties (Savory)	1 patty (46g)	110	7	6	310
Trader Joe's Meatless Breakfast Sausage Patties	1 patty	97	6.9	7.7	337
Quorn Vegetarian Sausage Patties	Per 100g (approx. 2 patties)	127	4.9	12.8	1100 (high)

Note: Serving sizes vary by brand, so check the label carefully.

Comparing with Traditional Pork Sausage

One of the main reasons people switch to vegetarian alternatives is to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake. For many products, this holds true. A typical pork sausage patty can have around double the saturated fat of a veggie patty. However, while the total calories can be lower in some veggie patties, the difference is not always as dramatic as some might assume, especially with newer, fattier plant-based alternatives that use ingredients like coconut oil.

The Importance of Overall Nutritional Context

While calories are important, they don't tell the whole story. When evaluating a vegetarian sausage patty's health benefits, consider the following:

Sodium: Some vegetarian patties can be surprisingly high in sodium, with some exceeding 300mg per patty. This is a major factor to monitor, especially for those with blood pressure concerns.
Saturated Fat: Brands using ingredients like coconut oil to achieve a rich, meaty texture can be high in saturated fat. Look for options with lower saturated fat to support heart health.
Protein: Most plant-based patties offer a solid source of protein, but the amount can vary. Soy-based patties often provide higher protein per calorie than some of the pea-protein-based versions.
Ingredients and Processing: As discussed, the degree and type of processing matter. While many are considered 'ultra-processed,' some studies show health benefits, such as a source of fiber. For the most natural options, consider making your own patties from chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a vegetarian sausage patty is highly dependent on the brand. For those prioritizing lower calorie counts, traditional soy-based options like MorningStar Farms offer some of the lowest figures at around 80 calories per patty. Modern plant-based alternatives from brands like Impossible or Beyond Meat tend to have higher calorie counts, sometimes over 100 calories per patty, but often with higher fat content to mimic meat more closely. The best approach is to carefully read the nutrition label of your chosen brand, considering not only calories but also sodium and saturated fat content, to find the best fit for your dietary needs. While offering an easy alternative, these products should be part of a balanced, whole-food diet for optimal health.

Making Healthier Choices

For those looking for the healthiest option, consider making your own patties from whole-food ingredients. Homemade versions using lentils, black beans, or mushrooms will be lower in sodium and contain less processed ingredients. If convenience is a priority, compare brands based on your nutritional goals—prioritizing low sodium, low saturated fat, or high protein. Always read the label and choose the option that aligns best with your overall health objectives.

List of Factors Affecting Calorie Count

Ingredient Composition: The primary protein source (soy vs. pea) and fat content (coconut oil vs. canola oil) are major determinants.
Processing Method: How the patty is manufactured can influence its nutritional density.
Serving Size: Some brands list calories for one patty, while others list them for two, so be aware of the serving size.
Fortification: Added vitamins and minerals can affect the overall nutritional profile, though not the calorie count significantly.
Recipe vs. Store-bought: Homemade patties will have different nutritional information than packaged versions.

For more detailed nutritional information and health context on vegetarian and vegan foods, a comprehensive resource can be found at the Good Food Institute Europe on their plant-based meat ultra-processed food research.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, calorie counts vary significantly by brand. While some, like MorningStar Farms Original, are lower in calories (around 80 kcal), others, such as Beyond Breakfast Sausage, are higher (around 90 kcal per patty or 180 kcal per two patties).

Many vegetarian patties contain less total fat and saturated fat than traditional pork sausage. However, this is not always the case, particularly with some newer plant-based alternatives that use higher-fat ingredients like coconut oil to improve texture.

Calories primarily come from protein sources (like soy or pea protein), fats (such as coconut oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil), and sometimes carbohydrates. The specific blend of these ingredients determines the final calorie count.

As of current nutritional data, Impossible Sausage Patties are typically lower in calories per patty than Beyond Breakfast Sausage patties. A single Impossible savory patty contains about 110 kcal, while Beyond Breakfast Sausage provides 180 kcal for two patties.

Sodium is often added to vegetarian sausage patties to enhance flavor, which can be high, with some brands containing over 300mg of sodium per patty. It's important to check the label, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Typically, yes. Homemade patties, often made from whole-food ingredients like lentils, beans, or vegetables, allow you to control the exact ingredients, fat, and sodium content, generally resulting in a healthier and potentially lower-calorie product.

When comparing, look at the serving size first, as it can vary. Then compare calories, total fat, saturated fat, protein, and sodium side-by-side. This will give you a complete picture of the nutritional profile beyond just the calorie count.