How many calories are in one andouille sausage?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, the number of calories in a single andouille sausage can vary significantly depending on the brand and size. This spicy, smoked pork sausage is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine, but its nutritional profile can range from roughly 150 to over 200 calories per link, making it important to check the specific product information.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one andouille sausage varies by brand, size, and fat content, typically ranging from 150 to 220 calories per link. Understanding these variables and comparing different products is key to tracking your dietary intake accurately.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in one andouille sausage typically ranges from 150 to 220, depending on its size and brand.
Fat is the Main Calorie Source: The majority of andouille's calories come from its fat content, not protein or carbohydrates.
Size Matters: Larger or heavier sausage links contain more calories than smaller ones; always check the specific product's serving size.
Read Nutrition Labels: The most accurate way to know the calorie count is to read the nutrition label on the product packaging, as formulations differ.
Healthy Consumption: Practice portion control and pair andouille with lower-calorie, fiber-rich foods like vegetables to balance out its caloric density.
Beware of Sodium: Andouille sausages are often high in sodium, so it's wise to monitor intake, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several factors contribute to the calorie count of an andouille sausage, and recognizing these can help you make a more informed choice. While the primary ingredients are pork and spices, the specific ratios and preparation methods can cause notable differences in the final product's nutritional value.

Size and Weight of the Sausage

The most straightforward factor is the size of the sausage link. A 2-ounce (56g) serving will naturally have fewer calories than a larger 3.2-ounce (90g) link. Because standardized serving sizes don't always align with the actual size of a 'single sausage' from a particular brand, it's essential to check the label for weight-based serving information.

Meat and Fat Content

Andouille is traditionally made from pork, and the cut of pork used directly impacts the fat content. Some recipes use leaner pork cuts, while others incorporate pork belly or a higher ratio of pork fat for flavor and moisture. Higher fat content means more calories, as fat contains 9 calories per gram compared to protein's 4 calories per gram. Some brands may also include other types of meat, like turkey or beef, to reduce fat and calories.

Processing and Preparation Methods

The manufacturing process also plays a role. Andouille is a smoked sausage, but the specifics of smoking, such as the wood used and the length of the process, don't significantly alter the calorie count. However, any added sugars, fillers, or binders during processing can add to the total carbohydrate and calorie load. For example, some 'Cajun style' sausages may use slightly different formulations than traditional Louisiana andouille.

Comparison of Andouille Sausage Nutrition

To highlight the variation, let's compare the nutritional profiles of a few hypothetical andouille sausages, based on data from several brands and sources.


Attribute	Traditional Pork Andouille (Approx. 3 oz)	Lighter Recipe Andouille (Approx. 2.5 oz)	Turkey Andouille (Approx. 2.5 oz)
Calories	190-210	160-180	145-155
Total Fat	18-19g	13-15g	7-9g
Saturated Fat	6-7g	5g	2-3g
Protein	7-9g	7-9g	15-18g
Carbohydrates	1-3g	1-2g	<1g
Sodium	450-700mg	400-600mg	500-700mg

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their caloric intake, there are ways to enjoy andouille sausage as part of a balanced diet. Opt for sausages with a lower fat content, or simply be mindful of your portion size. Andouille can be a delicious addition to dishes like jambalaya or gumbo, but pairing it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains can improve the meal's overall nutritional balance.

Tips for Reducing Caloric Impact

Read the nutrition label: Always check the label for specific calorie, fat, and sodium information.
Portion control: Stick to one serving, or cut the sausage into smaller pieces to make it go further in a recipe.
Pair with fiber-rich foods: Incorporate plenty of vegetables, beans, and whole grains into your meal to increase satiety and offset the caloric density of the sausage.
Modify cooking methods: While andouille is already cooked and smoked, you can pan-sear it in a non-stick pan with no extra oil to avoid adding unnecessary fat.

How the Macronutrients Break Down

The majority of the calories in andouille sausage come from fat and protein. For instance, in a 209-calorie serving of andouille, roughly 73% of the calories come from fat, and 21% from protein, with a small remainder from carbohydrates. This high fat-to-protein ratio is typical of many sausages and contributes to its rich flavor and texture. The fat content is often high in saturated fat, so moderation is key for heart health.

Conclusion

The calorie count for a single andouille sausage is not uniform, generally falling between 150 and 220 calories, influenced by factors like size, meat-to-fat ratio, and brand. By examining the nutritional information on the packaging and practicing portion control, you can easily fit this flavorful Cajun treat into your dietary plan without derailing your health goals. For precise nutritional information, always consult the product's label, as different brands and sizes will have unique calorie and macronutrient breakdowns. For more information on food and nutrition, visit the USDA FoodData Central website for comprehensive nutritional data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Andouille sausage can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet but is not a low-calorie or low-fat food. It is high in protein and fat and often contains a significant amount of sodium, so moderation is advised.

Yes, many andouille sausages are keto-friendly due to their low carbohydrate content, but you should still monitor portion size because of the high fat and moderate protein content.

Turkey andouille sausage typically has a lower calorie count than its pork counterpart, as turkey is leaner meat. However, calorie counts can vary by brand and specific recipe.

A 2-ounce serving of andouille sausage generally contains between 160 and 170 calories, though this can vary depending on the fat content of the specific brand.

To reduce calories, you can drain any excess fat after pan-searing the sausage. You can also use it as a flavorful accent rather than the main protein, incorporating more vegetables and other lean ingredients into your dish.

Cooking does not significantly change the calorie count of andouille sausage. It is typically sold pre-cooked and smoked, and any additional cooking is for heating and crisping, which does not alter the fundamental nutritional content.

Fat is the primary macronutrient by calorie content in andouille sausage, providing more calories than protein or carbohydrates. Protein is the second most abundant macronutrient.