How many calories are in thin sausage?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, the calorie count for thin sausage can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 80 to over 150 calories per link, depending on the meat and fat content. A single serving of thin sausage can be a part of a balanced diet, but its overall nutritional profile, including its sodium and fat levels, should be considered. Understanding these variations is key to making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of thin sausages depends heavily on the meat used, with chicken and beef options generally offering fewer calories than pork. Cooking methods also play a significant role, as baking or boiling can reduce fat and calories compared to frying. The overall nutritional profile, including fat and sodium levels, is also an important factor.

Key Points

Meat Type Varies Calories: The calorie count in thin sausage changes significantly based on the meat used, with lean chicken or turkey being lower in calories and fat than pork or beef.
Cooking Method Affects Calorie Intake: Healthier cooking methods like baking, boiling, or air-frying can reduce total calories by minimizing added fats and allowing excess fat to drain away.
Fat and Sodium Content are Key: Checking nutritional labels for saturated fat and sodium levels is crucial, especially for processed or lean-labeled options, as some may contain compensating additives.
Ingredient List is a Health Indicator: Healthier sausages typically have a high meat percentage (around 80% or more) and a short ingredient list with minimal additives and fillers.
Portion Control is Important: Even with leaner options, moderate consumption of sausages is recommended, balancing them with other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables.
Read Labels for All Sausages: Always read the nutritional information on the packaging, especially for vegetarian or specialty sausages, as calorie and fat content can differ widely.

Calorie Breakdown by Thin Sausage Type

The calorie content of a thin sausage is not a fixed number; it varies based on the primary ingredient. While thin pork sausages are a classic choice, thinner versions made from beef, chicken, or other meats offer distinct nutritional profiles that can significantly impact a meal's total calories. The calorie counts are determined primarily by the fat content of the meat, with leaner meats resulting in lower-calorie sausages.

Thin Pork Sausages

Thin pork sausages are a breakfast staple for many. A typical 50g thin pork sausage contains approximately 135-150 calories, with some varieties leaning higher depending on fat content. This reflects the fat found in the ground pork, which contributes significantly to the sausage's flavor. For those monitoring fat intake, it's worth noting that some thin pork sausages can contain higher levels of saturated fat.

Thin Beef Sausages

Thin beef sausages often contain slightly more calories than their pork counterparts due to the meat's fat content. A 50g thin beef sausage can have between 125 and 175 calories, based on leanness. However, specific cuts of lean beef can result in a lower calorie and fat count. For example, some brands create specialized low-fat beef sausages, making it important to check labels.

Thin Chicken or Turkey Sausages

For those seeking a lower-calorie alternative, thin chicken or turkey sausages are often the best choice. A 55g thin chicken sausage can contain as few as 80-90 calories, as the meat is typically much leaner than pork or beef. This is a great option for those focusing on weight management or reducing their fat intake, though some brands may add fillers or more fat for flavor, so label-checking is crucial.

Specialty and Vegetarian Thin Sausages

Specialty sausages, including vegetarian or plant-based versions, can have a wide range of calorie counts. Some plant-based sausages may be higher in fat and calories to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional meat, while others are developed specifically as a low-calorie, low-fat alternative. Always consult the nutritional information on the packaging for these products.

Cooking Methods and Calorie Reduction

The way you prepare thin sausage can have a significant impact on its final calorie count. Choosing a healthier cooking method can help reduce the overall fat and calorie content of your meal.

Baking: Baking on a rack allows excess fat to drip away, reducing the total calories consumed.
Boiling: This method cooks the sausage without adding any extra fats, making it a low-calorie option, especially when done in plain water.
Pan-Frying: While a common method, it can add extra calories if cooked in excessive oil or butter.
Air-Frying: A popular choice for a crispy texture with minimal added oil, air frying can produce delicious results while controlling calories.

Comparison Table: Thin Sausage Calories (per 50g link)


Sausage Type	Typical Calories (per 50g)	Notes
Thin Pork Sausage	135-150 kcal	Classic flavour, can be higher in saturated fat.
Thin Beef Sausage	125-175 kcal	Varies significantly based on lean meat percentage.
Thin Chicken Sausage	80-90 kcal	Typically the leanest option, lower in fat and calories.
Thin Turkey Sausage	85-95 kcal	Similar to chicken, a low-fat and low-calorie alternative.
Plant-Based Sausage	Varies widely	Read the label, as formulations differ greatly in fat and fillers.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Understanding how many calories are in thin sausage is more than just looking at a single number. It involves considering the type of meat, the preparation method, and the overall nutritional balance of your meal. While thin sausages can be a tasty and convenient part of a meal, opting for leaner versions like chicken or turkey, and employing healthier cooking techniques like baking or air-frying, can help align your dietary choices with your health goals. Remember to read the labels carefully to get the most accurate information on fat and sodium content. By taking these factors into account, you can continue to enjoy sausages while maintaining a balanced and health-conscious diet.

How to choose a healthier sausage?

Opt for sausages with at least 80% meat content to ensure higher quality and fewer fillers.
Check the nutritional label for the lowest sodium content, ideally less than 450mg per 100g.
Choose sausages with 4g or less saturated fat per 100g.
Leaner options like chicken, turkey, or kangaroo are often healthier choices.
Buy from a local butcher who can provide details on the fat content and ingredients.
Look for a simple, recognizable ingredient list with minimal additives and preservatives.
Consider fresh, homemade sausages to have full control over the ingredients.

How to cook sausage for low calories?

Drain off any fat that renders during cooking and pat with a paper towel.
Boil sausages first to cook them evenly, then finish on a pan or grill for a quick browning.
Use a healthy, high-smoke-point oil sparingly when frying, such as olive or avocado oil.
Avoid charring or burning the sausages, as this can create unhealthy compounds.
Try oven-baking on a rack to allow excess fat to drip away.
Use an air fryer for a crispy texture with minimal added oil.
Incorporate sausages into meals with plenty of vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, thin sausages are generally lower in calories than thicker ones, primarily because they are smaller and contain less total mass. The actual calorie count depends on the type of meat and fat content.

Thin sausages made from lean chicken or turkey are typically the lowest in calories, often having around 80-90 calories per link, compared to higher-calorie pork or beef versions.

Yes, the cooking method significantly affects the final calorie count. Baking, boiling, or air-frying is healthier than pan-frying in oil, as it minimizes added fat and allows excess fat to render and drain off.

Not necessarily. While some plant-based sausages are designed to be low-calorie, others use higher levels of fat and fillers to mimic meat texture, which can result in a calorie count similar to or even higher than some meat versions.

To make a thin sausage meal healthier, pair it with plenty of colorful vegetables, choose lean-meat sausages, and use low-fat cooking methods like baking or grilling. Draining the fat after cooking also helps reduce calories.

Sausages can be high in saturated fat and sodium, so it's wise to be mindful of intake. Opting for leaner, higher-quality sausages (around 80% meat or more) and balancing them with other low-fat foods is a good strategy.

Healthier sausages can often be found at local butchers who can provide detailed information on ingredients. When shopping at a supermarket, look for brands with high meat percentages and low saturated fat and sodium on the nutritional label.