How Many Calories Does Pickled Sausage Have? Decoding the Nutritional Facts

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for pickled sausage can fluctuate, with some pieces containing as few as 40 to 44 calories, but values vary. The answer to how many calories pickled sausage have depends on several factors.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of pickled sausage varies, with smaller pieces having fewer calories than larger ones. The fat and sodium content influence the numbers.

Key Points

Calorie Range: Calorie counts vary widely, from around 40 to over 200 per piece, depending on the brand and size.
Fat Content: Fat significantly impacts calories, with many sausages having high-fat content.
Sodium Levels: Pickled sausage is high in sodium due to the pickling process, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Protein Source: Pickled sausage can be a source of protein.
Read Labels: Always check the nutrition label for the specific product to know the exact calorie count.
Consume in Moderation: High fat and sodium content means pickled sausage is best as an occasional treat.

Calorie Content in Pickled Sausage: A Comprehensive Overview

Pickled sausage is a popular snack, known for its tangy flavor and convenience. The amount of calories can vary greatly. The exact calorie count is not fixed and varies by brand, type of meat used, and the size of the sausage. This variability is something to consider for those managing their diets. A small sausage from one manufacturer could be under 50 calories, while a larger sausage could exceed 200 calories per link. The meat and preparation before pickling are the primary drivers of the final calorie count. The high fat content in many sausages is the main source of these calories.

Key Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors affect the number of calories in pickled sausage:

Meat Type: Sausages made with higher-fat meats like pork have a higher calorie count than those using leaner meats. Lower-cost varieties often prioritize flavor, which often means a higher fat content.
Size: A larger or denser sausage will contain more total calories than a smaller one. Serving sizes can vary drastically by brand, from tiny individual pieces to large links. Always check the serving size.
Fat-to-Protein Ratio: Fat contains 9 calories per gram, while protein contains 4 calories per gram. A sausage with a macronutrient breakdown of 70% fat will have a much higher calorie load than one with a more balanced ratio.
Additives: Some brines may contain sugar, which can contribute a small amount of extra calories.

Calorie Comparison of Pickled Sausage Varieties

The following table shows a comparison of different pickled sausage options:


Brand / Type	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Protein (g)
Generic (Small)	1 sausage (14g)	40-44 kcal	3.25	222	2.25
Generic (100g)	100g	288 kcal	23.2	1586	16.06
ConAgra Penrose	1 sausage	60 kcal	4	620	4
Hannah's	1 sausage	100 kcal	8	920	7
Fire Cracker Red Hot	1 serving	120 kcal	10	1180	7
Big Mama's	1 sausage (68g)	160 kcal	12	1220	10
Glazier's Pickled Polish	1 link (85g)	200 kcal	19	1360	19

Beyond Calories: Nutritional Considerations

The high sodium content is a major factor to consider. Many brands provide a significant amount of the daily recommended sodium value in a single serving. The high protein content can also be a point of interest. Some pickled sausages offer a significant amount of protein, which can help with satiety. For this reason, it is sometimes viewed as a filling snack.

Potential Health Implications

Potential Benefits:

High Protein: The high protein can help you feel full, potentially curbing the desire for less healthy snacks.
Convenience: The shelf stability makes it a ready-to-eat, portable protein source.
Source of Nutrients: Depending on the meat used, it can contain B vitamins, iron, and other minerals.

Potential Drawbacks:

High Sodium: The excessive sodium content can be detrimental to cardiovascular health, especially when consumed regularly.
High Saturated Fat: Many pickled sausages are high in saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels.
Moderation is Key: The best approach is to treat pickled sausage as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple due to its fat and sodium levels.

Conclusion

The calorie content of pickled sausage depends on the specific brand and serving size. The calorie count can vary from around 40 for a small piece to well over 200 for a large link. While pickled sausage provides protein, it is also high in sodium and often contains a significant amount of saturated fat. For this reason, it is best enjoyed in moderation. If you are watching your caloric or sodium intake, reading the label is the most reliable way to make an informed decision.

For nutritional data, the USDA FoodData Central is a good resource. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the pickling process itself doesn't significantly impact the calorie count; the meat and fat content are the primary factors.

Not necessarily. Smaller portions can be lower in calories, but serving sizes are critical. Larger sausages can be quite calorie-dense.

Sodium levels are very high due to the brine. A single large sausage can contain a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Yes, pickled sausage is often a good source of protein, but it is often balanced by high fat and sodium levels.

No, there are differences between brands based on the type of meat, fat content, and size. Always check the label for specific details.

Yes, but it should be done in moderation. Choosing a smaller portion and accounting for the calories is important. The high sodium can also be a concern.

The main difference is that pickled sausage is much higher in sodium due to the brine. Calorie and fat content are similar to other cooked sausages of a similar meat type.