There is a common misconception that all sausage patties from a specific brand like Jimmy Dean are a uniform size. In reality, the weight of a single patty can differ significantly depending on the product line, the intended market (retail vs. foodservice), and whether it is sold raw or fully cooked. This is an important detail for consumers focused on nutrition or portion control.
The Variety in Jimmy Dean Patty Weights
Jimmy Dean, a brand owned by Tyson Foods, offers a diverse range of breakfast sausage products. The weight of an individual patty is not static across this range. For instance, many foodservice options are standardized at specific weights to ensure consistency in commercial breakfast sandwiches and plates. Retail products, designed for home use, often come in different portion sizes.
Examples of Fully Cooked Sausage Patty Weights
Many of the fully cooked patties, often sold frozen or for use in the foodservice industry, come in a few common sizes:
- 1.0 oz Patties: Frequently used for school nutrition programs or in smaller-scale foodservice applications. For example, a fully cooked mild pork patty is listed at 1.0 oz.
- 1.25 oz Patties: A slightly larger option, particularly for turkey-based products. The reduced-fat fully cooked turkey sausage patties are sold at 1.25 oz.
- 1.50 oz Patties: A moderate size option for foodservice customers, offering more substance than the 1.0 oz variety.
- 2.0 oz Patties: A more substantial patty, often a standard size for larger breakfast sandwiches. Fully cooked pork sausage patties at 2.0 oz are also a foodservice product option.
Weights for Raw and Retail Patties
Beyond the fully cooked foodservice selections, there are distinct weights for raw products and common retail packs.
- Retail Original Pork Sausage Patties (Frozen): An 8-count box of the original fully cooked pork patties weighs 9.6 oz, making each patty approximately 1.2 oz. After cooking, the weight will be slightly less due to fat and moisture loss, as confirmed by third-party nutrition databases which show a cooked patty at roughly 0.9 oz.
- Raw Pork Sausage Patties (Frozen): These are commonly sold in a 2.0 oz raw size. When cooked, they will experience some shrinkage and lose a small amount of weight. The nutrition information for a similar 2.0 oz raw patty (57g) shows a cooked weight of 56g, which is approximately 1.98 oz, confirming minimal shrinkage.
Why the Weight Difference Matters
Understanding the weight variations is crucial for several reasons:
- Nutritional Tracking: For those counting calories, fat, or protein, knowing the exact patty size is essential for accurate calculations. Using the wrong size could lead to a significant discrepancy in nutrient intake tracking.
- Portion Control: Different patty sizes help consumers and businesses manage portion control effectively. A smaller 1.0 oz patty is suitable for a lighter meal, while a 2.0 oz patty offers a more substantial protein source.
- Cost Management: Foodservice operations in particular need to manage costs precisely. Purchasing patties at a consistent, specified weight (e.g., 1.0 oz or 2.0 oz) helps ensure uniform portion sizes and predictable costs.
- Recipe Consistency: Whether making a specific sandwich or serving a breakfast platter, using a consistent patty weight ensures the final dish is uniform in taste, texture, and size.
The Effect of Cooking on Sausage Patty Weight
It is also important to note that the raw weight of a sausage patty will always be higher than its cooked weight. During the cooking process, moisture evaporates and fat is rendered out, resulting in a slight reduction in mass. This is why nutritional information is often provided for both the raw and cooked states, and why fully cooked patties have a standard weight after the cooking process is complete.
Comparison of Jimmy Dean Sausage Patty Weights
Here is a quick comparison of some of the different Jimmy Dean patty sizes to illustrate the variation:
| Product Type | Raw Weight (per patty) | Cooked Weight (approx.) | Source/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Cooked Mild Pork (Foodservice) | N/A | 1.0 oz | |
| Fully Cooked Pork (Foodservice) | N/A | 2.0 oz | |
| Retail Fully Cooked Original | ~1.2 oz | ~0.9 oz | Based on 9.6 oz / 8 patties |
| Fully Cooked Turkey (Reduced Fat, Foodservice) | N/A | 1.25 oz | |
| Raw Country Style Pork | 2.0 oz | 1.9 oz |
Where to Find the Correct Weight
To find the exact weight for your specific Jimmy Dean sausage patty, the best sources are always the product packaging and the manufacturer's official website. For commercial or bulk products, manufacturers like Tyson Foodservice provide detailed product specifications sheets that outline exact weights. For retail products, the nutritional information panel on the box will state the serving size, which is typically one or two patties, along with its weight in ounces or grams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the weight of one Jimmy Dean sausage patty is not a single, fixed number. It varies based on the product line, whether it is raw or fully cooked, and whether it is a retail or foodservice item. Consumers should check the product packaging for precise weight and nutritional information, keeping in mind that raw patties will lose a small amount of weight during the cooking process. This understanding ensures accurate portioning and nutritional tracking for any breakfast meal.
For more detailed information on specific products, you can explore the offerings on the Tyson Foodservice website.
