A Detailed Look at the Protein Content
The protein content of a Great Value turkey sausage patty is a key selling point for many consumers. Specifically, one serving of the fully cooked original patty contains 8 grams of protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in building muscle, repairing tissues, and creating enzymes and hormones. For a breakfast food, 8 grams is a significant amount and can contribute substantially to your daily protein requirements, helping you feel fuller for longer and providing sustained energy throughout the morning.
Nutritional Breakdown Per Patty
Beyond just the protein, it's helpful to consider the full nutritional profile of a single Great Value fully cooked turkey sausage patty. This information helps paint a complete picture of its dietary impact. Based on the data, each patty also contains:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: <1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
As this list shows, the patty is relatively low in carbohydrates and contains 0 grams of sugar, making it suitable for low-carb diets. The fat content is moderate, and the high sodium level is worth noting for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet.
Great Value Turkey vs. Pork Sausage: A Comparison
Many consumers choose turkey sausage over pork for a perceived health benefit. A direct nutritional comparison can clarify whether this is a sound dietary decision. Here is a comparison based on general nutritional information for turkey sausage versus a typical premium pork sausage.
| Nutrient | Great Value Turkey Patty (approx. 52g) | Typical Premium Pork Sausage (approx. 57g) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g | 7 g |
| Calories | 90 | 170 |
| Total Fat | 6 g | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g | 6 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg | 280 mg |
| Carbohydrates | <1 g | 0 g |
From the table, it is clear that the Great Value turkey patty offers a similar amount of protein to its pork counterpart but with significantly fewer calories and less fat. However, it's also worth noting the sodium content, which is higher in the turkey patty. This highlights the trade-offs involved when making dietary choices and reinforces the need to check nutritional labels, as not all turkey sausages are created equal. The lower fat content in turkey sausage often necessitates the addition of other ingredients for flavor and texture, which can increase the sodium level.
What's in a Patty? The Ingredients List
Understanding what goes into your food is an important part of informed eating. The ingredients for Great Value Fully Cooked Original Turkey Breakfast Patties typically include:
- Turkey
- Water
- Isolated Soy Protein
- Salt
- Spices
- Sugar
- Dextrose
- Natural Flavor
- Maltodextrin
- Sodium Phosphate
- Caramel Color
- BHA, Propyl Gallate, Citric Acid (Preservatives)
This list reveals that the patties are not just plain ground turkey. The inclusion of isolated soy protein helps to bind the patty and enhance its protein content. Ingredients like dextrose and maltodextrin are added sugars and carbohydrates that contribute to flavor and color. The use of preservatives like BHA and propyl gallate helps extend the product's shelf life. While these are all common food additives, they are factors to consider for those aiming for a clean, whole-food diet.
Making Turkey Sausage a Part of Your Breakfast
Incorporating turkey sausage patties into your diet can be simple and delicious. Here are a few meal ideas to get you started:
- Classic Breakfast Sandwich: Serve a patty on a whole-wheat English muffin with a slice of low-fat cheese and a scrambled egg.
- Protein-Packed Scramble: Chop up a cooked patty and mix it into a vegetable and egg white scramble for extra flavor and protein.
- Hash Brown Bowl: Crumble the patty over a bed of roasted potatoes and sautéed peppers and onions.
- Low-Carb Platter: Enjoy a couple of patties alongside a side of avocado and fresh fruit.
- Portable Meal Prep: Cook a batch of patties and pair them with hard-boiled eggs and pre-cut vegetables for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts.
Conclusion
For those seeking a leaner protein source for breakfast, a Great Value turkey sausage patty is a viable option, offering a healthy 8 grams of protein with fewer calories and less fat than many pork alternatives. However, its higher sodium and the presence of additives like isolated soy protein and preservatives are important considerations. By being mindful of these nutritional details, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific dietary goals. For a more detailed comparison of the fundamental differences between turkey and pork, you can consult nutritional guides like the one found at Source: FoodStruct.
