How much protein is in a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich? A nutritional breakdown

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Jimmy Dean website, the amount of protein in a standard Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich varies by product, with popular options like the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant containing 13 grams. However, this is just one piece of the nutritional puzzle when considering how much protein is in a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich and whether it's a suitable choice for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

The protein content in Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches ranges from 12g to 18g depending on the variety, with lighter 'Delights' options offering more protein for fewer calories. While a quick source of protein, these sandwiches can be high in saturated fat and sodium, presenting a trade-off for convenience. A full nutritional profile and comparison to whole-food alternatives provide important context for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The protein in Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches varies, typically ranging from 12 to 18 grams depending on the specific product.
'Delights' Offer Higher Lean Protein: The 'Delights' line, using turkey sausage and egg whites, provides a higher protein count (18g) with less saturated fat and calories compared to the classic versions.
High Saturated Fat and Sodium: Classic Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches can contain significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium, representing a large portion of daily recommended limits.
Processed Food Considerations: As processed foods, these sandwiches offer convenience but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
Whole-Food Alternatives Exist: For those seeking healthier high-protein breakfasts, options like eggs, Greek yogurt, or homemade sandwiches provide superior nutrition.
Evaluate the Full Nutritional Profile: When assessing a Jimmy Dean sandwich, it is important to consider the overall nutritional facts, including fat and sodium, and not just the protein content.

Protein Content Breakdown by Sandwich Type

To answer the question of how much protein is in a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich, it is important to specify which sandwich is being discussed, as the protein content varies. The protein comes primarily from the sausage and eggs, but the formulation differs across products.

Classic Varieties

Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant: A popular choice, this sandwich contains 13 grams of protein per serving.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Served on a biscuit, this version provides 12 grams of protein per sandwich.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin: For those who prefer a toasted English muffin, this sandwich offers 14 grams of protein.

'Delights' Lighter Options

Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese English Muffin: This option uses leaner turkey sausage and egg whites, boosting the protein content to 18 grams. This represents a higher protein-to-calorie ratio than the classic sandwiches.

Beyond Protein: A Look at the Overall Nutrition

While a quick protein boost can be appealing, a balanced nutritional diet involves considering other macronutrients and potential downsides. Processed breakfast sandwiches, such as those from Jimmy Dean, are convenient but often contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium.

Saturated Fat: The classic Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant has 10g of saturated fat, which is 50% of the recommended daily value, while the biscuit version has 12g. This can be a significant portion of a person's daily limit, especially for a single meal. The lighter Delights option significantly reduces this, with the turkey sausage English muffin having only 3.5g.
Sodium: Sodium levels are also a concern. The Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit has 850mg of sodium, or 37% of the daily value, while the Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin has 760mg. High sodium intake is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease.

The Role of Processed Foods in a Balanced Diet

Convenience foods have a place in many people's diets, but understanding their role is crucial for overall health. A balanced diet should prioritize whole foods, which contain more natural nutrients and fiber. According to the NHS, eating a lot of ultra-processed foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar should be done less often and in smaller amounts.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides additional context on balancing protein intake within an overall diet.(https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/what-should-you-eat/protein/)

Comparison Table: Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches

To highlight the nutritional trade-offs, here is a comparison of some popular Jimmy Dean sandwich options:


Product	Protein (g)	Calories	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit	12	410	12	850
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant	13	400	10	610
Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin	14	350	7	760
Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese English Muffin	18	270	3.5	710

Whole Food High-Protein Breakfast Alternatives

For those seeking a nutritious diet, whole-food options can provide higher quality protein, fiber, and nutrients without excessive sodium and saturated fat. Consider alternatives like:

Eggs: A large egg contains about 6g of protein and can be scrambled, fried, or made into an omelet with vegetables.
Greek Yogurt: This is a high-protein breakfast item, with a cup (220g) of low-fat cottage cheese providing 24g of protein. It can be topped with berries or nuts.
Oatmeal: A serving of oats contains about 10g of protein and is rich in fiber. Adding nuts, seeds, or protein powder can increase the protein content further.
Cottage Cheese: With a cup containing 24g of protein, cottage cheese is a versatile option to pair with fruit or chia seeds.
Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches: Making a sandwich with whole grain bread, an egg, and a lean meat like turkey sausage can offer similar convenience with more control over ingredients and sodium levels.

Conclusion

How much protein is in a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich depends on the product, with varieties ranging from 12g to 18g. While the sandwiches offer a quick and convenient source of protein, they come with significant levels of saturated fat and sodium, particularly the classic sausage and biscuit/croissant versions. For a more balanced diet, the 'Delights' line offers a better protein-to-fat ratio, but homemade or whole-food alternatives remain the most nutrient-dense options. Comparing the full nutritional profile, not just the protein content, is essential for making informed dietary decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single Jimmy Dean Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant sandwich contains 13 grams of protein.

A Jimmy Dean Delights Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese English Muffin sandwich provides 18 grams of protein per serving.

The Delights line is generally considered a healthier option as it offers a higher protein content with fewer calories and significantly less saturated fat compared to the classic sausage and cheese versions.

Yes, many of the classic Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches are high in sodium. For example, the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit sandwich has 850mg of sodium, which is 37% of the daily recommended value.

While a Jimmy Dean sandwich provides a decent amount of protein, whole-food options like a Greek yogurt parfait or eggs with whole grain toast often offer a better nutritional profile with less saturated fat and sodium.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein for adults is approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Yes, processed foods can be included in a healthy diet, but moderation is key. They often contain higher levels of saturated fat, salt, and sugar, and should be balanced with plenty of whole, less-processed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.