Is Bob Evans Sausage Considered Processed Meat?

January 14, 2026 •

5 min read

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, sausages are classified as processed meat, and this definition includes popular products like Bob Evans sausage. This classification raises important questions about what defines processed meat and if your favorite breakfast sausage falls into this category, prompting a closer look at its ingredients.

Quick Summary

Bob Evans sausage is classified as processed meat due to its seasoning, additives, and preservation methods. Unlike fresh, unseasoned ground meat, it contains added ingredients that extend shelf life and enhance flavor. Examining the label reveals the use of preservatives and additives typical of processed products.

Key Points

Definition of Processed Meat: Processed meat is defined as meat that has been preserved by methods like salting, curing, or smoking, and includes the addition of chemical or natural preservatives.
Bob Evans Sausage is Processed: Due to the inclusion of salt, seasonings, and preservatives to enhance flavor and extend shelf life, Bob Evans sausage falls under the category of processed meat.
Additives, Not Just Grinding: While grinding is a form of processing, it's the addition of ingredients like dextrose and other additives that classifies Bob Evans sausage as processed meat, distinct from fresh ground meat.
'Uncured' is Still Processed: Products labeled 'uncured' that use natural nitrate sources like celery powder still undergo a curing process and contain nitrates, despite marketing language suggesting otherwise.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For those concerned about processed meat intake, fresh sausage from a local butcher or plant-based protein options offer less processed alternatives.
Moderate Intake and Label Reading: Health experts recommend consuming processed meat in moderation and paying close attention to ingredient labels to understand what you're eating.

What Defines Processed Meat?

Understanding what qualifies as processed meat is the first step to evaluating products like Bob Evans sausage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines processed meat as any meat that has been altered from its natural state to extend its shelf life or improve its taste. This transformation can be achieved through methods such as salting, curing, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives. Ground meat, on its own, is not considered processed under this definition unless it undergoes further modification.

For example, a simply ground beef patty without any additives is considered minimally processed. However, once that ground meat is mixed with salt, spices, and other agents to form a sausage patty, it crosses the line into being a processed meat product. This is because the process adds preservatives and flavor enhancers that change its fundamental composition and shelf stability. The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, citing strong evidence that it causes cancer.

The Spectrum of Processing

Not all processed meats are created equal. The level of processing can vary significantly, from mildly seasoned and frozen products to heavily cured and preserved deli meats. For sausages, the addition of salt, sugar, and various spices is a key indicator of processing. Curing agents, including nitrates and nitrites, are often used to inhibit bacterial growth, such as Clostridium botulinum, and to give the meat its characteristic pink color and flavor. Without these additives, sausage would have a much shorter shelf life and would appear grayish.

Analyzing Bob Evans Sausage: Ingredients and Processing

When it comes to the question of whether Bob Evans sausage is processed meat, the answer lies in its ingredient list and manufacturing process. Bob Evans sausage is a commercially prepared, pre-packaged product that is seasoned and frozen for distribution. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), in its Food Scores database, has classified Bob Evans pork sausage links as having "moderate processing concerns".

Upon examination of the ingredient list for many of their products, you will find ingredients like salt, spices (such as sage), and sometimes dextrose, a form of sugar. While a homemade sausage might use similar spices, the commercial production process, which involves adding these ingredients for flavor and preservation before packaging, firmly places it in the processed meat category. The EWG also notes that hormones and antibiotics were likely used in the production of the meat and raises concerns about high levels of saturated fat and sodium.

Some Bob Evans products may also use natural preservatives, such as celery powder, which contains naturally occurring nitrates. Even when a product is labeled "uncured" or "no nitrates or nitrites added," it can still contain these natural sources of curing agents. The USDA mandates this labeling for products that use non-synthetic curing agents, but nutritionally, these natural versions function similarly to their synthetic counterparts. This means a product can be labeled "uncured" yet still undergo a form of preservation that fits the definition of processed meat.

Bob Evans vs. Minimally Processed Alternatives

To better understand why Bob Evans sausage is considered processed, it helps to compare it to a minimally processed option, such as a fresh sausage from a local butcher. The key differences highlight the impact of modern food manufacturing.


Feature	Bob Evans Sausage (Processed)	Fresh Butcher Sausage (Minimally Processed)
Processing Method	Grinding, seasoning, adding preservatives, shaping, and freezing for distribution.	Grinding, mixing with simple spices, and selling fresh or freezing immediately for a short shelf life.
Additives	Contains salt, sugar (e.g., dextrose), and other additives for flavor and stability.	Typically contains only meat, salt, and spices. Minimal additives.
Preservatives	May contain nitrates/nitrites (added or from natural sources like celery powder) to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.	No chemical preservatives are used.
Shelf Life	Extended due to preservatives and freezing.	Short, typically a few days refrigerated or a few months frozen.
Health Concerns	Higher in sodium and saturated fat. Potential for N-nitroso compounds when cooked at high heat.	Concerns mostly related to the fat content of the meat used.

Making Healthier Choices

For those looking to reduce their intake of processed meats, there are several steps you can take. While enjoying Bob Evans sausage in moderation is a personal choice, being mindful of its processed nature can lead to more informed dietary decisions. A good starting point is to read product labels carefully, checking for preservatives like sodium nitrite or even natural nitrate sources like celery powder.

Consider swapping processed sausage for other protein sources more often. Options include lean poultry, fish, beans, and eggs. If you're set on sausage, look for fresh, unpreserved varieties at a butcher shop or consider making your own at home. This allows you to control the exact ingredients, sodium content, and preservatives, ensuring you are consuming a minimally processed product. The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends choosing less processed options and focusing on whole foods for a healthier diet.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the verdict is clear: Bob Evans sausage is considered processed meat. This classification is not meant to condemn the product but to place it accurately within the food industry's landscape based on its ingredients and manufacturing process. It contains added seasonings and preservatives that extend its shelf life, distinguishing it from minimally processed ground meat. While it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, awareness of its processed nature and the potential health implications, such as higher sodium and saturated fat content, is important for consumers. By understanding the difference between processed and minimally processed meats, individuals can make more conscious dietary choices for better long-term health.

Tips for Reducing Processed Meat Intake

Opt for fresh, whole cuts of meat over pre-packaged, preserved versions.
Read ingredient labels for terms like "cured," "nitrate," or "nitrite".
Explore high-protein plant-based alternatives like beans, lentils, and tofu.
Designate one or more days a week as a "meatless" day.
If purchasing sausage, seek out local butchers who make fresh, unpreserved varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bob Evans sausage is considered processed because it is commercially prepared and contains added ingredients like seasonings, salt, and sometimes dextrose, which change the meat from its original state and extend its shelf life.

Most commercially available sausages, including hot dogs and salami, are processed meat. However, a fresh sausage made by a butcher with only ground meat and simple seasonings, without added preservatives, would be considered minimally processed.

Cured sausage uses chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite, while 'uncured' sausage uses natural sources of nitrates/nitrites, such as celery powder. The USDA requires 'uncured' labeling for the latter, but both are forms of processed meat.

While the specific ingredients can vary by product, Bob Evans sausage typically includes salt and spices. Some versions may contain dextrose or natural sources of nitrites from celery powder for preservation.

No, simply freezing meat for preservation does not classify it as processed. The term applies when the meat has been altered with added ingredients like salt, seasonings, or chemical preservatives.

As with most processed meats, Bob Evans sausage is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium. The EWG has also noted 'ingredient concerns' regarding additives and potential hormone use in the meat.

To find a less processed sausage, look for fresh, unpreserved sausage from a local butcher. You can also carefully read labels and opt for varieties with minimal ingredients, or make your own sausage at home to control all the ingredients.