Is Hillshire Sausage Processed Meat? A Detailed Look

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), processed meat is meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Based on this definition and an analysis of its ingredients, Hillshire sausage is indeed a form of processed meat.

Quick Summary

This guide explains why Hillshire sausage qualifies as processed meat under WHO and food science definitions, detailing the specific preservation methods and additives used. It examines the health implications and contrasts it with other fresh sausage options.

Key Points

Categorization: Hillshire sausage is processed meat, based on WHO definitions that include methods like curing, smoking, and adding chemical preservatives.
Key Ingredients: Ingredients like sodium nitrite, corn syrup, and dextrose found in Hillshire's smoked varieties are key indicators of processing.
Health Concerns: Regular consumption of processed meat is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like colorectal cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Ingredient Transparency: Checking the ingredients list for preservatives and understanding the processing methods is crucial for making informed dietary choices.
Alternative Choices: To reduce intake of processed meats, consumers can choose fresh, uncured sausages, lean protein sources, or plant-based proteins.
Not All Products Are Equal: Hillshire Farm does produce some products with fewer artificial ingredients, but its widely available smoked sausages are definitely processed.

What Defines Processed Meat?

The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) offers the most widely accepted definition of processed meat. Processed meat is any meat that has been transformed by salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. The WHO places processed meats, like sausages, in Group 1, meaning there is strong evidence they cause cancer, specifically colorectal cancer.

Key Indicators of Processing

Curing and Additives: Many processed meats contain chemical preservatives, particularly sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, which prolong shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
Smoking and Fermentation: These are traditional methods of preservation that, while altering taste, also classify the product as processed.
Flavor Enhancers: The addition of flavorings, sugars, and salts beyond what is necessary for taste also points to a higher level of processing.

The Verdict on Hillshire Sausage

An examination of the ingredients in Hillshire Farm's smoked sausage indicates it is processed meat. Ingredients often include meat, mechanically separated turkey, corn syrup, salt, natural flavors, dextrose, and importantly, sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate. Sodium nitrite is a curing agent and a primary reason for the processed classification. The smoking process also contributes to this classification.

Comparing Hillshire and Fresh Sausages


Feature	Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage (Processed)	Fresh, Uncured Sausage
Preservation Method	Cured with sodium nitrite; often smoked.	Typically uses refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. Some may contain sulfites.
Ingredients	Contains sodium nitrite, corn syrup, dextrose, and other additives.	Often contains just meat, spices, and salt, with no chemical preservatives.
Appearance	Uniform texture, often with a reddish or smoky pink color due to curing.	Can vary widely in texture and color, appearing more like ground meat.
Health Considerations	Higher in sodium, saturated fat, and additives like nitrites, which are associated with health risks.	Can still be high in sodium and fat, but lacks chemical preservatives like nitrites.
Packaging	Often vacuum-sealed or in plastic packaging with an extended expiration date.	Sold in butcher paper or permeable plastic, typically with a shorter 'use by' date.
Preparation	Fully cooked; can be thawed and served or reheated.	Raw and requires cooking before consumption.

The Broader Health Context of Processed Meats

Understanding that Hillshire sausage is processed meat is important for considering its place in a healthy diet. Health organizations advise limiting consumption of processed meats due to links with adverse health outcomes. Concerns include carcinogenic compounds from preservatives like nitrites, high sodium content linked to cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Making Healthier Choices

While processed meats can be enjoyed in moderation, a balanced diet should prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. When choosing meat products, consider these alternatives:

Fresh Sausage: Opt for uncured, fresh sausages, which are minimally processed and free of chemical preservatives like nitrites.
Lean Protein Sources: Increase your intake of lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish, which are not considered red or processed meat.
Plant-Based Proteins: Incorporate more legumes, nuts, and lentils into your diet for healthy, high-fiber protein.

Conclusion

In summary, the use of chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite and processing techniques such as smoking and curing confirm that Hillshire sausage is processed meat. While Hillshire Farm offers some products labeled as "minimally processed" and "no artificial ingredients," such as fresh Italian sausages, their popular smoked varieties fall into the processed category. For those reducing processed meat consumption, checking ingredients and considering healthier alternatives is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many Hillshire Farm products are processed, the company does offer some fresh sausage products, like certain Italian sausage varieties, that they label as "minimally processed" with no artificial ingredients. Always check the specific product label.

The primary ingredient that classifies many Hillshire sausage products as processed is sodium nitrite, a curing agent used for preservation and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

No, not all sausages are processed. Fresh, uncured sausage that contains only meat, spices, and salt, and is sold raw and refrigerated, is typically not considered processed in the same category as cured sausages.

Health risks associated with regular processed meat consumption include a higher risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease due to high sodium and saturated fat, and type 2 diabetes.

Smoking is a preservation method that is a key criterion for classifying meat as processed according to the World Health Organization. Therefore, most commercially smoked meat is considered processed.

The best way to tell is by reading the ingredients label. Look for chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate. If it is sold fully cooked with an extended shelf life, it is likely processed.

Mechanically separated meat is a paste-like meat product made by forcing edible animal parts under high pressure through a sieve to separate muscle tissue from bone. Some Hillshire Farm products, like their smoked sausage, do contain mechanically separated turkey.

While it is best to minimize consumption, processed meat can be part of a balanced diet when consumed sparingly and in moderation. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods is recommended for overall health.