Is Turkey Sausage Good for a Low Carb Diet?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, some varieties of turkey sausage can contain as little as 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This fact highlights that whether or not turkey sausage is good for a low carb diet depends heavily on the specific brand and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

This article explores the carb content of turkey sausage, explaining how to identify low-carb options by checking labels for hidden sugars and fillers. It compares turkey sausage to other low-carb meats, provides healthy preparation tips, and offers shopping guidance for those on a low-carb diet.

Key Points

Ingredient Awareness: Always check the ingredients list for added fillers, binders, and sugars which can increase the carbohydrate content of turkey sausage.
Nutritional Variation: The carb count in turkey sausage varies dramatically by brand, with some containing virtually no carbs while others have hidden sources like starches or corn syrup.
Read the Label: A product labeled 'no sugar added' or with a simple ingredient list (turkey and spices) is your best bet for a genuinely low-carb option.
Compare to Other Meats: Turkey sausage is often leaner and lower in saturated fat than pork sausage, making it a potentially healthier choice for low-carb eaters.
Control Your Cooking: For complete dietary control, opt for ground turkey sausage and season it yourself to ensure it contains no added carbs.

Understanding Turkey Sausage and Carbohydrates

Turkey sausage, in its most basic form, is naturally low in carbohydrates, consisting primarily of ground turkey meat and spices. However, many commercially produced sausages contain a variety of additives that can significantly increase the carbohydrate count. These additives, including fillers, binders, and added sugars, are used to improve texture, flavor, and shelf life. For anyone following a low-carb diet, scrutinizing the nutritional label is not just a good idea—it's essential.

The Impact of Ingredients on Carb Count

Unlike homemade sausage, which you can control entirely, store-bought versions vary dramatically. For example, some breakfast sausages might include wheat flour, breadcrumbs, or corn syrup to act as a binder, inadvertently raising the carb total. Other flavor-enhancing ingredients, such as certain sauces or marinades used in pre-cooked sausages, can also be a source of hidden sugars. To ensure your turkey sausage is low-carb, always prioritize products with minimal ingredients and no added sugars or starchy fillers. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, so a quick check can save you from an unexpected carb load.

Turkey Sausage vs. Other Sausages for Low Carb Diets

When comparing turkey sausage to other meat options, like pork or chicken sausage, the carb count can be a deciding factor. While many meat-based sausages are naturally low-carb, turkey is often leaner. The carbohydrate content can still fluctuate based on processing.


Feature	Turkey Sausage	Pork Sausage
Carbohydrates	Typically very low (can be 0g) if no fillers are added.	Often very low (can be 0g) if no fillers are added.
Fat Content	Generally leaner, lower in total and saturated fat.	Higher in total and saturated fat.
Protein	Good source of high-quality protein.	Good source of high-quality protein.
Sodium	Can be very high; varies widely by brand. Important to check labels.	Can be very high; varies widely by brand. Check labels for low-sodium options.
Saturated Fat	Lower saturated fat than most pork sausages.	Significantly higher saturated fat.

How to Choose a Healthy, Low Carb Turkey Sausage

Selecting the best turkey sausage for your diet involves more than just checking the carbohydrate count. Here’s a checklist to help you make an informed decision:

Read the Ingredients List: Look for a minimal list of ingredients. The first ingredient should be turkey, followed by natural spices and seasonings.
Avoid Fillers and Binders: Watch out for ingredients like flour, corn syrup, starches, or soy protein, which add carbs.
Look for 'No Sugar Added': Many sausage products contain a small amount of sugar to enhance flavor. Opt for brands explicitly labeled 'no sugar added'.
Check the Nutritional Information: Compare the grams of carbohydrates per serving. The best low-carb options will have 1 gram or less.
Choose Lower Sodium Options: Processed turkey sausage can be high in sodium, which is not ideal for overall health. Seek out lower sodium varieties or use a smaller portion.
Consider Making Your Own: For complete control over ingredients, making homemade turkey sausage is the best option. You simply need ground turkey, herbs, and spices.

Low-Carb Turkey Sausage Recipe Ideas

Incorporating low-carb turkey sausage into your meals is easy and delicious. Here are a few recipe ideas:

Breakfast Skillet: Sauté chopped low-carb turkey sausage with bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Top with eggs and cheese for a filling meal.
"Egg Roll in a Bowl": Brown crumbled ground turkey sausage and cook it with a bag of coleslaw mix, a bit of soy sauce (or tamari), and ginger.
Sausage Stuffed Peppers: Mix cooked ground turkey sausage with cream cheese, herbs, and some chopped onion. Stuff into bell pepper halves and bake until tender.

The Takeaway

For those on a low carb diet, turkey sausage can be an excellent protein source, but careful selection is crucial. The wide variations in manufacturing mean that some products are ideal, while others are loaded with hidden carbs and sodium. By reading labels and choosing wisely, you can enjoy this versatile food without compromising your dietary goals. Opt for minimal ingredients, avoid added sugars and fillers, and consider making your own for ultimate control. This proactive approach ensures you get all the flavor and protein benefits without the unnecessary carbohydrates.

Visit the Food Network for an article on why turkey sausage is a healthy choice compared to pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, turkey sausage can be part of a keto diet, but you must choose a brand with no added sugars or high-carb fillers. Always check the nutrition label to ensure the carb count is minimal.

Look for a short and simple ingredient list, with no added sugars, flour, or binders like corn syrup. The nutritional information should show 1 gram of carbohydrates or less per serving.

Turkey sausage is generally leaner and has less saturated fat and calories than pork sausage, though both can be low-carb. The healthier option depends on the specific brands and how they are processed.

No, not all turkey sausage brands are low-carb. Many commercial brands use fillers, binders, and sugar to enhance flavor and texture, which increases the carbohydrate content. Reading the label is essential.

You can make a quick breakfast skillet with eggs and vegetables, or cook ground turkey sausage with cabbage and spices for a simple, savory meal. Sheet pan sausage with low-carb vegetables is another easy option.

The carb content of smoked turkey sausage, like other varieties, depends on the manufacturer. Some smoked varieties can be very low-carb, while others might contain added sugars. Check the label to be sure.

To make your own, combine ground turkey with spices like sage, fennel, salt, and pepper. You can form it into patties and pan-fry them for complete control over the ingredients and carb count.