Nutrition Diet: How many Calories are in a small fried sausage?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a small pan-fried pork sausage patty (27g) can contain around 88 calories. Understanding exactly how many Calories are in a small fried sausage? is the first step toward making informed dietary choices for managing your daily intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a small fried sausage varies by its meat content and how it's prepared. Learn about the differences in calories and fat among various sausage types and cooking methods to make healthier dietary choices.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a small fried sausage varies significantly based on the type of meat and how it is cooked.
Meat Matters: Leaner meats like chicken result in lower-calorie sausages, whereas beef and pork sausages are typically higher in fat and calories.
Cooking Method: Frying adds extra calories from oil, while healthier methods like baking, grilling, or boiling can reduce overall fat content.
Saturated Fat & Sodium: Sausages are often high in saturated fat and sodium, making label-checking and moderation important for heart health.
Healthier Alternatives: Choosing lean protein sources, or even making your own sausage, provides more control over fat and additive content.
Balanced Meals: Pairing sausages with vegetables or whole grains creates a more nutritionally balanced meal, adding fiber and vitamins.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Small Fried Sausage

While a definitive single number for a small fried sausage is elusive, the approximate calorie count is influenced by several factors: the type of meat, the amount of fat used, and the precise size. Generally, a small sausage weighing around 25 to 50 grams will contain between 62 and 156 calories, with fat and protein making up the majority of the energy. A small pan-fried pork sausage patty, for instance, might average 88 calories for a 27-gram portion, with 7.4g of fat and 5g of protein. This highlights that even within the 'small fried sausage' category, there is notable variation, underscoring the importance of checking product-specific nutrition labels.

The Impact of Meat Type on Calories

Sausages are not a one-size-fits-all food. The kind of meat used dramatically alters the calorie and fat content. Poultry-based sausages are almost always leaner and lower in calories than their red meat counterparts. Leaner cuts of any meat will also result in a lower-calorie product.

Pork Sausage: Often higher in fat and calories. A standard pork sausage can range from 130 to 150 calories for a 50g link.
Beef Sausage: Typically higher in both fat and protein than pork. A 50g beef sausage might contain 160 to 180 calories.
Chicken Sausage: A leaner option. On average, a 50g link contains 120 to 140 calories. Specific lean chicken and apple sausages can be as low as 110 calories per 85g link.
Vegetarian/Vegan Sausages: These alternatives can offer lower saturated fat but can sometimes have similar total fat and calorie counts to leaner meat sausages, depending on the fillers and oils used.

How Cooking Method Affects Nutritional Value

The method used to cook a sausage is another significant factor in its final calorie and fat content. Frying, especially deep-frying, adds extra fat and calories, while other methods can help reduce them.


Cooking Method Comparison: One Sausage (approx. 50g)	Cooking Method	Added Fat	Calorie Impact	Notes
Deep Frying	High	Adds significant calories from oil	Results in higher total fat and calories
Pan-Frying	Medium-Low	Moderate increase; can be limited	A less-oily version can still produce a crispy exterior
Boiling	None	Lowered fat content	Cooked fat often drains away during boiling
Baking/Grilling	Low	Lowered fat content	Fat drips away during cooking; prick sausages to assist
Air-Frying	Very Low	Low fat and calorie content	Fast, efficient cooking method for a crispy finish

Choosing and Preparing Healthier Sausages

For those seeking to include sausages in a healthier diet, moderation and preparation are key. Instead of reaching for the fattiest options, consider making a few simple changes to your routine.

Look for Leaner Options

Choosing sausages made with leaner meat is the most direct way to reduce calories and saturated fat. Look for varieties clearly labeled as chicken, turkey, or extra-lean pork, and check the nutrition label for the total fat and saturated fat content per 100g. Some brands specifically create healthier versions, such as Al Fresco or Applegate Farms.

Prioritize Better Cooking Techniques

If possible, avoid deep-frying. Baking or grilling on a rack allows excess fat to drain away. Boiling or poaching is another excellent method for lowering fat, and you can always briefly sear the sausages afterward for color and texture without adding much oil. For a quick and easy option, an air fryer offers a crispy finish with minimal oil.

Mindful Portion Control and Combinations

Sausages are often high in sodium, so limiting your intake to one or two links is a good practice. Furthermore, combining sausages with nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, salads, or whole grains, can create a more balanced meal that provides important vitamins and fiber. If you want to take control of all ingredients, making your own sausages allows for full customization of meat, fat, and seasonings.

Conclusion

While a small fried sausage can be a tasty treat, its caloric value is not fixed. It is a product of the meat composition and the cooking method employed. For those on a nutrition diet, opting for leaner sausage types like chicken or turkey and utilizing healthier cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or boiling can significantly lower the calorie and saturated fat intake. As always, balance and moderation are essential for a healthy and sustainable diet. To learn more about healthy cooking methods, a reliable resource can be found on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, a small fried sausage (around 50g) can contain approximately 130 to 150 calories, but this can vary depending on the meat and specific ingredients.

Yes, frying adds extra calories and fat from the oil used in the process. Deep frying, in particular, is the least healthy cooking method due to the significant increase in fat.

Sausages made from leaner meats like chicken or turkey are generally the lowest in calories. Leaner cuts of pork or kangaroo can also be healthier options.

The healthiest ways to cook sausages are boiling, baking, or grilling. These methods require little to no added oil and allow excess fat to drain away during cooking.

Vegetarian sausages can be lower in saturated fat, but not always lower in total fat or calories. It is essential to check the nutrition label, as some meat substitutes contain many additives.

To reduce fat when pan-frying, use a minimal amount of healthy oil (like olive oil), cook over low-medium heat, and drain any excess fat after cooking. You can also boil the sausages first before a quick pan-sear for color.

Fresh sausages from a reputable butcher may contain fewer preservatives, fillers, and additives. However, you should still inquire about the fat content to ensure it aligns with your dietary goals.

Yes, sausages are a source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, particularly B12. However, these benefits must be balanced against the high levels of fat and sodium in many processed varieties.