Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in an average sausage patty?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a single 27-gram cooked pork sausage patty contains approximately 88 calories, though this figure can vary significantly depending on the meat type, brand, and size. Understanding precisely how many calories are in an average sausage patty is essential for effective diet management.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a sausage patty is influenced by its size, meat type, and fat content, with standard pork versions averaging around 88 calories and other varieties ranging from 50 to over 200 calories per patty. The nutritional impact extends beyond calories, including significant fat and sodium levels.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: A single sausage patty's calorie count can range from under 100 to over 200, depending on its composition.
Leaner Alternatives Exist: Options made from turkey, chicken, or plant-based proteins are generally lower in calories and fat than traditional pork varieties.
Beyond Calories: It's important to also monitor the high levels of saturated fat and sodium often found in sausage patties.
Cooking Matters: The method of preparation, such as pan-frying versus baking, directly impacts the final caloric and fat content.
Homemade Offers Control: Making your own sausage patties allows you to control the ingredients and reduce the fat and sodium content.
Check the Label: Always consult the nutrition label, as even within the same meat type, brands and sizes can have drastically different nutritional values.

The Wide Spectrum of Sausage Patty Calories

The idea of an "average" sausage patty is more complex than it seems, as the nutritional profile is highly dependent on the type of meat used and the specific brand. While a USDA-referenced pork patty offers a baseline, commercial varieties can differ significantly. For instance, a fast-food chain's sausage patty can contain upwards of 190 calories, while leaner turkey or chicken options might contain as few as 60-70 calories per patty. Plant-based patties also offer a wide range, often falling in the 70-120 calorie bracket. This variability highlights the importance of checking product-specific nutrition labels rather than relying on a single average.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

Several key factors contribute to the calorie and overall nutritional content of a sausage patty:

Type of meat: Pork is traditionally higher in fat and calories than poultry options like turkey or chicken. Leaner meat provides a lower calorie base.
Fat-to-meat ratio: Processed sausages may contain more added fat and fillers, which increases the total calorie count. Higher-quality, whole-meat patties tend to be leaner.
Cooking method: Pan-frying in oil or butter will add extra calories and fat, while baking, grilling, or using a non-stick skillet can reduce or eliminate added fats.
Brand and preparation: Different brands have unique recipes. Some may be fully cooked and frozen, while others are fresh. Additives like sugars or fillers can also affect the final calorie count.

Beyond Calories: A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

While calories are a primary concern for many, a holistic understanding of a sausage patty's nutritional profile is crucial. Beyond the energy provided, these patties often contain high levels of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which can have significant health implications. The percentage of calories from fat can be quite high, sometimes accounting for over 75% of the total energy. For individuals monitoring their heart health, sodium and saturated fat are particularly important to track.

Making Healthier Sausage Choices

For those who enjoy sausage but want to make more health-conscious decisions, several strategies can help:

Opt for leaner proteins: Chicken and turkey sausage patties offer significantly less saturated fat and fewer calories. Some varieties are naturally leaner and free from many additives.
Try plant-based alternatives: With a growing market of plant-based options, there are now many flavorful sausage patties made from pea protein, soy, or wheat gluten. These can be lower in fat and cholesterol, but it's important to check the specific product's label for sodium content.
Make your own: Creating homemade sausage patties from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, spices, and fat content. A recipe using lean ground chicken and a mix of herbs and spices can create a delicious and low-calorie alternative.
Cook smart: Reduce the need for added oil by using a high-quality non-stick pan, baking, or air-frying your patties instead of frying them in a pool of fat. Draining any grease after cooking is also an effective way to cut down on fat.

Sausage Patty Nutritional Comparison


Type	Approximate Weight	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Sodium
Pork (USDA)	27g (1 patty)	88	7.4g	2.4g	220mg
Lean Turkey	57g (2 patties)	100	6g	1.5g	420mg
Plant-Based (Soy/Wheat)	38g (1 patty)	70-80	2-7g	0-3g	~240mg
Fast-Food Pork	N/A	190	18g	6g	280mg

Note: Nutritional information can vary by brand and preparation. Always check the product label. A comprehensive resource like Verywell Fit offers more detail on different sausage options.

Conclusion

Determining how many calories are in an average sausage patty is not as simple as referencing one number, given the vast differences in size, meat type, and processing. While a standard cooked pork patty contains around 88 calories, leaner options like turkey or plant-based versions offer lower-calorie alternatives. For a healthier approach, consider making your own patties from scratch, opting for leaner store-bought options, and using cooking methods that don't add extra fat. Paying attention to the entire nutritional profile, including saturated fat and sodium, is key to making a truly informed decision for your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to USDA data, a 27-gram cooked pork sausage patty contains approximately 88 calories.

Yes, turkey sausage patties are typically leaner and therefore lower in calories than traditional pork patties.

Plant-based sausage patties vary by brand but generally contain between 70 and 120 calories, often with less saturated fat and no cholesterol compared to pork.

Yes, cooking methods impact the final calorie count. Pan-frying in oil adds calories, while baking or air-frying can reduce them.

Beyond calories, you should pay attention to the levels of saturated fat and sodium, which can be high in many processed sausage products.

A good way to reduce calories is to choose leaner options like chicken or turkey sausage, or make your own patties from scratch to control the ingredients.

The sodium content varies greatly, but it can be quite high. A standard 27g pork patty contains about 220mg of sodium, while some commercial varieties have significantly more.