Understanding Your Vegan Diet: How Many Calories Are in a Walls Vegan Sausage Roll?

November 5, 2025 •

5 min read

A standard Walls vegan sausage roll (55g) contains approximately 161 calories, making it a quick snack option. However, its nutritional value goes beyond the calorie count, raising questions about how this processed food fits into a genuinely healthy plant-based diet. This guide will detail how many calories are in a Walls vegan sausage roll and provide context on its nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Walls vegan sausage roll depends on the size, with the standard 55g roll having about 161kcal and the larger 120g jumbo roll containing approximately 347kcal. We offer a comparative look at its nutritional content versus traditional sausage rolls and highlight the importance of balancing processed vegan alternatives with whole plant-based foods.

Key Points

Standard vs. Jumbo Calories: A standard Walls vegan sausage roll (55g) contains around 161 calories, while the jumbo (120g) version has approximately 347 calories.
Not Always Healthier: Vegan processed snacks, including sausage rolls, are not automatically healthier than meat versions and can be high in saturated fat and salt.
Beware of Ultra-Processed Foods: Vegan sausage rolls are an example of an ultra-processed food (UPF), which are linked to negative health outcomes regardless of their plant-based origin.
Homemade is Healthier: Creating a homemade vegan sausage roll using whole foods like mushrooms, legumes, and nuts is a healthier, less-processed alternative.
Focus on Whole Foods: A truly healthy plant-based diet prioritizes whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Mind Nutritional Gaps: Vegans need to pay special attention to potentially missing nutrients like B12, Vitamin D, and calcium, often requiring fortified foods or supplements.

Walls Vegan Sausage Roll: Calorie Breakdown

Walls produces its vegan sausage rolls in different sizes, and the calorie content varies accordingly. It is important to check the packaging, especially if you are monitoring your calorie intake. The two main sizes and their corresponding nutritional information are as follows:

Standard 55g Roll: Provides approximately 161 calories and 8.6g of fat, including 3.3g of saturated fat. It also contains around 15.7g of carbohydrates and 4.3g of protein.
Jumbo 120g Roll: Offers about 347 calories, with 17.6g of fat (6.2g saturated). This larger version also has significantly more carbohydrates at 35.9g and 9.8g of protein.

These figures demonstrate that while the roll is free of animal products, it remains a calorie-dense food, primarily due to its fat and carbohydrate content. The vegan filling uses ingredients like mushrooms and plant-based protein, while the pastry relies on palm oil, a source of saturated fat.

Vegan vs. Meat Sausage Rolls: A Nutritional Comparison

Switching to a vegan option does not automatically mean a healthier choice, as nutritional profiles can be surprisingly similar to their meat-based counterparts. A comparison with Walls' pork sausage rolls reveals some interesting distinctions.


Nutritional Value	Walls 55g Vegan Sausage Roll	Walls 55g Pork Sausage Roll	Walls 120g Vegan Jumbo Roll	Walls 120g Pork Jumbo Roll [2.2.8 (similar brand data)]
Calories	~161 kcal	~183 kcal	~347 kcal	~539 kcal
Fat	8.6g	10.6g	17.6g	N/A (likely higher)
Saturates	3.3g	4.6g	6.2g	N/A (likely higher)
Carbohydrates	15.7g	16.8g	35.9g	N/A (likely higher)
Protein	4.3g	N/A	9.8g	N/A (likely higher)
Salt	0.81g	N/A	1.8g	N/A (likely higher)

The comparison shows that the vegan roll might be slightly lower in calories, but the difference is marginal and varies depending on the specific product and brand. Importantly, the vegan alternative can still be high in saturated fat and salt, especially when highly processed, so relying on the 'vegan' label for guaranteed health benefits can be misleading.

The Rise of Processed Vegan Alternatives and Health Implications

The vegan sausage roll is a prime example of a processed, or even ultra-processed, plant-based food. While the core components are derived from plants, the food is heavily engineered with additives, flavorings, and saturated fats to mimic the taste and texture of a meat product.

Studies have shown that high consumption of ultra-processed foods, whether plant-based or not, is linked to negative health outcomes such as an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The marketing of these products can create a false impression of health, which research has shown to be a concern. A truly healthy vegan diet focuses on whole, minimally processed plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Healthier Homemade Vegan Sausage Roll Alternatives

For those who enjoy the flavor but want to avoid the health drawbacks of ultra-processed snacks, making homemade versions is an excellent option. A homemade vegan sausage roll can be a flavorful and nutrient-dense meal when prepared with wholesome ingredients.

Here is a list of ingredients and ideas for a healthier, homemade alternative:

Filling Base: Use a mix of mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, and walnuts to create a hearty, textured filling.
Flavoring: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with sautéed onions and garlic, can provide a rich, savory flavor profile.
Binding: Mash some cooked legumes or use a small amount of wholemeal breadcrumbs to bind the mixture.
Pastry: Opt for a ready-rolled vegan puff pastry, but consider portion sizes. For a healthier twist, use whole-wheat pastry or a lower-fat homemade dough.
Glaze and Topping: Use a plant-based milk wash and a sprinkle of seeds like sesame, poppy, or nigella seeds for a golden finish and added nutrients.

The Role of Snacks in a Balanced Vegan Diet

Incorporating nutritious snacks is key to maintaining a balanced diet, whether vegan or not. While processed options can satisfy a craving, they shouldn't replace whole-food snacks that provide essential nutrients. Here are some healthy vegan snack ideas:

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Fruits and vegetables: Raw vegetables with hummus, or dried fruit as an alternative to sugary snacks.
Protein-rich options: Edamame, roasted chickpeas, or a smoothie with plant-based protein powder.
Whole grains: High-fiber crackers or whole-grain toast with nut butter.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories for Vegans

Simply checking the calorie count for a vegan snack is not enough. A well-planned vegan diet requires attention to several nutrients that can be harder to obtain without animal products.

Nutrients to Monitor on a Vegan Diet

Vitamin B12: Found almost exclusively in animal products, B12 intake for vegans must come from fortified foods (e.g., cereals, plant milks) or supplements.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Vegans have lower intakes of calcium, making fortified plant milks, certain green leafy vegetables (like kale), and tofu important. Vitamin D can also be an issue, especially during winter.
Iron: While vegan diets can be high in iron from plant sources, it is less easily absorbed than animal-based iron. Consuming iron-rich foods with vitamin C can help increase absorption.
Zinc: Some plant foods high in zinc contain phytates that inhibit absorption. Vegans should ensure a varied diet or consider supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Plant sources of omega-3s, like those found in walnuts and flaxseed, may not have the same health benefits as those in oily fish.

Conclusion

While a Walls vegan sausage roll provides a convenient and tasty, meat-free snack, its status as a highly processed food means it should not be a staple in a health-focused diet. The calorie count, ranging from 161kcal to 347kcal depending on size, is comparable to or only marginally lower than its meat equivalent. A balanced and nutritious vegan diet is built on whole, minimally processed plant foods, supplemented for key nutrients like B12. For those seeking a similar savory treat, homemade versions using whole ingredients offer a healthier alternative with better nutritional quality and a higher fiber content. Conscious snacking and a focus on whole foods, rather than processed alternatives, is the best path to long-term health on a vegan diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Walls vegan sausage roll, weighing 55g, contains approximately 161 calories. The exact nutritional content may vary slightly between products and retailers.

A Walls vegan jumbo roll, which weighs 120g, has approximately 347 calories. This is significantly higher than the standard roll due to its larger size.

It is not automatically healthier, and the difference is often marginal. Some vegan alternatives can have similar or higher levels of salt or sugar than meat options, and both are considered processed snacks.

No, not all plant-based snacks are healthy. The healthiness depends on the level of processing. Ultra-processed plant-based foods, like many vegan sausage rolls, can be high in unhealthy additives, salt, and saturated fat.

Healthier alternatives include snacks made from whole plant foods such as nuts and seeds, hummus with veggie sticks, and homemade sausage rolls using nutrient-rich ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts.

Vegans need to ensure adequate intake of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, often through fortified foods or supplements, as these can be less abundant in a plant-based diet.

Yes, you can make a healthier version at home by controlling ingredients. Using a mix of whole foods like mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, and herbs for the filling is much more nutritious than relying on store-bought, highly processed versions.