Core Ingredients of Johnsonville Cheddarwurst
While there might be slight variations between product lines and regions, the most widely recognized Johnsonville Cheddarwurst product, the "Beddar with Cheddar" smoked sausage, has a clearly defined ingredient list on the company's website. The primary components are:
- Pork: The foundation of the sausage, Johnsonville emphasizes using 100% premium cuts of pork.
- Water: A necessary component for moisture and texture in the sausage filling.
- Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese: This is the key ingredient that provides the signature cheesy flavor. It is a composite ingredient itself, consisting of cheddar cheese (made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes), water, milkfat, sodium phosphate, salt, and natural colorings. Sorbic acid is included as a preservative.
- Beef Collagen Casing: This is what holds the sausage together. It is an edible, manufactured casing made from beef protein.
Minor Ingredients (Less than 2%)
Ingredients included in small quantities to enhance flavor, preserve freshness, and improve texture are listed after the major ingredients. These include:
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning.
- Corn Syrup: Used for flavoring and to aid moisture retention.
- Potassium Lactate: A preservative to extend shelf life.
- Sugar: Added for flavor balance.
- Natural Flavors: Contribute to the overall taste profile.
- Sodium Diacetate: A preservative that inhibits microbial growth.
- Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant to preserve color and flavor.
- Sodium Nitrite: A common curing agent and preservative that contributes to color and flavor.
A Breakdown of Preservatives and Additives
Many lesser ingredients are functional additives. For example, the pasteurized process cheddar cheese includes Sodium Phosphate as an emulsifying salt and Sorbic Acid as a preservative. Powdered Cellulose is added to prevent clumping.
Comparison of Johnsonville's Cheddar Products
It's important to note that the term "Cheddarwurst" might refer to specific variations. Johnsonville offers several products with cheddar. The table below compares the standard Beddar with Cheddar sausage to the Cheddar & Beer Brats.
| Ingredient Category | Beddar with Cheddar Smoked Sausage | Cheddar & Beer Brats (Tailgate) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Premium Pork | Premium Pork |
| Cheese | Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese with preservatives | Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese |
| Special Flavor | Smoked, Natural Flavors | Real Wisconsin Beer |
| Casing | Beef Collagen Casing | Edible casing, not specified but common for brats |
| Sweeteners | Corn Syrup, Sugar | Corn Syrup, Dextrose |
| Preservatives | Potassium Lactate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite | BHA, Propyl Gallate, Citric Acid |
Conclusion: A Blend of Quality and Additives
In conclusion, the ingredients in Johnsonville Cheddarwurst, particularly the popular 'Beddar with Cheddar' variety, consist primarily of premium pork and a pasteurized process cheddar cheese blend. The full list includes water, corn syrup, salt, sugar, and a range of preservatives and additives like sodium nitrite and potassium lactate. While the core is real meat and cheese, other ingredients are carefully selected to ensure flavor, texture, and shelf life. Consumers can make informed choices by understanding this list.
For more information on the specific product, including nutritional facts and preparation instructions, you can visit the official Johnsonville product page.
How to Find Ingredients on Johnsonville's Website
- Navigate to the website: Go to Johnsonville.com.
- Find the product page: Use the search bar or product categories to find the specific item you are interested in, such as "Beddar with Cheddar Smoked Sausage."
- Locate the ingredients list: The ingredient list is typically found in the nutritional information section or within the product details.
- Read carefully: The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few ingredients are the most abundant.
Key Additives and Their Functions
- Sodium Nitrite: A curing agent preventing bacterial growth and contributing to color and flavor.
- Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant helping cure meat faster and preserving color.
- Sorbic Acid: A common food preservative inhibiting mold, yeast, and fungi growth.
- Sodium Phosphate: An emulsifying salt improving texture and moisture retention in process cheese.
- Potassium Lactate: A preservative controlling food spoilage bacteria growth.
Regional and Product Variations
Always check the label of the specific product, as ingredients can differ by region or type. For example, Johnsonville's Canadian website lists slightly different ingredients for their Smoked Cheddar Sausages, including "natural and artificial flavors". Other cheddar-infused items will also have varying lists.
What to Know Before You Buy
Reading the ingredient label is important, especially for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Johnsonville Cheddarwurst contains milk and several preservatives. While generally recognized as safe, these are factors to consider. The focus on premium pork and real cheese is a key selling point, supported by other functional ingredients.
