What are the ingredients in Johnsonville turkey sausage?

According to product labels, Johnsonville turkey sausage is made primarily from turkey and water, with the specific combination of seasonings and additives varying by product type. This article breaks down exactly what are the ingredients in Johnsonville turkey sausage across several popular varieties, providing clarity on the contents of your breakfast or dinner.

Quick Summary

An analysis of several Johnsonville turkey sausage products reveals ingredients like premium turkey, water, and various seasonings. Additives such as salt, sugar, potassium lactate, and dextrose are also used, with some varieties featuring different spice blends or cheeses.

Key Points

• Core Ingredients: The primary ingredients in most Johnsonville turkey sausage products are 100% premium turkey and water.

• Flavor Variation: Specific seasonings and additives, such as sugar, dextrose, and natural flavors, differ between product varieties like breakfast links and smoked sausage.

• Preservative Use: To ensure freshness and stability, preservatives like potassium lactate, sodium diacetate, and, in some smoked varieties, sodium nitrite are used.

• Specialty Products: Some versions, like turkey cheddar sausage, include additional ingredients like cheese and beef collagen casing.

• Label Reading is Key: The exact ingredient list varies by product, so checking the specific package label is the most reliable method.

• Premium Quality Claim: Johnsonville markets its turkey sausage as being made with premium cuts and no fillers or mechanically separated meat.

• Additives and Allergens: While many products are gluten-free and have no artificial colors, some include milk-based ingredients in specialty versions.

A Closer Look at Johnsonville Turkey Sausage Ingredients

Johnsonville offers a variety of turkey sausage products, including breakfast links, smoked sausage, and flavored options like turkey cheddar. While the core ingredient is always premium turkey, the full list of ingredients can differ slightly depending on the specific product. Understanding these variations helps consumers make informed decisions based on their dietary needs and preferences.

The Foundational Ingredients: Turkey and Water

The most basic and consistent ingredients across all Johnsonville turkey sausage products are turkey and water. The company specifies using 100% premium cuts of turkey and, for most varieties, does not use mechanically separated meat or fillers. The water content helps to maintain moisture and texture, preventing the sausage from becoming too dry during cooking. The quality of the turkey and the absence of fillers are key selling points that Johnsonville emphasizes for its turkey products.

Common Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

Beyond the core meat and water, a blend of seasonings is crucial for the sausage's flavor profile. These often include a mix of natural and artificial flavors. For the Original Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links, the seasoning list is relatively simple, focusing on achieving a traditional breakfast sausage taste. Common seasonings and flavor enhancers include:

• Salt: A fundamental seasoning for flavor enhancement and preservation.
• Sugar and Dextrose: Added for sweetness and browning.
• Natural Flavor: Used to boost the product's taste.
• Yeast Extract: Often used as a natural flavor enhancer, contributing an umami taste.

Preservatives and Functional Additives

Various preservatives and additives are used to ensure freshness, consistency, and texture. These include:

• Potassium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate: Used to extend shelf life and control bacterial growth.
• Citric Acid: Acts as an antioxidant and preservative.
• BHA and Propyl Gallate: Antioxidants found in some products.
• Sodium Nitrite: A curing agent used in some smoked varieties.
• Sodium Phosphate: Helps with moisture retention and texture.

Specialty Ingredients in Specific Varieties

Some Johnsonville turkey sausages include additional ingredients for unique flavors. For instance, the Smoked Turkey Cheddar Sausage contains pasteurized process cheddar cheese. Other specialty ingredients can be found depending on the specific product.

Comparison of Ingredients: Breakfast vs. Smoked Turkey Sausage

To highlight the differences, a comparison of ingredients in popular varieties can be helpful. For instance, while both use turkey and water, smoked varieties may include ingredients like corn syrup, MSG, and sodium nitrite, often encased in beef collagen. Breakfast links typically have a simpler seasoning blend. For a detailed comparison table of ingredients for Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage (Original) and Smoked Turkey Sausage Links, please see {Link: Johnsonville website https://johnsonville.com/products/smoked-turkey-sausage/}.

Conclusion

The ingredients in Johnsonville turkey sausage vary by product type. While all varieties use premium turkey and water, flavorings, preservatives, and other additives differ. Checking the product label is essential for a precise list of ingredients for any specific package.

Further Reading

For more information on food additives and preservatives, you can consult resources like the FDA's website, which offers insights into regulations and uses of common food additives. Food Additives Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in the fully cooked Johnsonville turkey breakfast sausage?

The Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links contain Turkey, Water, and less than 2% of ingredients like Natural Flavor, Salt, Sugar, Dextrose, Potassium Lactate, Sodium Diacetate, Yeast Extract, and Citrus Extract.

Does Johnsonville turkey sausage contain MSG?

Some varieties of Johnsonville turkey sausage, such as the Smoked Turkey Sausage Links, contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer. However, specific breakfast sausage products might state they have no MSG.

Is Johnsonville turkey sausage gluten-free?

Yes, many Johnsonville turkey sausage products, including some breakfast sausage and smoked sausage varieties, are labeled as gluten-free.

What are the ingredients in Johnsonville smoked turkey sausage?

Ingredients for the smoked variety typically include Turkey, Water, Salt, Corn Syrup, Modified Food Starch, Sugar, Potassium Lactate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Phosphate, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Nitrite, and a Beef Collagen Casing.

Are there any artificial ingredients in Johnsonville turkey sausage?

Some products, particularly smoked sausage varieties, may contain artificial flavors. However, Johnsonville's Fully Cooked Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links are noted to have no artificial flavors or colors.

Do all Johnsonville turkey sausage products have the same ingredients?

No, the ingredients vary based on the product. Different varieties, such as breakfast links, smoked sausage, or those with added cheese, will have different seasoning blends and functional ingredients.

Are fillers used in Johnsonville turkey sausage?

According to the company, Johnsonville turkey sausage is made with 100% premium cuts of turkey and contains no fillers or mechanically separated meat.