What are the ingredients in Little Smokies sausages?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Hillshire Farm's product labeling, a major brand, their original Lit'l Smokies contain pork, mechanically separated chicken, and corn syrup, among other additives. The exact ingredient list can vary by brand and product line, but the core formula involves a blend of meats and preservatives that give these cocktail sausages their distinct flavor and texture.

Quick Summary

Little Smokies sausages typically contain a blend of meats like pork, chicken, and beef, alongside water, corn syrup, and various preservatives. The specific formulation varies by manufacturer, with some focusing on all-beef versions or uncured options. Key additives include sodium nitrite, flavorings, and phosphates to ensure taste, color, and shelf life.

Key Points

Core Meats: Little Smokies typically contain a blend of meats such as pork, mechanically separated chicken, and/or beef, depending on the brand and variety.
Additives and Preservatives: The ingredients include sodium nitrite, phosphates, and flavor enhancers like MSG to ensure taste, color, and a longer shelf life.
Fillers and Binders: Water and corn syrup are integral ingredients used to bind the mixture and achieve the right texture.
Flavor Profile: The distinctive smoky flavor is achieved through both the smoking process and the addition of natural flavorings and spices.
Ultra-Processed Food: Due to the processing methods and additive content, Little Smokies are classified as an ultra-processed food.

Core Components of Little Smokies Sausages

At their heart, Little Smokies are a type of processed, smoked sausage, and their ingredients reflect this. While many brands produce them, the most well-known, Hillshire Farm, lists a specific combination of components. This standard formulation provides a base for understanding what is in most varieties.

Primary Meat Content

The meat base is the foundation of any sausage, and for Little Smokies, it is often a mixture of multiple animal proteins. The original versions commonly combine pork and mechanically separated chicken. Mechanically separated chicken is a paste-like meat product created by forcing bones with attached edible tissue through a sieve. Beef is also a frequent addition to the meat blend, and some brands offer all-beef varieties for those who prefer it.

Water and Fillers

To achieve the right consistency and texture, water is a crucial ingredient. It helps to bind the other components and prevent the sausage from becoming too dry. Corn syrup is a common filler and sweetener, contributing to the mild, slightly sweet flavor profile. Modified food starch may also be used in some brands to improve texture and stability.

Seasonings and Flavorings

The characteristic smoky flavor comes from a combination of natural flavors and spices. These can vary significantly between brands but often include a rich blend of spices with a hint of garlic. Beef stock might be added to deepen the savory taste, while dextrose and natural flavors are included for seasoning.

Preservatives and Stabilizers

To maintain freshness, color, and prevent spoilage, various additives are used in Little Smokies. These are typically included in small quantities (less than 2% of the total weight) and serve different purposes:

Sodium Nitrite: This is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and give the sausage its pink color.
Sodium Erythorbate: An antioxidant that helps the sodium nitrite work more effectively to preserve the sausage.
Potassium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate: These are salts that inhibit bacterial growth and extend the product's shelf life.
Sodium Phosphate: A stabilizer that helps to retain moisture, ensuring a juicy texture.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer that adds a savory, umami taste.

Comparison Table: Original vs. Beef Little Smokies

The ingredients can differ depending on the product line, as shown in this comparison of two popular Hillshire Farm varieties:


Ingredient	Hillshire Farm Original Lit'l Smokies	Hillshire Farm Beef Lit'l Smokies
Meat	Pork, Mechanically Separated Chicken	Beef
Water	Yes	Yes
Corn Syrup	Yes	Yes
Flavoring	Natural Flavors, Beef Stock	Natural Flavor
Preservatives	Potassium Lactate, Calcium Lactate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite	Potassium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite
Sweeteners	Dextrose	Dextrose
Casing	Calcium Alginate Casing	Calcium Alginate Casing
MSG	Yes	Yes

Casing and Manufacturing

The outer casing of the sausage is what holds it all together. Some brands, including Hillshire Farm, use calcium alginate or beef collagen casings. These casings are edible and created from natural sources. After the ingredients are combined, the mixture is stuffed into the casings, cooked, and then smoked to impart the signature flavor before packaging.

Potential Health Considerations

Given the ingredients, it is worth noting a few health considerations. The presence of sodium nitrite has been linked to health concerns by some organizations, although it is a regulated and approved food additive. The inclusion of corn syrup and other fillers means these are ultra-processed foods. While fine in moderation, consumers should be mindful of the added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat content, particularly if following a specific dietary plan. For example, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) flags these products as having higher levels of concern due to these factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ingredients in Little Smokies sausages are a blend of meat (typically pork and chicken, but sometimes all beef), water, corn syrup, seasonings, and a variety of chemical preservatives and stabilizers. The specific mix can differ between manufacturers and product types, but the overall formulation is designed to create a consistent, shelf-stable, and flavorful product. Understanding this ingredient list allows consumers to make informed decisions based on their dietary needs and preferences. For more detailed nutritional information on Hillshire Farm products, you can visit their official website for specific product pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The meat in Little Smokies varies by brand and product type. Original versions from companies like Hillshire Farm use a combination of pork and mechanically separated chicken, while other varieties may use all beef.

Yes, many brands of Little Smokies, including Hillshire Farm's original version, list monosodium glutamate (MSG) as an ingredient to enhance their savory flavor.

Most Little Smokies are cured with sodium nitrite to preserve them and give them their pink color. However, some brands offer uncured versions that use different preservatives, such as celery powder.

Little Smokies are typically made with either a calcium alginate casing or a beef collagen casing, both of which are edible.

Little Smokies have a relatively high sodium content, which comes from the salt and other sodium-based preservatives used in the recipe. This high sodium level is typical of many processed and cured meats.

No, while the concept is similar, ingredient lists differ between brands and product variations (e.g., original vs. beef vs. cheddar cheese flavored), affecting the taste, texture, and nutritional profile.

Little Smokies are made by blending ground meats with water, seasonings, and preservatives, stuffing the mixture into a casing, and then fully cooking and smoking them before packaging.