Why Added Sugar is Common in Sausage
Before diving into which brands to choose, it's important to understand why sugar often appears in processed sausage. Manufacturers add a small amount of sugar to sausage for several reasons, including helping with the browning process during cooking and balancing the salty flavor. This practice is prevalent, and even lean or 'all-natural' varieties can contain added sweeteners to improve the product's flavor profile. For example, many conventional brands list ingredients like corn syrup, dextrose, or brown sugar among their spices. This makes reading labels a necessary step for consumers aiming to avoid added sugars.
How to Find Truly Sugar-Free Sausage
Finding a truly sugar-free sausage involves careful inspection of the product packaging. The most direct indicators are labels explicitly stating 'No Sugar Added' or 'Sugar-Free.' However, you should always verify this information by reviewing the ingredient list and the nutrition facts panel.
Reading the Nutrition Facts Panel
- Added Sugars: The FDA's updated nutrition label now includes a line for 'Added Sugars'. A product with 0g of added sugar is the goal.
- Total Sugars: While looking at the 'Total Sugars' can be a hint, remember that this value includes naturally occurring sugars (like lactose from milk products). For meat products like sausage, if the total sugar count is very low or zero, it's a good sign.
Scrutinizing the Ingredient List
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if any form of sugar appears near the top, the product is high in sugar. Watch for the following common aliases for sugar:
- Dextrose
- Corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup
- Maltodextrin
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Looking for Dietary Certifications
Some dietary certifications can signal a sugar-free product. Whole30 and Keto diet-approved products strictly prohibit added sugars and often display this information prominently on the packaging.
Top Brands Offering Sugar-Free Sausage
Several brands cater to the demand for sausage without added sugar, making it easier for consumers to find suitable options at major grocery chains and specialty stores.
Jones Dairy Farm
Jones Dairy Farm offers an entire line of All-Natural sausage products with no added sugar. Their offerings are also certified gluten-free. Their sugar-free options include:
- No Sugar All Natural Pork Sausage Roll
- No Sugar All Natural Pork Sausage Patties
- No Antibiotics Ever Turkey Sausage Links
Applegate Naturals
Applegate is known for its commitment to natural and humanely raised meats. They have several 'No Sugar' breakfast sausage options that are also Whole30 approved:
- No Sugar Chicken & Herb Breakfast Sausage
- No Sugar Original Pork Breakfast Sausage
- Savory Turkey Breakfast Sausage (some varieties)
Pederson's Natural Farms
Pederson's specializes in humanely raised, minimally processed products with no added sugar. Their range includes breakfast sausages, kielbasa, and smoked sausages, all of which are Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 friendly:
- No Sugar Added Uncured Kielbasa
- No Sugar Added Breakfast Sausage
- Organic Smoked Sausage
Naked Links
Naked Links offers sausages that are 100% sugar-free, Whole30 approved, Keto, and Paleo friendly. They use high-quality, hand-crafted ingredients.
Tender Belly
Tender Belly produces a range of uncured, no-sugar-added products from heritage breed pork, raised without antibiotics. Their Signature No Sugar Breakfast Sausage is a popular choice.
Seven Sons Farms
Seven Sons Farms offers a variety of pasture-raised, sugar-free sausages, including options for breakfast and Italian styles.
Comparison of Popular Sugar-Free Sausage Brands
| Brand | Meat Type | Sugar-Free Product | Certifications | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones Dairy Farm | Pork, Turkey | No Sugar All Natural Sausage | Certified Gluten-Free, Keto, Paleo | Frozen Section, Retailers | |
| Applegate Naturals | Chicken, Pork, Turkey | No Sugar Breakfast Sausage | Whole30 Approved, Gluten-Free | Frozen Section, Retailers | |
| Pederson's Farms | Pork, Beef | No Sugar Added Uncured Kielbasa | Keto, Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free | Retailers, Online | |
| Tender Belly | Pork | Signature No Sugar Breakfast Sausage | Keto, Paleo, Uncured | Retailers, Online | |
| Naked Links | Pork | Sugar Free Breakfast Sausage Links | Whole30, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free | Online, Select Retailers | |
| Seven Sons Farms | Pork | Sugar Free Breakfast Sausage | Humane-Raised, Keto | Online, Local Farms | |
| Beeler's Pure Pork | Pork | Non-GMO Sugar Free Breakfast Sausage | Humanely Raised, Non-GMO | Retailers, Online |
Beyond Packaged Products: Other Options
For those who want to take control over their ingredients entirely, or prefer to support local farmers, here are some alternatives:
Check with Local Butchers
Many local and independent butchers make their sausages in-house, often with a simpler, cleaner recipe. By talking directly to the butcher, you can inquire about the specific ingredients and ensure no sugar is added. This is a great way to find high-quality, fresh sausage without fillers or preservatives.
Make Your Own Sausage
Making your own sausage at home is a straightforward way to guarantee it's 100% sugar-free. All you need is a quality cut of meat, a food grinder (optional, you can buy ground meat), and your preferred blend of herbs and spices. This method gives you complete control over the ingredients, fat content, and flavor profile.
A Note on Processed Meats
Even when choosing a sugar-free sausage, remember that processed meats are still subject to other health considerations, such as high sodium and preservatives like nitrates or nitrites. While many brands now offer nitrate-free options, it's essential to consume processed meats in moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods..
Conclusion
While many processed sausages contain hidden added sugars, a growing number of brands are committed to offering healthier, sugar-free alternatives. Brands like Jones Dairy Farm, Applegate, and Pederson's Natural Farms are excellent starting points for your search. The key to finding what brand of sausage does not have sugar lies in becoming a diligent label-reader, checking the ingredients list and added sugars section on the nutrition panel. Whether you opt for a recognized brand, a local butcher, or even make your own, it's entirely possible to enjoy delicious sausage while adhering to a sugar-conscious diet. Your nutritional goals are easily achievable with a little knowledge and mindful shopping.
