Who Makes the Healthiest Chicken Sausage? A Guide to Top Brands

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While chicken sausage is often hailed as a leaner alternative to pork, nutritional profiles vary significantly across brands. This guide addresses the question, "who makes the healthiest chicken sausage?", by evaluating popular brands based on key metrics like sodium, fat, and ingredient quality to help you make the best choice.

Quick Summary

An evaluation of popular chicken sausage brands compares their nutritional content, fat and sodium levels, and ingredient quality to determine the healthiest options for consumers.

Key Points

Top Contender: Bilinski's is often considered one of the healthiest chicken sausage brands due to its organic, clean ingredients and favorable nutritional profile.
Sodium is Key: Store-bought chicken sausages can be high in sodium, so comparing salt content across brands is essential for heart health.
Ingredient Quality Matters: The best options are often organic, use no added nitrates or antibiotics, and have simple, recognizable ingredient lists.
Balance is Best: Look for a sausage with low saturated fat, minimal sugar, and high protein to get the most nutritional value.
Control is King: The absolute healthiest version of chicken sausage is homemade, giving you complete control over all ingredients and seasonings.
Always Read the Label: Nutritional information varies widely by brand and flavor, so always check the specific product's label before purchasing.

Understanding What Makes Chicken Sausage Healthy

When choosing the healthiest chicken sausage, it's about more than just picking the lowest-calorie option. A truly healthy choice considers the full nutritional picture, including the source of the chicken, additives, and overall balance of macronutrients.

Key Nutritional Factors to Evaluate

Sodium Content: The term "sausage" comes from the Latin word for salted meat, and many brands today still contain very high levels of sodium, which can impact blood pressure. Carefully check the serving size and sodium milligrams, aiming for lower numbers.
Fat and Saturated Fat: While chicken sausage is typically lower in fat than pork, the fat content can still differ greatly between brands and flavors. Opt for brands that list a lower percentage of saturated fat per serving.
Protein Content: A good chicken sausage should be a lean, high-protein source. Higher protein per serving can help you feel full and satisfied.
Added Sugars: Some flavors, especially those with ingredients like apple, may contain unnecessary added sugars. Always check the label to keep your intake in check.

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

Sourcing: Brands that use organic, antibiotic-free chicken from farms that use vegetarian feed without animal by-products generally offer a cleaner product. These details often indicate a higher quality of meat.
Additives and Preservatives: Avoid brands with added nitrates, nitrites, or other artificial preservatives. Look for labels that state "no added nitrates or nitrites" (except those naturally occurring).
Simple Ingredients: A short, recognizable ingredient list is a good sign. The fewer fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives, the healthier the sausage typically is.

Top Brands: Who Makes the Healthiest Chicken Sausage?

Based on a review of available data and brand profiles, several chicken sausage brands consistently emerge as healthier options. Each offers a slightly different advantage, catering to different dietary priorities.

Bilinski's: This brand is a top contender for its organic products and simple, clean ingredient lists. Their Mild Italian with Bell Peppers, for instance, offers a very low calorie and low saturated fat count. The Classic Sage Breakfast option is also notably lower in sodium than many competitors.
Amylu: Praised for robust flavor and high-quality ingredients, Amylu offers several gluten-free and pork-free options. Many varieties are also high in protein and free of added nitrates. It's important to compare flavors, as calorie and sodium levels can vary.
Al Fresco: A widely available option, Al Fresco offers lower-fat chicken sausages in a variety of flavors. While a solid choice, some consumers may prefer brands that don't include "natural flavors". Still, it's a significant upgrade from high-fat pork sausages.
Nature's Promise: This brand, often found in specific grocery stores, offers organic options with clean ingredients and a balanced flavor profile, such as their Basil Pesto variety. It's a great option for those prioritizing organic and clean eating.
Pipers Farm: Offering a more premium option, Pipers Farm provides free-range chicken sausages that are gluten-free and preservative-free. This is an excellent choice for consumers focused on high-quality, ethically sourced meat.

Comparison Table: Popular Chicken Sausage Brands


Brand	Product	Calories (per link)	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)	Notes	Sourcing & Additives
Bilinski's	Mild Italian w/ Bell Peppers	80	2.5	12	480	Organic, very lean	Organic, clean, no casing
Amylu	Italian Chicken Sausage	100	5	13	450	High protein	No nitrites, high-quality
Al Fresco	Sweet Italian	110	7	13	500	Widely available	Contains 'natural flavors'
Nature's Promise	Basil Pesto	80	2.5	12	500	Organic, store brand	Organic, clean ingredients
Aidells	Chicken & Apple	110-120	7	12	560	Flavorful choice	Check labels for specifics

The Healthiest Option: Making Your Own

For those seeking complete control over ingredients and sodium levels, making chicken sausage at home is the ultimate healthy option. You can use lean ground chicken breast and season it with a blend of herbs and spices like fennel, sage, garlic powder, and paprika. This method allows you to significantly reduce or eliminate added salt and avoid any preservatives or fillers found in store-bought products. You can form patties or links and cook them immediately or freeze them for later.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

While several brands offer healthier chicken sausage, Bilinski's consistently stands out due to its commitment to organic, clean ingredients, low-fat content, and simple recipes. Amylu and Nature's Promise are also strong contenders for their clean labels and good nutritional balance. However, the absolute healthiest option remains homemade sausage, where you have full command over every ingredient. Regardless of your choice, carefully reading nutrition labels and ingredient lists is the most crucial step to ensure you're picking the best chicken sausage for your health goals. For more healthy brand comparisons, consider consulting sources like this Clean Plates article comparing healthy chicken sausages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in general, chicken sausage is significantly leaner and lower in saturated fat than traditional pork sausage, making it a healthier alternative for most people.

Focus on sodium content. Many brands pack a lot of salt into their sausages, which can be a concern for blood pressure. Look for lower sodium options and compare the milligrams per serving.

Organic chicken sausages typically use meat from chickens raised without antibiotics and often contain fewer artificial additives and preservatives. For those who prioritize ingredient purity, organic options like Bilinski's are a healthier choice.

Some brands like Al Fresco use "natural flavors" to enhance taste. While often not harmful, some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid these ingredients and choose brands with simpler, whole-food seasonings.

Yes, making homemade chicken sausage is a great way to control all the ingredients, especially sodium. By using lean ground chicken and your own spices, you can create a perfectly healthy version.

Bilinski's often wins on overall health metrics due to its organic status and lower fat and sodium content. Aidells is known for flavor but can be higher in sodium and fat, so it's important to compare specific flavors.

This indicates that the manufacturer has not added these chemical preservatives during processing. Some brands might still contain naturally occurring nitrates, but it's generally a cleaner product.