These days, I am becoming more health conscious. Like most of you, I’m trying to eat better, work out more, and take better care of myself. It’s been four weeks. The most considerable change I have made is in my diet.
I love finding healthier substitutes for my favorite foods, so I was curious about this chicken sausage. It looks like a good alternative to regular pork sausage, but I asked myself, “Is chicken sausage healthy?”
Sausage lovers looking for a healthier alternative to pork often debate between turkey and chicken varieties. But which one offers more nutritional benefits? Let’s compare turkey sausage and chicken sausage to see which comes out on top.
Nutritional Profile
First looking at the basic nutrition facts sheds some light on the differences
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Calories – Turkey and chicken sausage are neck and neck here, with around 140-160 calories per link. This is significantly lower than the 290-455 calories in a pork sausage link.
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Fat – Again, both turkey and chicken links have 7-10 grams of fat per serving compared to 23-38 grams in pork sausage.
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Saturated Fat – Turkey contains slightly less saturated fat at 2.5 grams vs 3 grams per link of chicken.
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Protein – Turkey packs around 17 grams of protein per link versus 12 grams in chicken varieties
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Sodium – On average turkey sausage contains around 670 mg sodium per link while chicken has 740 mg.
So nutritionally, turkey sausage edges out chicken, with less saturated fat and slightly higher protein. But other factors come into play too.
Ingredients
When choosing any sausage, it’s important to read the ingredient label. Look for:
- All natural, minimal ingredients
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- No fillers like soy or gluten
Both turkey and chicken sausage can contain unwanted additives if not carefully selected. Go with high quality, organic and free-range options when possible.
Flavor
Of course taste matters too! Turkey and chicken sausage come in a variety of flavors from mild to spicy. It’s a matter of personal preference. Those with sensitivity to fats may find turkey more palatable. For others, chicken may offer a richer depth of flavor.
Try out different brands and flavors to see what suits your tastes. Use sauces and seasonings to amp up flavor if needed.
Cooking Methods
Be mindful of how you cook sausage to maximize nutrition. Avoid frying which can add extra fat and calories. Healthier cooking options include:
- Grilling
- Baking
- Poaching or simmering
- Adding to soups and stews
Prepare a batch of flavorful turkey sausage crumbles to use in healthy recipes all week long.
Cost Considerations
Turkey sausage tends to be a bit more budget friendly than chicken. Watch for sales on family packs.
Making the Best Choice
While the differences are fairly minor, turkey sausage squeaks past chicken in a nutritional face-off. But individual factors like taste preference, quality of ingredients and cooking methods also impact the healthfulness.
Here are some tips for making the best choice:
- Compare nutrition labels when possible
- Select natural, minimally processed options
- Experiment with different flavors
- Cook using healthy methods like grilling
- Consider your budget
At the end of the day, both turkey and chicken sausage make a tasty, protein-packed alternative to pork. Let your personal nutritional needs and taste buds guide you to your new favorite healthy sausage option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is lower in cholesterol – turkey or chicken sausage?
Turkey sausage contains slightly less cholesterol at around 60mg per serving, compared to 55mg per serving of chicken sausage.
Which has less sodium?
On average, turkey sausage contains around 670mg of sodium per link, while chicken sausage has 740mg. Always check the nutrition label, as salt content can vary between brands.
Is turkey or chicken sausage better for weight loss?
Both are excellent options for weight loss compared to pork sausage, due to the dramatic decrease in calories and fat. Turkey may offer a slight advantage with fewer calories and higher protein to keep you satisfied.
What’s the healthiest way to cook sausage?
Avoid frying, which adds a lot of fat. Instead, opt for grilling, baking, simmering in soups/stews, or poaching. This removes excess fat and avoids charring at high temps.
Are the casings on turkey/chicken sausage edible?
Yes, both turkey and chicken sausage use edible casings, unlike pork which may use intestines. Cellulose casings are commonly used and completely safe to eat. Natural collagen casings are edible too after cooking.
Which has a better texture and flavor?
This comes down to personal preference. Those sensitive to fat may prefer the leaner texture of turkey. For others, chicken sausage offers rich flavor and tender texture when properly cooked.
Can you make homemade turkey/chicken sausage?
Absolutely! You can grind turkey or chicken and add your own spices for customized flavor and control over ingredients. Homemade sausage just needs proper cooking to be safely enjoyed.
So go ahead and give turkey or chicken sausage a try for a deliciously healthier alternative to pork! Follow these tips and enjoy.
Healthy Alternatives Are A Quest
As most of you have probably experienced, I grew up believing breakfast sausage was a guilty pleasure. Yes, it tasted great, but we were to eat it responsibly. So when I saw chicken sausage in the grocery store, my heart started racing.
It was leaner and lower in calories than pork sausage, which I thought would give you all the great tastes we loved.
Is chicken sausage healthy?
But is chicken sausage healthy? Luckily, it’s better for you than regular pork sausage if you choose it wisely and limit how much you eat.
It has a lot of protein and not much fat or calories, so it’s a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight. On the other hand, it is still processed meat, and I don’t think you should eat it every day.
However, like anything, moderation is key. I like chicken sausages because they let you try a lot of different foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are becoming more popular.
When I first heard about unit tests, I turned my nose up at them more than once. What’s important is that you find what works for you and your health goals.
Try chicken sausage if you’re not sure about it. You might find that as much comfort and warm, tasty food sauce you get still bites at your taste buds.
Also, keep in mind that the healthiest choices are always the ones that can improve your life and make you feel better.