Sausage may not be the leanest or healthiest meat option out there, but it’s undeniably delicious—and not so terrible when eaten in moderation. While the classic option may be pork, there’s quite a selection of meat options to choose from if you’d rather not eat pork.
Here are five of our favorite non-pork sausage options along with the brands that make them best.
5 Sausage Options Besides Pork
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applegate
Turkey
This poultry-based sausage will save you calories and fat without sacrificing protein. Its sodium content is on the high side, though, so it’s best to stick to one serving.Brand We Like: Applegate
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Brian Klutch
Pork and Beef
Beef sausage is packed with flavor and has a good amount of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely associated with heart disease.Brand We Like: Trader Joe’s
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Tofu
Compared with animal-based options, this meatless sausage is higher in protein and lower in saturated fat and offers zero cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so tread carefully.Brand We Like: Tofurky
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Chicken
The chicken variety is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain under 150 calories per link and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.Brand We Like: Thin ’n Trim, Bilinski’s, Al Fresco
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Brian Klutch
Veggie
The main ingredient in most veggie sausage is vital wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it’s high in protein. In general, veggie sausage provides good flavor, no cholesterol, and a not-so-crazy-high amount of sodium.Brand We Like: Field Roast
This poultry-based sausage will save you calories and fat without sacrificing protein. Its sodium content is on the high side, though, so it’s best to stick to one serving.
Brand We Like: Applegate
Pork and Beef
Beef sausage is packed with flavor and has a good amount of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. Be sure to check nutrition labels to avoid trans fats, which are closely associated with heart disease.
Brand We Like: Trader Joe’s
Tofu
Compared with animal-based options, this meatless sausage is higher in protein and lower in saturated fat and offers zero cholesterol. But some varieties contain almost as much total fat as pork sausage, so tread carefully.
Brand We Like: Tofurky
Chicken
The chicken variety is probably the smartest way to get your sausage fix. Most contain under 150 calories per link and 70% less fat than pork sausage. Plus, the flavor options are endless.
Brand We Like: Thin ’n Trim, Bilinski’s, Al Fresco
Veggie
The main ingredient in most veggie sausage is vital wheat gluten, which may not sound appetizing, but it’s high in protein. In general, veggie sausage provides good flavor, no cholesterol, and a not-so-crazy-high amount of sodium.
