Sausage Patty Carbs: Are They Keto-Friendly?

Sausages are a beloved food item in many cultures worldwide, but how do they fit into a keto diet? Sausages are typically made from beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, and are packed with protein and fats, making them a good option for keto. However, the devil is in the details—or in this case, the ingredients. While most sausages are keto-friendly, some contain added ingredients that can increase the carb count. So, how many carbs are in a plain sausage patty, and is it keto-approved?

Sausage patties are keto-friendly

A typical 100-gram serving of pork sausage contains approximately 18 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, and 0 grams of carbs, making it easy to fit into a ketogenic diet. Sausage is assumed to be keto-friendly because most of its contents include various types of meat. While these are great sources of protein, they can also be high in fat.

Sausages are preserved and processed by curing, salting, smoking, and drying. This has led to some concerns about the health implications of eating sausage, as processed meat has been linked to a number of different diseases. However, there are now a number of companies that produce sugar-free sausages without the different dyes, nitrates, preservatives, and other common additives often found in traditionally processed sausages.

Carbs in sausage can be tricky. While sausages contain mostly meat and spices, they may also include ingredients that are higher in carbs to add to their flavor and consistency. In the United States, the ingredients in sausages are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While sausages can be easily enjoyed in different keto dishes or on their own, it's important to check the nutrition label first, as added ingredients could potentially kick you out of ketosis.

The carbs in sausage come from eggs and other binding ingredients such as flour or breadcrumbs, which help with flavor and prevent the sausage from being too crumbly. While most sausages include spices to enhance their flavor, some brands use a variety of additives, including fruit, sugar, and even some dairy products, which contain various amounts of carbs. Other binders used in sausage production include gluten, soy flour, wheat flour, and corn syrup.

If you're following the keto diet, it's best to stay away from corn syrup, as it contains about 30 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons, which alone may be enough to kick you out of ketosis. When shopping for sausage on keto, it's important to check the ingredients and nutritional label. In addition to the ingredients, you will also want to check the net carb count, sugar count, and whether or not the sausage is gluten-free.

The net carb count is the number of carbs that are absorbed by the body. To calculate the net carbs in a food item, subtract the fiber from the total number of carbs. The standard ketogenic diet requires that you stay between 20-50 grams of net carbs per day to maintain ketosis.

A single sausage patty contains 0.38 grams of total carbs and net carbs. Two Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage Patties contain 1 gram of total carbs and net carbs, 27 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 280 calories. A McDonald's Sausage Patty (1.5 oz) contains 0.6 grams of total carbs and net carbs, 17 grams of fat, 6.5 grams of protein, and 174 calories.

Some keto-friendly recipes for sausage patties include adding grated onion to the ground meat before forming the patties, or adding milk to neutralize the smell of onion and soften the patties. You can also add a blend of spices and herbs such as dried oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Carbs in sausage depend on ingredients

Sausages are generally made from ground meat, fat, and spices. While the type of meat and combination of ingredients vary, sausages are usually considered low-carb. However, the carb content of sausages depends on the ingredients used, particularly any added flavourings and binders.

Flavourings

Sausages often contain added flavourings such as herbs, spices, vegetables, and fruits. While spices contribute very few carbs, some sausages are naturally flavoured with ingredients like fruit, sugar, or cheese, which contain varying amounts of carbs.

Binders

Binders are added to sausages to improve their consistency and prevent them from crumbling. Common binding agents include breadcrumbs, potato flour, lentil flour, soy flour, vital wheat gluten, and corn syrup. These ingredients differ in their carb content. For example, corn syrup contains approximately 30 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons, while vital wheat gluten has just 4 grams of carbs per 1/4 cup.

Examples of Carb Content in Different Types of Sausage

The carb content of sausages varies depending on their ingredients. Here are some examples of the carb content of different types of sausages, per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of sausage:

• Andouille sausage: 3 grams
• Beef sausage: 0 grams
• Breakfast sausage links (pork or turkey): 1 gram
• Breakfast sausage beef patties: 0.38-3 grams
• Chicken sausage: 4 grams
• Italian sausage: 4 grams
• Polish sausage (Kielbasa): 1.4 grams
• Pork sausage: 0-0.64 grams
• Turkey sausage: 3 grams
• Vienna sausage (Frankfurter): 2 grams

Keto Considerations

When following a keto diet, it is important to check the nutrition label of sausages to ensure they fit within your net carb limit. The standard ketogenic diet requires staying within 20-50 grams of net carbs per day to maintain ketosis.

Sausage preparation methods

Sausages are a great option for those on a keto diet, with a single plain sausage patty containing between 0.38 and 1 gram of total carbs and net carbs.

Sausage-making is an art, and there are many ways to prepare and cook sausages. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Grinding and Mixing: The first step in sausage-making is to grind the meat, which can be beef, pork, poultry, or game meat. The meat is then mixed with salt and other seasonings. Spices are crucial as they give the sausage its unique flavour.
• Casing and Stuffing: The sausage mixture is then stuffed into a container or casing, which can be made from the intestines of pork, beef, or sheep. The size of the casing will determine the thickness of the sausage.
• Curing: Curing is a preservation method where salt, or curing salt with nitrites, is added to the meat. This helps to preserve the meat, maintain its colour, and enhance its flavour.
• Drying: Drying is another preservation method, where water is removed from the meat, helping to extend its shelf life.
• Smoking: Smoking is a traditional way to preserve and add flavour to sausages. Different types of smoking, such as cold, warm, and hot smoking, are used depending on the type of sausage.
• Cooking: Sausages can be cooked in various ways, including frying, grilling, boiling, or baking. For example, cooked sausages are made from raw material and are heat-treated after stuffing, while pre-cooked sausages are made from partially or fully cooked material and are cooked in low-boiling water after filling.
• Canning and Preserving: This method involves putting raw or partially cooked sausage meat into cans or jars and cooking them in boiling water to kill microorganisms and extend shelf life.
• Freezing and Storing: Fresh sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days but should be frozen if you plan to store them for longer. Dry and dehydrated sausages can be stored for up to six months without refrigeration.

Carb sources in sausage

Sausages are generally made from ground meat and meat by-products, so any carbs found in them come from added ingredients like flavourings and binders. Sausages contain spices, which contribute very few carbs, but some varieties are naturally flavoured using fruit, sugar, or cheese, which contain varying amounts of carbs.

Other common carb sources include binding agents. Ingredients like breadcrumbs and potato flour help with consistency and prevent the meat from being crumbly. Other common binders include lentil flour, soy flour, vital wheat gluten, and corn syrup. Some of these ingredients are higher in carbs than others. For example, corn syrup contains approximately 30 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons, whereas vital wheat gluten has just 4 grams of carbs per 1/4 cup.

If you're following a keto diet, check the ingredient label for any type of binding agents or additives used for flavouring and binding.

• Andouille sausage: 3 grams
• Beef sausage: 0 grams
• Breakfast sausage links (pork or turkey): 1 gram
• Breakfast sausage beef patties: 3 grams
• Chicken sausage: 0-4 grams
• Italian sausage: 4 grams
• Polish sausage (Kielbasa): 5 grams
• Pork sausage: 0-0.64 grams
• Turkey sausage: 0-3 grams
• Vienna sausage (Frankfurter): 2 grams

Sausage types and their carb content

Sausages are a popular food choice worldwide, known for their rich flavours and satisfying textures. They are usually made from ground meat, often pork or beef, combined with spices and other flavourings. The carb content of a sausage depends on its type, processing, and cooking method.

Pork Sausage

A regular pork sausage contains approximately 1-2 grams of carbs per serving (1 link). The carb content can be influenced by the addition of dextrose, which is used in sausage mixes to aid fermentation. It can also be affected by the amount of fat or fillers in the recipe.

Beef Sausage

Beef sausages typically have a similar carb content to pork sausages, ranging between 1-3 grams of carbs per serving. Some sources of carbohydrates in beef sausages include added sugars or carbohydrate-rich fillers like breadcrumbs or rice.

Chicken or Turkey Sausage

The carb content of chicken or turkey sausages can vary between 2-3 grams per serving, depending on the ingredients and fillers used. Carbohydrates in these sausages often come from added sugars or fillers like breadcrumbs, rice, or vegetables.

Vegetarian or Vegan Sausage

Vegetarian and vegan sausages tend to have higher levels of carbohydrates, ranging from 5-15 grams per serving. This is due to the use of plant-based ingredients, which naturally contain more carbohydrates. Common sources of carbohydrates in these sausages include grains, legumes, vegetables, and added sugars.

Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a type of Cajun sausage that typically contains around 3 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Breakfast Sausage Links (Pork or Turkey)

Breakfast sausage links made from pork or turkey usually contain about 1 gram of carbs per serving.

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage, whether cured or uncured, must comprise at least 85% meat or a combination of meat and fat. It typically contains around 4 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Chorizo

Chorizo is a type of pork sausage that contains a variety of spices and seasonings. It can be sold raw or cured and is commonly used in Latin and Spanish cuisines. One link of chorizo sausage provides approximately 1 gram of carbs.

Polish Sausage (Kielbasa)

Polish sausage, also known as kielbasa, contains approximately 5 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Vienna Sausage (Frankfurter)

Vienna sausages, or frankfurters, typically contain about 2 grams of carbs per serving.

Frequently asked questions