Healthy Chicken Sausage: Keto-Friendly Hilshite Option

Hillshire Farm Chicken Sausage is a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal, but is it keto-friendly? The short answer is yes, chicken sausage can be keto-friendly, but it depends on the specific ingredients and nutritional values. Let's explore the keto-friendliness of Hillshire Farm Chicken Sausage and provide some insights into making informed choices while on a ketogenic diet.

Hillshire Farm Chicken Sausage's nutritional value

Hillshire Farm offers a variety of chicken sausages, including the Roasted Garlic Chicken Smoked Sausage and the Turkey Polska Kielbasa. The nutritional value of these sausages varies slightly, but they are generally a good source of protein and have a low carbohydrate content, making them a popular choice for those on ketogenic diets.

The Roasted Garlic Chicken Smoked Sausage, for example, contains 4 grams of total carbohydrates and 1 gram of fibre per serving, with chicken and mechanically separated chicken as the main ingredients. It is also seasoned with roasted garlic and spices, and made with a beef collagen casing. This sausage is a good source of protein, with each serving providing 7 grams.

The Turkey Polska Kielbasa, on the other hand, contains 4 grams of total carbohydrates and 3 grams of net carbs per link, with turkey and mechanically separated turkey as the main ingredients. It also contains 4.5 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein. Like the Roasted Garlic variety, it is seasoned with spices and made with a beef collagen casing.

Both of these chicken sausages are fully cooked and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, grilling, or boiling. They are also a convenient option for those on the go, as they can be quickly heated and eaten.

In addition to their nutritional value, Hillshire Farm chicken sausages are known for their bold and rustic flavours. The Roasted Garlic variety, for example, combines the savoury taste of garlic with the rustic flavour of chicken smoke sausage. The Turkey Polska Kielbasa has a similar savoury taste, but with a slightly different spice blend.

Overall, Hillshire Farm chicken sausages are a good source of protein and have a low carbohydrate content, making them a convenient and tasty option for those on ketogenic diets or those looking for a quick and easy meal. However, it is always important to read the ingredient list and nutrition label to ensure that the product fits your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Keto-friendly alternatives to Hillshire Farm Chicken Sausage

Hillshire Farm's Beef Smoked Sausage and Cajun Style Andouille Smoked Sausage are not keto-friendly as they are highly processed and contain high levels of carbohydrates and unhealthy additives. However, there are several keto-friendly alternatives to choose from:

Uncured Beef Kielbasa Rope Sausage

This sausage is a great alternative to the Hillshire Farm options as it is made with healthy fats and is grass-fed. It is also low in carbohydrates, which is perfect for those on a keto diet.

Organic Cajun-Style Andouille

This sausage is organic and made with healthy ingredients. It is also low in carbohydrates, making it a keto-friendly option.

Organic Spinach & Feta Smoked Chicken Sausage

This sausage is a delicious and healthy option, packed with the goodness of spinach and feta. It is organic and keto-friendly, containing low levels of carbohydrates.

Classic Italian Smoked Sausage

A classic option for those who want to stick to traditional flavours while staying keto. This sausage is made with keto-friendly ingredients and is low in carbohydrates.

Roasted Garlic & Gruyere Cheese Smoked Chicken Sausage

This sausage is a tasty option for those who enjoy the combination of roasted garlic and Gruyere cheese. It is keto-friendly and contains low levels of carbohydrates.

Johnsonville Sausages

Johnsonville offers a wide range of keto-approved sausages, including classic Italian, spicy chorizo, and many other flavours. Their sausages are made with high-quality pork, beef, and poultry, and are free of fillers, MSG, preservatives, and gluten.

Isernio’s Mild Italian Sausage

This sausage is made from an authentic family recipe that has been passed down for generations. It contains no additives or refined oils, and is a healthy and tasty option for those on a ketogenic diet.

Hickory Farms’ Signature Beef Summer Sausage

A delicious and gluten-free option, this beef summer sausage from Hickory Farms will keep you full and satisfied without the carbs.

Shelton’s Turkey Breakfast Sausage

For those who love sausage but want to avoid the carbs, Shelton's Turkey Breakfast Sausage is the perfect choice. It contains no net carbs or sugar, so you can start your day without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Butterball Fresh Turkey Breakfast Sausages

These fresh turkey breakfast sausages from Butterball are a delicious and all-natural alternative to pork sausages. They contain 41% less fat and are perfect for a keto diet.

Keto Beef Sausage

Keto beef sausage is a flavourful and satisfying option for those on a low-carb diet. Made with high-quality beef and seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices, it is a great source of healthy fats and protein.

Turkey Kielbasa

Turkey Kielbasa is an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet as it is a good source of lean protein and contains moderate levels of healthy fats. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.

Keto-friendly meals with chicken sausage

Chicken sausage is a keto-friendly food, but it's important to check the nutrition labels when buying it, as different brands have varying amounts of carbs. Some varieties of chicken sausage that are generally considered keto-friendly include Organic Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage, Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage, Organic Cajun-Style Andouille, and Organic Wild Mushroom Chicken Sausage.

Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

This is a quick and easy one-pan meal that can be adapted to your preference. It typically includes chicken sausage, garlic, onion, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. You can use any type of chicken sausage you prefer, and it can be served over cauliflower rice.

Keto Chicken Sausage Salad with Bacon, Cheese, and Avocado

A high-fat, low-carb salad that combines grilled chicken sausage, bacon, avocado, tomato, and cheddar cheese. It's a tasty and balanced keto-friendly option that can be enjoyed chilled or right away.

Italian Sausage with Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs

A creative way to incorporate chicken sausage into your keto diet is by adding it to zucchini noodles. Italian sausage, in particular, can enhance the flavor of this dish.

Chicken Sausage in Soups

Chicken sausage can be a tasty addition to your favorite keto-friendly soups, adding a boost of protein and flavor.

Remember, when choosing chicken sausage for your keto meals, check the nutrition labels and calculate the net carbs by subtracting the grams of fiber from the total carb content. Enjoy experimenting with these keto-friendly recipes!

Other keto-friendly meats

Sausages can be keto-friendly, but it depends on their carb content. Some varieties tend to be lower in carbs, such as Italian sausage, which can be added to zucchini noodles and meatballs. You can also add sausage to soups to enhance the flavor.

Beef

Beef is a nutrient-dense food that provides copious amounts of essential B vitamins, along with meat-specific compounds like carnitine, taurine, and carnosine, which offer anti-aging, anti-cancer, and vitality-boosting benefits. When selecting keto beef, look for pasture-raised, grass-fed, and regenerative-farmed meat when available, as these contain better fatty acids. The following are some of the fattiest cuts of beef:

• Ribeye
• Sirloin steaks
• Brisket
• Chuck
• Flank steak
• Ground beef
• Ribs
• Round
• Shank

Pork

Pork is loaded with healthy fats and proteins, and although it is less nutrient-dense than beef, it still offers energizing B vitamins and rare micronutrients like choline and selenium. Pasture-raised pork is an excellent source of vitamin D. Here are some of the fattiest cuts of pork:

• Pork belly
• Ribs
• Pork chops
• Ground pork

Lamb

Lamb is delicious and succulent, and although it is leaner than the fattiest cuts of beef and pork, it can meet keto nutrient goals with the addition of keto fats like ghee, butter, or tallow. Here are some of the fattiest cuts of lamb:

Lamb chops

Poultry

Poultry is pretty lean and will need to be fattened up with butter, ghee, lard, and tallow. Select cuts with the skin on, as these are more keto-friendly. Chicken liver is also a great choice. Here are some of the fattiest cuts of poultry:

• Chicken thigh (skin on)
• Chicken leg (skin on)
• Duck (meat and skin)

Organ Meats

Organ meats are the most nutrient-dense foods and are loaded with specific profiles of vitamins, minerals, and rare amino acids. One fascinating property of organ meats is that each organ you consume provides specific nutrients to the corresponding organs in your body. For example, beef brain offers amino acids and peptides that benefit your brain. Beef and chicken liver also provide substantial amounts of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant and energy generator with links to cancer prevention.

Other keto-friendly foods

The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, but on a strict ketogenic diet, about 5% to 10% of energy intake is from carbohydrates. The reduction of carbohydrates puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body starts breaking down stored fat into molecules called ketone bodies to use for energy without circulating blood sugar from food.

Seafood

Seafood like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, which have been linked to lower insulin levels and increased insulin sensitivity. They are also a good source of B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. Most seafood is carb-free and is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D.

Meat and Poultry

Meat and poultry products are common staples for low-carb diets like the keto diet. They are an important energy source and tend to be high in vitamins and minerals like B12 and iron. When following a keto diet, you can eat both lean and fatty cuts of meat and poultry, such as skin-on chicken breasts and ground beef.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent choice for people following the keto diet as they are very low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats. Whole eggs are the best choice as egg yolks are concentrated in vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and vitamin A.

Dairy Products

Dairy products provide nutrients like calcium, which is essential for skeletal and heart health. Choose unsweetened, higher-fat dairy products like whole milk yogurt and cheeses to reduce your carb intake and maintain a keto-friendly macronutrient ratio. Sweetened dairy products like chocolate milk and fruit-flavored yogurts are higher in carbs and should be minimized.

Non-Starchy Vegetables

Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbs and high in fiber, which is important for digestive health. Examples of keto-friendly vegetables include artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, and collard greens.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are generally low in carbs and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are in high demand while on a keto diet. Examples of nuts and seeds that can fit into a keto diet include chia seeds, pecans, hemp seeds, and macadamia nuts.

Frequently asked questions