When it comes to choosing keto foods, finding options that are high in protein and fat while low in carbohydrates is crucial. But where does sausage fit into the keto equation? It all depends on the type of sausage you choose. While some sausages may not be keto-friendly due to ingredients like rice or added sugars, others made solely with meat and fat can be an excellent choice for your keto diet.
Discovering Keto-Friendly Sausages
Sausages come in a wide variety of types, each made with different ingredients and preparation methods. To determine which sausages are truly keto-friendly, let’s take a closer look at some popular options.
Embracing Sausage on Your Keto Diet
For the most part, sausage is a keto-friendly food. However, it’s important to note that different sausages can be made with a wide range of ingredients. Some sausages may even contain non-keto binding agents like flour, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs. Additionally, certain sausages might have added sugars or corn syrup for flavoring and preservation purposes. While these ingredients are not strictly keto, they may still fit into your daily carb allowance. To ensure you make the right choice, carefully read the ingredients and nutrition label of the sausage in question.
The Most Keto-Friendly Sausages
To stay on track with your keto journey, opt for sausages that are made solely from meat and fat without any additional binding ingredients or sweeteners. Here are a few examples of such sausages:
- Summer Sausage
- Vienna Sausage
- Kielbasa/Polish Sausage
Unveiling the Secrets of Kielbasa
Kielbasa, a traditional Polish food, is often referred to as “Polish sausage” in America. The beauty of kielbasa lies in its versatility, as it can be made from pork, beef, lamb, chicken, or veal, and it can be sold raw, dried, or smoked. While most kielbasa variants are low in carbs and keto-friendly, it’s essential to read the label carefully to ensure the specific one you choose aligns with your dietary goals.
The Journey of Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage typically consists of dark meat seasoned with savory herbs and spices. While it’s generally sold raw or poached, some chicken sausages may be combined with fruits, vegetables, or even added sugar. When searching for a keto-friendly chicken sausage, scrutinize the ingredients and nutrition label to make the best choice.
Demystifying Polish Sausage
Polish sausage, synonymous with kielbasa, varies in its keto-friendliness depending on the brand and preparation method. To ascertain whether a particular Polish sausage aligns with your keto goals, carefully review the nutrition label.
Exploring Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage is undeniably delicious, and fortunately, many brands offer keto-friendly options. However, be cautious of sausages that include high-carb starches like rice or potatoes, as well as those with added sweeteners such as corn or maple syrup. To find the perfect keto breakfast sausage, read the label and choose all-pork varieties without added starches or seasonings.
The Keto King: Summer Sausage
Summer sausage, a fermented American sausage that requires no refrigeration, is an exceptional choice for keto enthusiasts. With its extremely low carb content, summer sausage perfectly fits a keto-friendly diet.
Decoding Italian Sausage
Similar to breakfast sausage, Italian sausages can be made from various ingredients. Although some Italian sausages contain added sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup, many do not. To enjoy a keto-friendly Italian sausage, meticulously examine the label and avoid any added sweeteners or carbohydrates.
The Turkey Sausage Dilemma
While most turkey sausages contain added sugar, some brands offer low net carb options that may fit within your daily keto allowance. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredients list to ensure you make the best choice for your keto lifestyle.
The Troublesome Gravy
While numerous sausages are keto-friendly, traditional gravy is not. Most gravies are thickened with flour, which increases their carbohydrate content. However, fear not! You can still enjoy a keto-friendly sausage gravy by using alternative thickening agents like gelatin, xanthan gum, or egg yolks.
Unlocking the Vienna Sausage Secret
Vienna sausage, a delightful keto-friendly snack, is typically free from added sweeteners, and its net carb count is low or even zero. Some brands may contain small amounts of corn syrup, but they are still considered keto-friendly overall.
The Smoked Sausage Enigma
Smoked sausage isn’t a specific type of sausage but rather a cooking method. As a result, smoked sausages can contain a variety of ingredients, and not all of them are keto-friendly. Always refer to the label to determine if a particular smoked sausage aligns with your keto lifestyle.
Keto-Approved Sausage Brands
To simplify your keto journey, we’ve curated a selection of high-quality sausage brands that are keto-approved:
Keto Kielbasa
- Pederson’s Farms Uncured Kielbasa – This traditional kielbasa from Pederson’s Farms contains no sugar or carbohydrates. It features certified humane meat raised without antibiotics or growth hormones.
Keto Breakfast Sausage
- Naked Links Sugar-Free Breakfast Sausage – Handmade in small batches, Naked Links breakfast sausage is keto, paleo, and Whole30 approved. It boasts simple, natural ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds.
Keto Summer Sausage
- Wisconsin’s Best Summer Sausage – Naturally high in protein and low in carbs, Wisconsin’s Best Summer Sausages contain just 1g of sugar per serving and no carbs.
Keto Italian Sausage
- Pederson’s Farms Italian Ground Sausage – Keto, paleo, and Whole30 approved, Pederson’s Farms Italian sausage is crafted from vegetarian-fed and humanely raised pork without antibiotics. It contains no sugar or carbs.
Keto Turkey Sausage
- The New Primal Turkey Sausage Sticks – The New Primal offers delicious turkey sausage sticks that are a perfect keto-friendly snack. With zero carbs and just 1g of sugar per serving, these sticks are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Keto Vienna Sausage
- Armour Star Vienna Sausage – Armour Star’s canned Vienna sausages are keto-friendly, with zero carbs and less than 1g of sugar per serving.
Keto Smoked Sausage
- Tillamook Country Keto-Friendly Smoked Sausages – Handcrafted with natural ingredients, Tillamook Country’s smoked sausages contain no sugar or carbs.
The Key to Choosing Keto-Friendly Sausages
Sausages vary greatly in terms of ingredients and nutritional profiles. To make sure you’re consuming keto-friendly sausages, carefully read the label and opt for high-quality brands you can trust. By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can enjoy the deliciousness of sausages while staying firmly on your keto path.