Calories in Sausage: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes

Italian pork sausage is a seasoned ground pork product that is a staple in pastas, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. A single cooked Italian sausage link weighing about 85 grams contains approximately 286 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. Sausage provides a good amount of protein along with B vitamins, but it is also notable for its higher sodium and saturated fat content.

Calories by serving size:

Italian sausage is seasoned primarily with fennel seed, garlic, and paprika, with the hot variety adding red pepper flakes. While it provides roughly 20 grams of protein per 3.5 oz, it is a calorie-dense food due to its fat content, and its sodium levels should be considered by those monitoring their salt intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between sweet and hot Italian sausage?

Sweet Italian sausage and hot Italian sausage have essentially the same calorie and macronutrient profile. The primary difference is seasoning — sweet Italian sausage is flavored with fennel and sometimes basil, while hot Italian sausage includes crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Both contain about 286 calories per cooked link.

How does chicken sausage compare to pork sausage?

Chicken Italian sausage is significantly leaner than pork Italian sausage. A cooked chicken sausage link has about 170 calories and 10 grams of fat, compared to 286 calories and 23 grams of fat in a pork sausage link. Protein content is similar at roughly 17 grams per link, making chicken sausage a popular lower-calorie alternative.

How many calories are in one sausage link?

One cooked Italian pork sausage link weighing approximately 85 grams contains about 286 calories. This includes 17 grams of protein, 23 grams of total fat, and 618 mg of sodium. Smaller breakfast-style sausage links are considerably lower in calories at roughly 80-100 calories per link.

Is sausage considered processed meat?

Yes, Italian sausage is generally classified as processed meat because it is made from ground meat combined with salt, seasonings, and sometimes preservatives. The World Health Organization categorizes processed meat as any meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, or smoking. Consuming processed meats in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

How does turkey sausage compare to pork sausage?

Turkey Italian sausage is a leaner alternative with about 163 calories and 9 grams of fat per cooked link, compared to 286 calories and 23 grams of fat in the pork version. Turkey sausage also tends to have slightly lower sodium and cholesterol. It provides roughly 18 grams of protein per link, making it comparable in protein while cutting nearly half the calories.