The Mysterious Disappearance of Penrose Pickled Sausages

Penrose pickled sausages were once a beloved snack for generations of Americans. The juicy, tangy sausages packed in jars were a staple at backyard barbecues, summer picnics, and as a quick appetizer to enjoy at home. But over the past decade, fans of this iconic snack have found Penrose pickled sausages increasingly hard to come by. So what exactly happened to this once-popular pickled meat treat?

A Brief History of Penrose Pickled Sausages

The history of Penrose pickled sausages stretches back over 100 years. The company was founded in Chicago in the early 1900s by Edward G. Conroy He first started selling his homemade pickled sausages from a pushcart before expanding into a factory

By the 1920s, Penrose was mass-producing their pickled sausages and distributing them across the country. The classic version featured pork sausage soaked in a brine of vinegar, spices, and seasoning. This gave them a signature tangy, robust flavor that fans couldn’t get enough of.

Over the ensuing decades, Penrose became one of America’s most recognized brands for pickled sausages. Several generations grew up enjoying these juicy, pickled treats at backyard barbecues, picnics, parties, or as an appetizer at home. The company continued to innovate, introducing new flavors and jar sizes to meet customer demand.

The Decline of the Jars

For many years, the classic way to enjoy Penrose pickled sausages was straight from the jar. The sight of those sausages packed in brine was iconic. However, in recent years, sales of the jarred version started to decline.

In 2021, the parent company of Penrose, ConAgra, made the difficult decision to discontinue the jarred pickled sausages due to slowing interest. Instead, they shifted focus to selling the sausages in plastic packaging.

There were likely several reasons for this change

• Health concerns over high sodium levels in pickled foods
• Food safety issues related to botulism in improperly sealed jars
• Rising costs for glass jars and production
• Changing consumer preferences away from canned/jarred foods
• Lower profit margins compared to plastic-packed snacks

While the plastic-packed pickled sausages are still available, many fans insist it’s just not the same experience The nostalgia of cracking open that familiar jar is gone

The Disappearance of the Iconic Jarred Sausage

Since ConAgra discontinued the jarred pickled sausages around 2021, finding them has become almost impossible. The plastic-packed versions are not sold as widely and are mainly found in certain regional supermarket chains.

For fans devoted to the iconic jarred Penrose sausage, it has been a difficult loss. These sausages were a staple at family gatherings and summertime events for generations of Americans. The tangy, briny flavor was synonymous with backyard barbecues and picnics.

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that the original jarred version will return unless consumers speak up. The production costs and safety concerns surrounding glass jars means that plastic packaging is here to stay.

Where to Get Your Pickled Sausage Fix

While we may have to bid farewell to the classic Penrose jarred pickled sausages, there are still some options for getting your hands on similar pickled meaty treats:

• Check specialty food stores or delis for house-pickled sausages

• Look for brands like Best Maid, Mt. Olive, or Dean’s making pickled sausages and meats

• Try your hand at making them at home with some sausage, vinegar, and spices

• Substitute with other pickled snacks like eggs, pigs feet, or hot dogs

• Opt for Penrose’s plastic-packed pickled sausage or other still available versions

• Search online merchants for any remaining old stock of jarred Penrose sausage

No other pickled sausage may be able to perfectly replace the nostalgic tang of Penrose. But with some searching and experimenting, you may find another product to satisfy your craving. Or try making your own — then you can enjoy that delicious briny flavor straight from a freshly sealed jar once again!