There may be some fake meat at Cracker Barrel, but the beef it’s making is real.
Cracker Barrel added a plant-based sausage made by Impossible Foods to its breakfast menu earlier this summer. The chain wrote about it on Facebook on Monday. Many of the post’s followers said that Cracker Barrel shouldn’t be offering the meat alternative and were very angry about it.
“I just lost respect for a once great Tennessee company,” one person commented. One person wrote, “Not going to happen! Cracker Barrel used to be so good, we looked forward to eating there, but not anymore.” Another person wrote, “Bad choice.” ” Others expressed skepticism that the product would taste good. Several commenters decried the “woke” addition to the menu.
Not all of the reaction was negative, however, with many people thanking the chain for the option. “I couldn’t even tell the difference. I think it’s great for people who can’t eat meat for whatever reason,” one person wrote.
Cracker Barrel told CNN Business that it is “always exploring opportunities to expand how our guests experience breakfast and provide choices to satisfy every taste bud—whether people want to stick with traditional favorites like bacon and sausage or are hungry for a new, nutritious plant-based option like Impossible Sausage.” ”.
Cracker Barrel said something about the fuss on Instagram on Thursday by posting a picture of the plant-based sausage and pork sausage together. “Where pork-based and plant-based sausage lovers can breakfast all day in harmony,” the caption reads. Roadside rival McDonald’s (MCD) has eliminated all-day breakfasts.
Cracker Barrel added Impossible Sausage to menus as part of a broader shakeup of its offerings. The chain said this was its “first plant-based protein at a time when consumers are looking for plant-based options that are better for them more than ever.” ”.
Big chains like Dunkin’ and Burger King are adding plant-based meats to their menus because more and more people want to eat them. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback Ad Feedback.
Cracker Barrel’s savory sausage is a staple of their renowned country breakfast menu. The patties pair perfectly with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crispy hash browns, and farm-fresh eggs cooked any style. But with several sausage options to choose from, you may be wondering exactly what brand Cracker Barrel uses to craft these satisfying links and patties.
In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of Cracker Barrel’s breakfast menu and the brand behind their famous sausage. Whether you’re a loyal guest or just learning about this Southern-inspired chain, read on to uncover the details on Cracker Barrel’s sausage selections.
A Brief History of Cracker Barrel’s Breakfast
Since its founding in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel has focused on offering homestyle country cooking at a fair price. Breakfast has always been at the heart of their menu, dishing up hearty portions of eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and more.
Over the years as tastes have changed, Cracker Barrel has introduced new options and flavors to satisfy every appetite Choices like egg white omelets, Greek yogurt parfaits, and sweet potato pancakes now mingle with Southern standbys of biscuits and sausage gravy on the all-day breakfast menu.
But the brand’s signature country sausage has remained a staple through it all The seasoned pork sausage links and patties balance savory spices with subtly sweet notes They’re made to complement any combination of eggs, pancakes, or breakfast meats.
The Family Behind Cracker Barrel’s Sausage
So who crafts the savory sausage that Cracker Barrel has come to be known for? That honor belongs to the Purnell family and their company, Purnell Sausage.
For over 90 years across three generations, the Purnells have handcrafted quality sausage utilizing old family recipes. Their premium sausage is sold under various private labels to major restaurant chains, like Cracker Barrel, as well as large retailers
Headquartered in Simpsonville, South Carolina, Purnell Sausage sources only the freshest cuts of pork shoulder and trims them into sausage using a traditional grind. This ensures the characteristic texture that makes their sausage so crave-worthy.
The Purnells still make their sausage the “whole hog” way, focusing on premium ingredients without unnecessary fillers. They use a thoughtful blend of spices like black pepper, sage, and red pepper to balance the natural sweetness of the pork.
Over the decades, Purnell Sausage has become one of the largest sausage suppliers on the East Coast. They now operate three SQF Level 3 Certified plants and have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 pounds of sausage per day.
This growth and commitment to quality has attracted large clients like Cracker Barrel. By partnering with the Purnell family, Cracker Barrel can reliably source exceptional sausage to menu at over 600 locations nationwide.
The Sausage Selection at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offers an impressive variety of Purnell Sausage products on their breakfast plates, sandwiches, and sides. Here’s a breakdown of the sausage choices available:
Pork Sausage Patties – These 2-ounce pork sausage patties are Cracker Barrel’s flagship sausage product. They’re included in the Country Boy Breakfast or can be added to any order.
Turkey Sausage Patties – For a lighter option, you can substitute Purnell’s turkey sausage patties on any breakfast plate. They have all the savory seasoning without the saturated fat and calories.
Links and Gravy – Indulge in a Southern classic with Purnell pork sausage crumbled into creamy, peppery sausage gravy. It’s served atop scrumptious buttermilk biscuits.
Sides – Build your own sampler with a side of sausage patties or links served with syrup. It’s an easy way to customize your Cracker Barrel breakfast.
Signature Dinners – Cracker Barrel also features the Purnell pork sausage in memorable dishes like Grandpa’s Country Fried Steak, Loaded Hash Brown Casserole, and more.
Limited Time Offers – Seasonal menus spotlight Purnell’s sausage in creative ways, like the Holiday Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Bake.
No matter which you choose, you can count on the premium flavor of Purnell’s sausage shining through. Their thoughtful spice blends and focus on quality ingredients makes all the difference you can taste.
Why Cracker Barrel Chose Purnell Sausage
So why has Cracker Barrel partnered with Purnell Sausage for all these years? There are a few key reasons this relationship continues to thrive:
Commitment to Quality – Like Cracker Barrel, Purnell focuses on quality ingredients and authentic family recipes. This ensures a consistently delicious sausage.
Reliable Production Capabilities – With multiple plants and high daily output, Purnell can easily meet the sausage needs of Cracker Barrel’s 600+ locations.
Regional Connection – Both companies have their roots in the South, sharing heritage and values around Southern cooking.
Flexible Options – Purnell offers diverse pork and turkey sausage products so Cracker Barrel can get creative with menuing.
National Distribution – Thanks to its size and logistics infrastructure, Purnell can distribute to Cracker Barrel restaurants across the country.
Shared Values – Both family-owned companies prioritize creating quality products and preserving traditions.
By choosing the Purnell family and their premium sausage, Cracker Barrel upholds its commitment of serving authentic homestyle flavors made the right way.
Sausage Lovers Rejoice
The next time you visit Cracker Barrel and savor a bite of their savory sausage, you can rest assured knowing it comes from one of the country’s premier sausage providers. Purnell Sausage lovingly crafts each patty and link to enhance Cracker Barrel’s breakfast offerings.
Trying Purnell’s sausage at Cracker Barrel is the easiest way to taste the difference that 90 years of family tradition makes. Their spices and process highlight the subtle flavors of fresh pork to perfection.
So whether you prefer the classic pork patties or zesty turkey links, you now know it’s Purnell that brings Cracker Barrel’s sausage to life. Pull up a chair, pour some sweet tea, and let yourself enjoy authentic Southern flavors at their finest.
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Fear & Greed Index
There may be some fake meat at Cracker Barrel, but the beef it’s making is real.
Cracker Barrel added a plant-based sausage made by Impossible Foods to its breakfast menu earlier this summer. The chain wrote about it on Facebook on Monday. Many of the post’s followers said that Cracker Barrel shouldn’t be offering the meat alternative and were very angry about it.
“I just lost respect for a once great Tennessee company,” one person commented. One person wrote, “Not going to happen! Cracker Barrel used to be so good, we looked forward to eating there, but not anymore.” Another person wrote, “Bad choice.” ” Others expressed skepticism that the product would taste good. Several commenters decried the “woke” addition to the menu.
Not all of the reaction was negative, however, with many people thanking the chain for the option. “I couldn’t even tell the difference. I think it’s great for people who can’t eat meat for whatever reason,” one person wrote.
Cracker Barrel told CNN Business that it is “always exploring opportunities to expand how our guests experience breakfast and provide choices to satisfy every taste bud—whether people want to stick with traditional favorites like bacon and sausage or are hungry for a new, nutritious plant-based option like Impossible Sausage.” ”.
Cracker Barrel said something about the fuss on Instagram on Thursday by posting a picture of the plant-based sausage and pork sausage together. “Where pork-based and plant-based sausage lovers can breakfast all day in harmony,” the caption reads. Roadside rival McDonald’s (MCD) has eliminated all-day breakfasts.
Cracker Barrel added Impossible Sausage to menus as part of a broader shakeup of its offerings. The chain said that this was its “first plant-based protein at a time when more than ever, consumers are seeking plant-based options that are better for them.”
Big chains like Dunkin’ and Burger King are adding plant-based meats to their menus because more and more people want to eat them. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback Ad Feedback.
Let’s talk about Cracker Barrel and sausage….
FAQ
What brand is Cracker Barrel sausage?
Did Cracker Barrel change their sausage?
What plant-based sausage does Cracker Barrel use?
Does Cracker Barrel use turkey sausage?
Does Cracker Barrel have Country Sausage?
Among the foods you should be ordering at Cracker Barrel, the establishment’s breakfast meats are not only tasty but also reliable. Sure enough, Cracker Barrel has been sourcing its country sausage from Purnell’s for over 40 years to date, including both pork and turkey varieties. What sets Purnell’s country sausage apart is in production.
Does Cracker Barrel have a plant-based sausage?
On Monday, the chain posted on Facebook about a plant-based sausage made by Impossible Foods that’ Cracker Barrel had added to breakfast menus earlier this summer. The post sparked strong reactions from its followers, with many complaining that Cracker Barrel should not be offering the meat alternative.
Is Purnell sausage good for Cracker Barrel?
Unlike standard commercialized sausage products that may contain some undesirable extras, Purnell’s whole hog sausage often includes all the premium cuts of the animal including shoulders and tenderloins leaving the consistency perfectly moist. What makes the Purnell sausage business a perfect match for Cracker Barrel?
Does Cracker Barrel have impossible sausage?
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Cracker Barrel recently introduced Impossible sausage, a plant-based protein, to its menu. The announcement sparked a backlash from some customers, which then led to further controversy. I tried the sausage and was impressed by the texture and taste.