Turkey sausage is a tasty healthier alternative to traditional pork breakfast sausage. With less fat and calories than pork sausage, turkey sausage is a smart choice for those looking to improve their diet. But where can you find high-quality delicious turkey sausage? Here are the best places to buy turkey sausage, from grocery stores to online retailers.
Grocery Stores
Your local grocery store is a convenient place to buy turkey sausage Most large supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons stock turkey sausage in the fresh meat department. You’ll find popular national brands like Jennie-O, Jimmy Dean, Johnsonville, and Butterball Some stores also offer their own store brand turkey sausage.
When buying turkey sausage at the grocery store, check the ingredients list and nutrition facts. Look for turkey sausage made from ground turkey meat rather than a processed turkey slurry. The healthier options contain minimal added fat sodium, and preservatives.
Grocery store turkey sausage prices range from $3 to $6 per pound. You can find it in links, patties, and bulk sausage meat. The selections are somewhat limited, but you can usually find basic breakfast turkey sausage. Store coupons and weekly sales help make turkey sausage even more affordable.
Big Box Stores
Big box stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s sell an ample supply of turkey sausage options. They stock all the major brands plus their own private label turkey sausage. You’ll find breakfast sausage links and patties as well as flavored Italian sausage, brats, kielbasa, and more.
The turkey sausage at big box stores is very competitively priced. Walmart’s everyday low prices on turkey sausage start at around $3 per pound. Stock up during sales and you can get turkey sausage for as low as $2 per pound at big box retailers. Buying in bulk helps maximize the savings.
Big box stores also sell pre-cooked frozen turkey sausage that you simply heat and eat. This is perfect for quick meals and camping trips. Be aware that frozen and pre-cooked turkey sausage often contains more sodium than fresh.
Natural Food Stores
Your local natural food market and co-ops like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Fresh Thyme offer premium turkey sausage with wholesome ingredients. Look for brands like Applegate, Aidells, Pederson’s, and uncured turkey sausages from the store’s butcher counter.
Expect to pay $6 to $9 per pound for natural turkey sausage without nitrates, nitrites, hormones, antibiotics, soy, gluten, and artificial preservatives. You’ll also find alternative turkey sausages made from pasture-raised poultry and heritage turkey breeds. Although pricier than basic turkey sausage, the cleaner ingredients and ethical standards may be worth splurging on.
Online Stores
Ordering turkey sausage online provides access to specialty brands and flavors. Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, Butcher Box, and Crowd Cow have a huge selection of turkey sausages. You can try more unique flavors like sun-dried tomato, spinach, asiago, turkey cranberry, and artisan wine infused.
Certain online stores even let you customize your own turkey sausage blend. Choose your own mix-ins like cheddar, hot peppers, mushrooms, and more. Then select your preferred spice level and no-nitrate options. Ordering online provides maximum customization freedom.
Online prices for premium turkey sausage generally range from $6 to $12 per pound. Factor in possible shipping costs unless you meet free shipping minimums. The upside is trying gourmet turkey sausage from small family farms delivered right to your door.
Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
Local butcher shops and meat markets are another excellent place to source high-end turkey sausage. Their turkey sausage is made in-house so you know it’s fresh. Tell the butcher exactly what you want, whether it’s sweet Italian turkey links or spicy chorizo breakfast patties.
Many local butchers use locally-raised turkeys and all-natural spices for their sausage. You’ll pay $6 to $15 per pound for that craftsmanship and premium quality. Visiting a butcher shop takes extra effort but provides an unmatched selection. It’s worth stopping by to check out their housemade turkey sausage options.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a tasty spot to locate artisan turkey sausage. Look for vendors that raise their own turkeys and make sausage from the meat. This type of turkey sausage is about as fresh and local as you can find.
Turkey sausage prices at farmers markets typically range from $8 to $12 per pound. You’re essentially buying direct from the farm. Talk to the vendors about their turkey sourcing and sausage seasoning. Farmers markets are a terrific place to discover new turkey sausage flavors made by small producers.
Tips for Buying Turkey Sausage
- Look for turkey sausage containing no more than 2g saturated fat and 350mg sodium per serving
- Check the ingredients list. Opt for brands with minimal additives and preservatives
- Make sure “turkey” or “turkey meat” is listed as the first ingredient
- For freshness, use turkey sausage within 5 days of purchase or freeze for later
- If buying links, get about 4 oz. of sausage per person for a meal
- For patties, 2 patties per person is a good serving size
- Seasoned ground turkey meat lets you portion and customize the sausage yourself
Benefits of Turkey Sausage
- Less fat and calories than pork breakfast sausage, on average about half the fat
- Provides protein while limiting fat and carbs
- No need to feel guilty indulging in patties, biscuits, and breakfast sandwiches
- Versatile substitute for recipes calling for Italian sausage, chorizo, brats, etc.
- Kids tend to love the taste and don’t mind the turkey
- Pre-cooked sausage lets you quickly prepare weeknight meals
- Added flavors like sun-dried tomato, cheddar, and apple give meals a tasty kick
With so many great places to buy quality turkey sausage, there’s no reason to settle for bland pork sausage links full of mystery meat. The next time you shop for breakfast staples or meal ingredients, consider making the switch to tasty, better-for-you turkey sausage. Your taste buds and health will thank you.
Turkey Sausage : Sausages
When it comes to quick and easy meals, very little compares to some delicious sausages. Just grab a sausage pack from the freezer, pick one of the many recipes that use sausages, and voila! A flavorful, home-cooked meal. And with Target’s wide sausage range, you can find just about any kind you and your taste buds might be looking for. From Bockwurst and Weisswurst to classic Chorizo sausage, Italian sausage or garlic sausage, the collection has it all. Pick from a range of smoked sausages, dry sausages, fresh sausages, hot dog and more for different meals. Bring home flavored sausages like apple, cheddar or smoked to level up your dish. You can also find specific sausages to suit your dietary preferences, like gluten-free, non-GMO, all-natural and sugar-free sausages. Be it beef sausage, pork sausage, boar sausage, Bratwurst or chicken sausage, find the best sausages from popular brands. Browse the range and keep your freezer stocked with the perfect sausages for any day.
Turkey Sausage Vs Pork Sausage: Everything You Need To Know
FAQ
Is turkey sausage actually healthy?
- Turkey sausage has fewer calories, less saturated fat, and less sodium
- Turkey sausage has more protein and a higher percentage of many vitamins than pork sausage
- Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef
Can you get turkey sausage?
JENNIE-O® All Natural* Turkey Sausage makes breakfast a little more nutritious (low fat, 90 calories per serving). Whether you’re forming homemade patties, or crumbling and frying, ground turkey sausage is the versatile, lean, go-to you can never have enough of.
What is the healthiest sausage you can eat?
- Look for lean meat: Choose sausages made with a high percentage of lean meat like chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb.
- Avoid excess fat: Limit sausages with high amounts of calories, fat, and additives.
- Check the ingredients: Look for sausages with a short list of recognizable, minimally processed ingredients.
- Choose plain: Plain sausages are usually healthier than flavored sausages.
- Make your own: Making your own sausages allows you to control the ingredients and avoid additives and high-fat meat.
What is turkey sausage called?
Sucuk: Turkish Sausage. Sucuk is a popular Turkish sausage. It is typically quite dry and spicy. Since Turkey is a culturally Muslim country, sucuk is made from beef.