Our savory turkey sausage links are packed with the same bold flavors as our original varieties. Plus, they have 10g of protein and 75% less fat than fully cooked pork sausage per serving. There are no binders, fillers, or preservatives in these Certified Gluten-Free turkey sausage links, so they are a good choice for any meal of the day. And since we believe you deserve the best, we never use mechanically separated turkey meat. These turkey sausage links are fully cooked, just like all of our Golden Brown® products. You can find them in the freezer section.
Sausage is a breakfast staple for many, whether crumbled up in a skillet or sandwiched between an English muffin. And with its leaner nutritional profile, turkey sausage has become a popular alternative to its fattier pork cousin But does “turkey” sausage really contain just turkey? Some consumers suspect these links harbor hidden pork. Let’s get to the bottom of this mystery meat.
Why Would Turkey Sausage Contain Pork?
There are a couple reasons pork could sneak its way into turkey sausage:
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Casings – Traditional sausage casings were made from animal intestines, usually pork. Many turkey sausages today still use pork casings for authenticity.
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Fillers – Some low-quality turkey sausages mix in pork as a cheap filler to pad out the more expensive turkey.
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Flavor – Pork fat provides rich flavor. Manufacturers may add some pork fat to boost the taste of lean turkey meat.
So while turkey sausage is mostly turkey, traces of pork via casings or fats are possible in some brands.
How To Check If Turkey Sausage Contains Pork
The best way to verify if a turkey sausage contains pork is to read the ingredient label.
Look for:
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Pork casings – This indicates pork intestine casings were used.
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Pork fat – Added for flavor and moisture.
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Pork meat – The lowest quality sausages use pork as filler.
If none of these appear, you can be confident your turkey sausage is 100% turkey meat.
Why Some Sausage Brands Are Pork-Free
Ingredients have evolved with changing consumer preferences. Here’s why many turkey sausages today are pork-free:
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Collagen casings – Modern collagen casings derived from beef or pigs’ skin provide a pork-free alternative.
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Poultry fat – Fat from turkey skin or other birds imparts moisture and flavor instead of pork fat.
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Meat-free diets – Vegetarian, kosher, and halal consumers have driven demand for pork-free options.
So while traditional turkey sausage often contained traces of pork, many modern versions cater to diverse dietary needs by using only turkey and seasonings.
Popular Brands of Turkey Sausage That Are Pork-Free
Here are some top-selling turkey sausage brands that contain no hidden pork:
- Jennie-O All Natural Turkey Sausage
- Applegate Naturals Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Whole Foods 365 Organic Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Trader Joe’s Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Jimmy Dean Premium Pork-Free Turkey Sausage
As long as you verify the ingredient list, it’s easy to find quality turkey sausages with no pork added.
Watch Out for Potentially Misleading Label Claims
Some turkey sausages tout claims like “pork-free” on the label. But don’t take these at face value. Always verify by checking for pork casings, fat, or meat in the ingredients.
Terms like “pork-free” could simply mean:
- No added pork meat (may still contain pork casings and fat)
- Pork was processed on separate equipment (cross-contact is still possible)
So look beyond the front label when evaluating pork-free claims. The ingredient list has the full story.
How To Make Your Own Pork-Free Turkey Sausage
If you’re still concerned about pork in commercial turkey sausages, making your own is a foolproof option.
Simply mix ground turkey with your favorite spices like:
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For pork-free casings, stuff the mixture into either collagen or cellulose casings, available at many grocers. Then cook the links as you would traditional sausage.
Homemade turkey sausage means total control over ingredients.
The Bottom Line: Selecting Pork-Free Turkey Sausages
While turkeys and pigs don’t typically mingle, many turkey sausages did historically contain traces of pork. But thanks to new casing options and greater ingredient transparency, it’s possible to enjoy pork-free turkey sausage from natural grocers or made at home.
Just remember to double check labels and ingredients for casings, fat, and meat if avoiding pork. With this extra diligence, you can savor turkey sausage without the hidden hog.
Try it in these recipes
Farmers Market Hash with Baked Eggs
If you like to stock up on veggies, then this is the hash recipe for you.
Inspired by savory Cuban empanadas, these tasty treats are given a breakfast twist.
Turkey Sausage Vs Pork Sausage: Everything You Need To Know
FAQ
Does turkey sausage use pork casing?
What is in turkey sausage made of?
Does Turkish sausage have pork?
What’s the difference between pork & turkey sausage?
A recurring theme regarding pork and turkey sausage involves the fat. Pork cuts contain a great amount of fat, while turkey doesn’t contain much at all in the meat but has a greater amount of fat in the skin.
Can eating pork sausage cause gout?
Yes. Pork, like other sausages, is rich in purines, which when broken down by the body are transformed into uric acid, which can accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain, which is gout.
What is turkey sausage?
Turkey sausage is literally just sausage made with turkey meat. It’s a leaner type of sausage that became popular in the 1980s when eating low-fat foods was all the rage.
Is Turkey a good sausage?
Turkey doesn’t have that advantage. While many sausages are made with thigh meat, the thigh meat is only slightly fattier than turkey breast meat, which is very lean. Turkey sausage can taste great, but the meat doesn’t have the same inherent advantages as pork for sausage making. Most of what you eat is processed at least a little.