Gone are the days where we have to worry about eating tasty meats and not losing weight. Thankfully, getting your body into ketosis means you get to eat delicious meats full of flavor and reap the benefits of high fat, protein-filled diet.
You just have to make sure that you are eating the right kinds of sausage to ensure that you are maintaining that healthy diet you are aiming for.
To accomplish your healthy diet maintenance, you definitely want to be wary of the nutrition labels of the sausages you are purchasing.
This is why I have compiled a list of the best store-bought sausage brands, as well as the sausage criteria to look for so that you can eat delicious sausage without any of the guilt or worry! Talk about the best of both worlds.
Can I Eat Sausages On A Keto Diet?
Absolutely you can! You just have to make sure it’s low in carbs.
Where would these carbs even come from you might ask? Well, while sausages are primarily made out of meat, they also include eggs and spices and other goodies that make it so yummy. Sometimes, the binding ingredients can include breadcrumbs which can be what makes them so delicious and keeps them together.
So, while sausages can be included in a huge variety of dishes, or are amazing to have on their own, you have to keep an eye out that these delectable added ingredients don’t knock you right out of ketosis.
6 Factors To Consider When Buying Sausages For Keto
There are a few criteria to consider when buying your Keto diet sausage. Keeping in mind the previously mentioned warning about making sure it is low carb, here are additional things to take note of when glancing over that nutrition label:
- Net Carb Content – Ensure it has less than 1g of net carb per serving – As I mentioned and as you know, low-carb is a Keto-lover’s best friend.
- Sugar Content – Make sure the sausage has either low or no sugar content – You don’t want to combat those delicious natural spices with artificial and evil sugar!
- Gluten-Free – Look for sausage that is gluten-free – the gluten-free sausage tends to naturally be lower in carbs. It also proves to be healthier and lower in calories as well.
- No MSG – Not unless you want to experience inflammation and therefore, slower weight loss. No, thank you!
- Organic or Grass-Fed Meat – You want as natural as possible for your body since you have already made the decision to care for it with the Keto diet. Go all the way and make sure your body is getting the absolute best meat.
- Price – Because you are trying to lose weight, not money.
How would you feel if I told you I did your research for you?
You are so welcome. I have found the absolute best Keto sausage out there for you, so you don’t have to even use the information that I so nicely laid out for you.
But now, you’re informed! And you can even take my word for it that this sausage is the absolute best.
The Best Sausage Brand For Keto
#1 Old Wisconsin Beef Summer Sausage
This sausage does not contain any carbs or sugar so it is perfect for keto diet. Moreover, it does not contain gluten, MSG, or extenders.
It is available on Amazon Prime and it only costs less than $5 for 8oz. Just think about all of the amazing affordable meals you can make!
Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about that kind of greasy taste that sausage can have some times. Old Wisconsin has mastered the perfect balance of spices and meat creating the perfect level of tastiness while also keeping you in ketosis!
- No carbs
- No sugar
- No gluten
- No MSG
- No fillers or extenders
» Check the price of Old Wisconsin Summer Sausage here
Serving size: 2 ounces
Calories: 200 Total fat: 18g Net carbs: 0g Protein: 9g
Other Brands Worth Considering
#2 Aurelia’s Spanish Chorizo
That’s right, you can have a choice for your sausage. Aurelia’s Spanish Chorizo, also available on Amazon Prime for your convenience, is not only Keto-friendly, but it is also Whole 30 and Paleo-friendly as well.
Unlike our top pick, it contains a little carb content (2g per serving), but it still has no sugar and it also does not contain gluten and MSG. So it’s still a good option for someone craving for sausages on keto.
If your whole family is doing different diets, this sausage is sure to appease each palate and nutritional goal at the table! Described as the perfect combination of smoky and spicy, this sausage doesn’t even require refrigeration or cooking. Easy-peasy!
- 2g of net carb per serving
- No sugar
- No gluten
- No MSG
- All-natural
» Check the price of Aurelia’s Spanish Chorizo here
Serving size: 2 ounces
Calories: 240 Total fat: 20g Net carbs: 2g Protein: 14g
#3 Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage
Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage is also a viable option for your Ketogenic sausage. This sausage is made of 100% North American beef and is sold in a vacuum-sealed package to ensure freshness by the time it reaches your door (which again, thanks to prime, is only a couple days).
Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage also meets the Keto criteria! It is gluten-free and has less than 1g carb per serving. It also has less than 1g of sugar.
- Less than 1g of net carb per serving
- Less than 1g of sugar per serving
- Gluten-free
» Check the price of Hickory Farms Beef Summer Sausage here
Serving size: 2 ounces
Calories: 180 Total fat: 15g Net carbs: < 1g Protein: 10g
#4 Armour Vienna Sausage
For a truly price-friendly option, there is Armour Vienna Sausage. This brand of gourmet sausage is available on Amazon for the extremely low price of $2.86. Throw them in an egg omelet for extra taste and a super hearty Keto breakfast.
- 1g of carb per serving
- Less than 1g of sugar per serving
- Low-priced option
» Check the price of Armour Vienna Sausage here
Serving size: 2 ounces
Calories: 117 Total fat: 9g Net carbs: 1g Protein: 6g
#5 Winconsin’s Best – Pit-Smoked Summer Sausage
If you haven’t tried it yet, Wisconsin’s Best Pit Smoked Summer Sausage is amazing too. It also only has 1g carbs and no sugar.
You won’t believe that after giving it a taste though! Customers rave about Wisconsin’s Best Pit Smoked Summer Sausage as having great texture and excellent flavor. Delicious on its own or in various recipes such as soups.
- 1g of net carb per serving
- No sugar
- Naturally smoked
» Check the price of Winconsin’s Best Summer Sausage here
Serving size: 2 ounces
Calories: 66 Total fat: 5g Net carbs: < 1g Protein: 3g
Keto-Friendly Sausage Frequently Asked Questions
So now that you are totally sold on adding sausage to many of your keto-friendly dishes, you probably have some questions about how to best incorporate it.
You are also probably wondering normal health concerns such as how good is it long for? How long will it last after cooking? And what signs will show if the sausage you just purchased is bad? Well thankfully, I have answers for you!
If stored in the fridge, sausage is typically good for 1-2 days after the sell-by date. However, if you pop them in the freezer, they will last up to 2 months. That means you can load up on sausage, freeze it, and have it whenever you need it for a last-minute delicious meal. This will come in handy especially when you’re in a pinch but want to keep up that Keto progress.
You have about half a week after cooking your sausage before it will start to go bad in your fridge. However, again, if you pop them in the freezer they will last about 1 to 2 months. This also goes for if you have them in the freezer but then switch to the fridge, they will last half a week as well. Basically, you can make this sausage last you a long time as long as you properly store it!
Gravy, rolls, puffs, casseroles, soups, you name it! Sausages are so full of flavor and provide that meaty taste that you can virtually cook them into anything that you would have before you made the amazing choice to hop on the Keto bandwagon.
It would be extremely counterproductive to your health goals and lifestyle to eat sausage that caused you to be sick. Despite the wonderful packaging that sausage typically comes in, it is best to know the signs if the sausage is actually bad. The easiest way to tell if a sausage has gone bad is by the smell. If the sausage smells sour, it has most likely gone bad.
You can also tell if a sausage has gone bad if it exhibits a dull color or feels slimy. If you are questioning whether or not the sausage you purchased is bad, then it probably is. You definitely don’t want to risk eating slimy dull sausage for that matter.
Conclusion
Now you are well equipped with all sausage related information for your Keto diet. I’m sure you are already dreaming of ways to incorporate this into your healthy lifestyle! Congratulations on making the decision to put your health first and beginning or continuing your journey on the Keto diet.
Whether or not you are well on your way or just starting out, I hope you can spice up your diet with some delicious and smoky sausage. A diet doesn’t have to be boring, least of all the Keto diet.
Enjoy your variety of sausages in soups, casseroles, skillets or bakes. Your body will thank you, and so will your taste buds!
Pinnable
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