“Are chicken sausages healthy or not?”
It’s a question you might ponder as you stare eagerly into a pan of sizzling sausages. It’s a fair question—and one we spent a long time thinking about ourselves here at The Sausage Project. When we began our journey to your fridge, our goal wasn’t just to make another chicken sausage. We wanted to make one that was healthier, juicier, and packed with real flavor. For us, the health part was never an afterthought. It was part of the mission from the start.
Not to brag, but... we kind of nailed it.
At The Sausage Project, quality and health go hand in hand, which means all three of our flagship chicken sausages—Classic Roasted Chicken, Melty Cheddar, and Italian Herb—are nitrate-free, gluten-free, and lower in fat than leading chicken sausage brands. Made with real chunks of white meat and all-natural ingredients right down to the casing, our sausages are built to deliver big flavor without cutting corners.
"People shouldn't have to choose between good for you and actually tasting good," Chef Kirk Gilbert, the culinary mind behind The Sausage Project, says.
We’ve all tried “healthy” sausages that felt like a compromise, and we’ve all had chicken sausages that tasted good only because of extra fat, fillers, or preservatives. For Chef Gilbert, satisfyingly flavor-studded sausage you can feel good about eating comes from quality meat, smart seasoning, and traditional techniques—not from taking shortcuts.
So just how healthy is our chicken sausage? Let’s break it down.
The Sausage Project Chicken Sausages Have Less Fat Than the Competition
The Sausage Project’s chicken sausage has 35% less fat than leading chicken sausage brands. With less fat, you get fewer calories per serving, which can help you manage your overall calorie intake. Choosing lower-fat proteins can also help support heart-health, especially if the rest of your diet limits saturated fat and cholesterol.
We Never Add Nitrates to Our Sausages
Many processed meats contain nitrates to extend shelf life. Research links frequent consumption of processed meats to higher cancer risk (though that risk does come from multiple factors, not just nitrates). But choosing nitrate-free products like The Sausage Project’s chicken sausage will reduce your exposure to these preservatives.
We Only Use Natural Casings
Natural casings come from sheep or, in our case, pork. They contain amino acids and trace minerals your body can use. Synthetic casings, meanwhile, are often made from cellulose and are essentially just fiber that passes through your digestive system. Natural casings also undergo less processing than synthetic casings, resulting in fewer chemical treatments and additives. Plus, when you bite into a cooked sausage, they’re the source of that satisfying snap.
All Varieties Are Gluten-Free
The Sausage Project’s chicken sausage is gluten-free, so it’s safe for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, and anyone avoiding gluten for whatever health reason or personal preference.
Each Link Delivers 12 Grams of Complete Protein
Protein helps you feel full and supports muscle maintenance, and according to FDA labeling guidelines, anything with 10 grams or more of protein per serving is an excellent protein source. The Sausage Project's chicken sausages have 12 grams of protein per link and are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs but can't produce on its own. So basically our links are a straightforward way to hit your protein goals without relying on bars, powders, or Parmesan.
What Makes Chicken Sausage a Healthier Option Than Pork?
Pork may be delicious, but it does come with baggage. Compared to chicken, pork has higher levels of saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease and elevated cholesterol.
Nutritional Benefits of The Sausage Project Chicken Sausages
Chicken sausage is rich in B vitamins, iron, and zinc, nutrients that support brain health, energy production, and immune function.
The Sausage Project’s Commitment to Health
When we set out to make a better-for-you chicken sausage, the goal wasn’t just to create a healthier alternative to traditional pork links. We wanted something leaner than typical chicken sausage, made with clean ingredients, real meat, and the kind of seasoning that makes you actually want to cook it again tomorrow.
Just as importantly, we wanted every bite to deliver the satisfying snap and juicy, bold flavor you expect from great sausage—without fillers, mystery meats, or excess fat.
As Chef Kirk says, "Sausage is comfort food. It's meant to be shared, grilled, and cooked for family. It's about joy, not guilt, so making it healthier mattered because we wanted people to enjoy it more often without feeling like they were cutting corners on quality or indulgence."
Another benefit of The Sausage Project’s links? They’re delicious. It’s feel-good food that doesn’t make you feel bad later. Enjoy every bite!